Product classification
HS code for Tocopherol: 2936.28
Vitamins, vitamin E and its derivatives, unmixed.
Classification of tocopherol under HS 2936.28
Tocopherol, commonly known as Vitamin E, is classified under HS code 2936.28. This code falls within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals. Specifically, heading 2936 is dedicated to provitamins and vitamins, natural or reproduced by synthesis, and their derivatives used primarily as vitamins. Tocopherol and its derivatives, such as tocopheryl acetate or tocopheryl succinate, are included here provided they are unmixed. The classification requires the product to be a separate chemically defined compound or a mixture of isomers of the same compound. If the tocopherol is mixed with other vitamins or minerals, or put up in measured doses for therapeutic use, the classification would shift to Chapter 30. This code is critical for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries to ensure that pure chemical vitamins are distinguished from prepared supplements or food additives.
- Covers
- Alpha-tocopherol (pure)
- Tocopheryl acetate
- Tocopheryl succinate
- Mixed tocopherols (unmixed with other substances)
- Synthetic Vitamin E
- Also under 2936.28
- DSM
- BASF
- ADM
- Cargill
- Lonza
- Zhejiang Medicine Co.
- Ltd.
Codes often confused with 2936.28
Common mistake. Tocopherol is frequently misclassified under 3004.50, which covers medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic uses, put up in measured doses. If the Vitamin E is in a capsule for retail sale, it belongs in 3004. Another error is 1515, where natural oils containing tocopherol are placed; 2936.28 is only for the isolated chemical.
Top exporters and importers of HS 293628 (the code used for tocopherol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293628 (the code used for tocopherol) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 64% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 293628, not only tocopherol.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.5B 64% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $333M 15% of world exports
- 3 United States $121M 5.3% of world exports
World total: $2.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $425M 15% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $326M 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $310M 11% of world imports
World total: $2.9B 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 tocopherol
Brazil splits HS 2936.28 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2936.28.11D- or DL-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E)
- 2936.28.12D- or DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate
- 2936.28.19Other alpha-tocopherol derivatives
- 2936.28.90Other vitamin E and its derivatives
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about tocopherol
What is the HS code for Tocopherol?
The HS code for Tocopherol is 293628 (Vitamins; vitamin E and its derivatives, unmixed). The HS code for pure tocopherol and its derivatives (Vitamin E) is 2936.28.
How do I classify Tocopherol for customs?
Tocopherol is classified under HS code 293628 — Vitamins; vitamin E and its derivatives, unmixed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is tocopheryl acetate classified here?
Yes, tocopheryl acetate is considered a derivative of Vitamin E and is classified under 2936.28.
Which countries are the top exporters of tocopherol (HS 293628)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293628 (the code used for tocopherol) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.5B, 64% of world exports), the Netherlands ($333M) and the United States ($121M). World exports came to about $2.3B, 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 tocopherol (HS 293628)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 293628 (the code used for tocopherol) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($425M, 15% of world imports), the Netherlands ($326M) and Germany ($310M). World imports came to about $2.9B, 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 Tocopherol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 293628 for Tocopherol 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 tocopherol in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 293628 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for tocopherol depends on the product's details: 2936.28.11 (D- or DL-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E)), 2936.28.12 (D- or DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate), 2936.28.19 (Other alpha-tocopherol derivatives), 2936.28.90 (Other vitamin E and its derivatives).