Product classification
HS code for Tartaric acid: 2918.12
Acids, carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), tartaric acid.
Classification of tartaric acid under HS 2918.12
Tartaric acid is classified under HS code 2918.12. This code is part of Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals. Specifically, heading 2918 includes carboxylic acids with additional oxygen functions and their derivatives. Tartaric acid (chemically known as 2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid) is a white, crystalline organic acid. It is classified here because it is a carboxylic acid that contains an alcohol function (hydroxyl groups) but does not contain other oxygen functions like aldehydes or ketones. Naturally occurring in many plants, particularly grapes, tartaric acid is a vital chemical in the food industry as an acidulant and in the pharmaceutical industry as an excipient. The classification 2918.12 is specific to the acid itself in its pure form, regardless of its optical isomerism (L-tartaric, D-tartaric, or meso-tartaric acid). Accurate classification is necessary to distinguish this organic acid from other similar hydroxy-acids used in industrial chemistry.
- Covers
- L(+)-Tartaric acid (natural form)
- D(-)-Tartaric acid
- DL-Tartaric acid (racemic acid)
- Meso-tartaric acid
- Anhydrous tartaric acid crystals
- Also under 2918.12
- Merck Tartaric Acid
- Brenntag Tartaric Acid
- American Tartaric Products
- Tarac Technologies Tartaric Acid
- Vinayak Ingredients Tartaric Acid
Codes often confused with 2918.12
Common mistake. Tartaric acid is most commonly confused with its salts and esters, which are classified under HS code 2918.13. For example, cream of tartar is a salt and does not belong in 2918.12. It may also be confused with other carboxylic acids like citric acid (2918.14) or lactic acid (2918.11). Because these acids often share similar physical appearances and applications in the food industry, chemical analysis or technical data sheets are required to confirm the correct HS code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291812 (the code used for tartaric acid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291812 (the code used for tartaric acid) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 291812, not only tartaric acid.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $90M 38% of world exports
- 2 Italy $88M 38% of world exports
- 3 Spain $19M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $235M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $42M 17% of world imports
- 2 India $20M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 Spain $19M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $251M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for tartaric acid
Brazil classifies tartaric acid under NCM 2918.12.00: HS 2918.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about tartaric acid
What is the HS code for Tartaric acid?
The HS code for Tartaric acid is 291812 (Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), tartaric acid). The HS code for tartaric acid is 2918.12, which covers carboxylic acids with alcohol function but without other oxygen function.
How do I classify Tartaric acid for customs?
Tartaric acid is classified under HS code 291812 — Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), tartaric acid. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is this the same code for cream of tartar?
No, cream of tartar is potassium bitartrate, which is a salt of tartaric acid and is classified under HS code 2918.13.
Which countries are the top exporters of tartaric acid (HS 291812)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291812 (the code used for tartaric acid) in UN Comtrade data were China ($90M, 38% of world exports), Italy ($88M) and Spain ($19M). World exports came to about $235M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of tartaric acid (HS 291812)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291812 (the code used for tartaric acid) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($42M, 17% of world imports), India ($20M) and Spain ($19M). World imports came to about $251M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Tartaric acid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291812 for Tartaric acid is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for tartaric acid in Brazil?
In Brazil, tartaric acid (HS 291812) is classified under NCM 2918.12.00.