Product classification
HS code for Triethyl phosphite: 2920.24
Esters, phosphite esters and their salts, their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, triethyl phosphite.
Classification of triethyl phosphite under HS 2920.24
Triethyl phosphite is classified under HS code 2920.24. This code is situated within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals, and Heading 2920, which is dedicated to esters of other inorganic acids of non-metals (excluding esters of hydrogen halides) and their salts. Triethyl phosphite is an ester of phosphorous acid. The Harmonized System was updated in recent years to provide more granular subheadings for specific phosphite esters to improve the tracking of dual-use chemicals. Under Heading 2920, the subheadings are organized by specific chemical names. Subheading 2920.24 is the specific international designation for triethyl phosphite. This classification is critical for international trade because triethyl phosphite is a key intermediate in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals, flame retardants, and pesticides. Furthermore, like many other organophosphorus compounds, it is monitored under international security frameworks. Accurate classification under 2920.24 ensures that the product is not delayed during customs clearance and that all regulatory reporting requirements for phosphorus-based esters are met.
- Covers
- Triethyl phosphite (TEP) technical grade
- Triethyl phosphite for pharmaceutical synthesis
- High-purity phosphite esters
- Triethyl phosphite used as a catalyst intermediate
- Also under 2920.24
- Lanxess (specialty chemicals)
- Arkema (chemical intermediates)
- Jiangsu Yangnong Chemical Group (agrochemical intermediates)
Codes often confused with 2920.24
Common mistake. Triethyl phosphite is frequently confused with Trimethyl phosphite, which is classified under HS code 2920.23. While they are chemically similar, the alkyl group (ethyl vs. methyl) changes the classification at the six-digit level. It is also sometimes misclassified under 2931.39, which covers other organo-phosphorus derivatives. However, because it is an ester of an inorganic acid, Heading 2920 is the legally correct position according to the HS nomenclature.
Top exporters and importers of HS 292024 (the code used for triethyl phosphite), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 292024 (the code used for triethyl phosphite) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 50% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 22% 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 292024, not only triethyl phosphite.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $1.2M 50% of world exports
- 2 China $768K 32% of world exports
- 3 France $288K 12% of world exports
World total: $2.4M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $621K 22% of world imports
- 2 United States $543K 19% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$458K 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $2.8M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 triethyl phosphite
Brazil classifies triethyl phosphite under NCM 2920.24.00: HS 2920.24 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about triethyl phosphite
What is the HS code for Triethyl phosphite?
The HS code for Triethyl phosphite is 292024 (Esters; phosphite esters and their salts; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, triethyl phosphite). The correct HS code for Triethyl phosphite is 2920.24, which is specific to this phosphite ester.
How do I classify Triethyl phosphite for customs?
Triethyl phosphite is classified under HS code 292024 — Esters; phosphite esters and their salts; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, triethyl phosphite. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is Triethyl phosphite a restricted chemical?
Yes, it is often subject to export controls and monitoring under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) as a Schedule 3 substance.
Which countries are the top exporters of triethyl phosphite (HS 292024)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 292024 (the code used for triethyl phosphite) in UN Comtrade data were India ($1.2M, 50% of world exports), China ($768K) and France ($288K). World exports came to about $2.4M, 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 triethyl phosphite (HS 292024)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 292024 (the code used for triethyl phosphite) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($621K, 22% of world imports), the United States ($543K) and Taiwan (about $458K). World imports came to about $2.8M, 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 Triethyl phosphite the same in all countries?
The base HS code 292024 for Triethyl phosphite 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 triethyl phosphite in Brazil?
In Brazil, triethyl phosphite (HS 292024) is classified under NCM 2920.24.00.