Product classification

HS code for Trichloroacetic acid: 2915.40

Acids, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, mono-, di- or trichloroacetic acids, their salts and esters.

Classification of trichloroacetic acid under HS 2915.40

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is classified under HS code 2915.40. This code is located within Chapter 29, which encompasses organic chemicals. Heading 2915 covers saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides, and peroxyacids, as well as their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. Subheading 2915.40 specifically names mono-, di-, or trichloroacetic acids, their salts, and their esters. Trichloroacetic acid is an analogue of acetic acid in which the three hydrogen atoms of the methyl group have all been replaced by chlorine atoms. It is a strong acid and a common laboratory reagent. The classification is determined by the chemical structure of the molecule. Because TCA is explicitly mentioned in the subheading text, the classification follows GIR 1, which states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes.

Covers
  • Pure trichloroacetic acid (TCA) crystals
  • Sodium trichloroacetate (used as a herbicide)
  • Ethyl trichloroacetate (ester derivative)
  • Trichloroacetic acid in aqueous solution
  • Methyl trichloroacetate
Also under 2915.40
  • AkzoNobel MCA
  • Dow Chemical MCA
  • CABB Group MCA
  • Merck Trichloroacetic Acid

Codes often confused with 2915.40

Common mistake. TCA is sometimes misclassified under 2915.21, which is the code for acetic acid, but the halogenation (addition of chlorine) requires it to move to 2915.40. It may also be confused with 2915.39 (other esters of acetic acid) if the user does not realize that chlorinated derivatives have their own specific subheading. Additionally, if TCA is prepared as a finished medicament or a retail-packed pesticide, it might be classified under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceuticals) or Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous chemical products) respectively, rather than as a pure chemical in Chapter 29.

2915.21Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; acetic acid2915.39Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; esters of acetic acid n.e.c. in item no. 2915.3

Top exporters and importers of HS 291540 (the code used for trichloroacetic acid), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291540 (the code used for trichloroacetic acid) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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 291540, not only trichloroacetic acid.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $107M
  2. 2 Netherlands $67M
  3. 3 Poland $36M

World total: $272M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $71M
  2. 2 Switzerland $20M
  3. 3 France $18M

World total: $270M 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 trichloroacetic acid

Brazil splits HS 2915.40 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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

EU Regulatory Requirements

This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.

Questions about trichloroacetic acid

What is the HS code for Trichloroacetic acid?

The HS code for Trichloroacetic acid is 291540 (Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; mono-, di- or trichloroacetic acids, their salts and esters). The HS code for Trichloroacetic acid, including its salts and esters, is 2915.40.

How do I classify Trichloroacetic acid for customs?

Trichloroacetic acid is classified under HS code 291540 — Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; mono-, di- or trichloroacetic acids, their salts and esters. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is TCA used in chemical peels classified here?

If it is pure TCA or a simple solution in water, it stays in 2915.40. However, if it is a complex cosmetic preparation, it may fall under heading 3304.

Which countries are the top exporters of trichloroacetic acid (HS 291540)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291540 (the code used for trichloroacetic acid) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($107M, 39% of world exports), the Netherlands ($67M) and Poland ($36M). World exports came to about $272M, 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 trichloroacetic acid (HS 291540)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291540 (the code used for trichloroacetic acid) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($71M, 26% of world imports), Switzerland ($20M) and France ($18M). World imports came to about $270M, 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 Trichloroacetic acid the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291540 for Trichloroacetic 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 trichloroacetic acid in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 291540 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for trichloroacetic acid depends on the product's details: 2915.40.10 (Monochloroacetic acid), 2915.40.20 (Sodium monochloroacetate), 2915.40.90 (Other chloroacetic acids, salts and esters).