Product classification

HS code for Terephthalic acid: 2917.36

Acids, aromatic polycarboxylic acids, terephthalic acid and its salts.

Classification of terephthalic acid under HS 2917.36

Terephthalic acid is classified under HS code 2917.36. This code is situated within Chapter 29, which encompasses organic chemicals. Heading 2917 is designated for polycarboxylic acids, their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, and peroxyacids, as well as their derivatives. Subheading 2917.36 specifically identifies terephthalic acid and its salts. This chemical is a vital precursor in the petrochemical industry, primarily used in the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins and polyester fibers. The classification is based on the chemical's molecular structure as an aromatic dicarboxylic acid. For customs purposes, the purity of the acid (such as Purified Terephthalic Acid or PTA) generally does not move it out of this code, as long as it retains its identity as terephthalic acid. The salts of terephthalic acid, such as sodium or potassium terephthalate, are also included here under the same subheading. Proper classification requires chemical analysis to ensure the product is not a derivative that has been further modified into a different chemical compound.

Covers
  • Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA)
  • Technical grade terephthalic acid
  • Dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) salts
  • Sodium terephthalate
  • Potassium terephthalate
Also under 2917.36
  • Indorama Ventures PTA
  • Reliance Industries PTA
  • BP Amoco PTA
  • Sinopec PTA
  • Eastman TPA

Codes often confused with 2917.36

Common mistake. Terephthalic acid is often confused with other aromatic polycarboxylic acids found in 2917.39. Specifically, it must be distinguished from Isophthalic acid or Phthalic acid. While they are isomers, the HS nomenclature provides a specific subheading for the 'para' isomer (terephthalic acid). Another common error is misclassifying it under 2917.35, which is reserved for Phthalic anhydride. Because these chemicals are often used in the same industrial processes for plastics and resins, documentation must clearly state the chemical structure to avoid 2917.39 residual classification.

2917.39Acids; aromatic polycarboxylic acids; n.e.c. in item no. 2917.32917.35Acids; aromatic polycarboxylic acids; phthalic anhydride

Top exporters and importers of HS 291736 (the code used for terephthalic acid), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291736 (the code used for terephthalic acid) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 23% 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 291736, not only terephthalic acid.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $2.3B
  2. 2 South Korea $1.3B
  3. 3 Thailand $669M

World total: $5.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 India $1.4B
  2. 2 Türkiye $1.1B
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$439M

World total: $6.2B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 terephthalic acid

Brazil classifies terephthalic acid under NCM 2917.36.00: HS 2917.36 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about terephthalic acid

What is the HS code for Terephthalic acid?

The HS code for Terephthalic acid is 291736 (Acids; aromatic polycarboxylic acids; terephthalic acid and its salts). The international HS code for terephthalic acid and its salts is 2917.36.

How do I classify Terephthalic acid for customs?

Terephthalic acid is classified under HS code 291736 — Acids; aromatic polycarboxylic acids; terephthalic acid and its salts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) classified differently?

No, PTA is the high-purity form of terephthalic acid and is classified under the same HS code, 2917.36, as it remains chemically defined as terephthalic acid.

Which countries are the top exporters of terephthalic acid (HS 291736)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291736 (the code used for terephthalic acid) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.3B, 40% of world exports), South Korea ($1.3B) and Thailand ($669M). World exports came to about $5.8B, 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 terephthalic acid (HS 291736)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291736 (the code used for terephthalic acid) in UN Comtrade data were India ($1.4B, 23% of world imports), Türkiye ($1.1B) and Vietnam (about $439M). World imports came to about $6.2B, 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 Terephthalic acid the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291736 for Terephthalic 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 terephthalic acid in Brazil?

In Brazil, terephthalic acid (HS 291736) is classified under NCM 2917.36.00.