Product classification
HS code for Tartaric acid salts: 2918.13
Acids, carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function), salts and esters of tartaric acid.
Classification of tartaric acid salts under HS 2918.13
Salts and esters of tartaric acid are classified under HS code 2918.13. This classification falls within Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals), specifically under the heading for carboxylic acids with alcohol functions. While the pure tartaric acid is classified in 2918.12, its derivatives—formed by replacing the acidic hydrogen with a metal ion (to form a salt) or an organic radical (to form an ester)—are grouped together in this subheading. These compounds are chemically distinct from the parent acid and have diverse applications. For instance, potassium bitartrate (cream of tartar) is a common leavening agent, while Rochelle salt (potassium sodium tartrate) is used in silvering mirrors and as a laxative. Esters like diethyl tartrate are used in organic synthesis and as chiral building blocks. The classification under 2918.13 ensures that these derivatives are tracked separately from the base acid for regulatory and trade purposes.
- Covers
- Potassium bitartrate (Cream of Tartar)
- Potassium sodium tartrate (Rochelle salt)
- Antimony potassium tartrate (Tartar emetic)
- Diethyl tartrate
- Dimethyl tartrate
- Calcium tartrate
- Also under 2918.13
- Jungbunzlauer Cream of Tartar
- Danisco DATEM
- Corbion DATEM
- Merck Rochelle Salt
- American Tartaric Products Potassium Bitartrate
Codes often confused with 2918.13
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with tartaric acid itself, which belongs under HS code 2918.12. Importers often fail to distinguish between the free acid and its salt forms. Additionally, these salts may be confused with other organic acid salts, such as citrates (2918.15) or lactates (2918.11). It is also important not to confuse these with inorganic salts found in Chapter 28, as these are specifically organic derivatives of the carboxylic acid group.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291813 (the code used for tartaric acid salts), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291813 (the code used for tartaric acid salts) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 291813, not only tartaric acid salts.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $36M 26% of world exports
- 2 Spain $31M 22% of world exports
- 3 China $14M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $139M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $13M 12% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $11M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 Germany $9.5M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $109M 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 codes for tartaric acid salts
Brazil splits HS 2918.13 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2918.13.10Salts of tartaric acid
- 2918.13.20Esters of tartaric acid
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about tartaric acid salts
What is the HS code for Tartaric acid salts?
The HS code for Tartaric acid salts is 291813 (Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function); salts and esters of tartaric acid).
How do I classify Tartaric acid salts for customs?
Tartaric acid salts is classified under HS code 291813 — Acids; carboxylic acids, (with alcohol function but without other oxygen function); salts and esters of tartaric acid. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar, or potassium bitartrate, is a salt of tartaric acid and is classified under HS code 2918.13.
What is the HS code for Rochelle salt?
Rochelle salt (potassium sodium tartrate) is classified under HS code 2918.13 as a salt of tartaric acid.
Which countries are the top exporters of tartaric acid salts (HS 291813)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291813 (the code used for tartaric acid salts) in UN Comtrade data were India ($36M, 26% of world exports), Spain ($31M) and China ($14M). World exports came to about $139M, 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 salts (HS 291813)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291813 (the code used for tartaric acid salts) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($13M, 12% of world imports), South Korea ($11M) and Germany ($9.5M). World imports came to about $109M, 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 salts the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291813 for Tartaric acid salts 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 salts in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 291813 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for tartaric acid salts depends on the product's details: 2918.13.10 (Salts of tartaric acid), 2918.13.20 (Esters of tartaric acid).