Product classification
HS code for Valeric acid: 2915.60
Acids, saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids, butanoic acids, pentanoic acids, their salts and esters.
Classification of valeric acid under HS 2915.60
Valeric acid, also known as pentanoic acid, is classified under HS code 291560. This code is situated within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals, and specifically heading 2915, which is dedicated to saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their derivatives. The subheading 291560 is specifically designated for butanoic acids, pentanoic acids, and their salts and esters. Valeric acid is a straight-chain alkyl carboxylic acid with the chemical formula C5H10O2. Because it is a saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acid with five carbons, it is legally required to be classified here. This classification is essential for regulatory compliance, as valeric acid and its esters are widely used in the production of flavors, perfumes, and plasticizers, and are subject to specific chemical safety standards.
- Covers
- N-Valeric acid (Pentanoic acid)
- Isovaleric acid (3-Methylbutanoic acid)
- Ethyl valerate and Methyl valerate (esters)
- Sodium valerate and Potassium valerate (salts)
- Valeric anhydride
- Also under 2915.60
- BASF Butyric Acid
- Eastman Isobutyric Acid
- Sigma-Aldrich Valeric Acid
- Symrise Ethyl Butyrate
Codes often confused with 2915.60
Common mistake. Valeric acid is sometimes misclassified under HS code 291590, which is the residual category for 'other' saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids. This is incorrect because 291560 provides a specific named category for pentanoic acids. Another common misclassification occurs when valeric acid is part of a fragrance or flavor mixture, leading some to use HS code 330210. However, in its pure or bulk chemical form, it must remain in Chapter 29. Confusion can also arise with 291550 (propionic acid), but the carbon count (C5 vs C3) distinguishes them.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291560 (the code used for valeric acid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291560 (the code used for valeric acid) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, 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 291560, not only valeric acid.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $186M 27% of world exports
- 2 United States $128M 19% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $60M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $688M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $79M 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $53M 7.8% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $47M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $676M 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 valeric acid
Brazil splits HS 2915.60 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2915.60.11Butanoic acids and their salts
- 2915.60.12Ethyl butanoate
- 2915.60.19Other butanoic acid esters
- 2915.60.21Pivalic acid
- 2915.60.29Other pentanoic acids, salts and esters
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 valeric acid
What is the HS code for Valeric acid?
The HS code for Valeric acid is 291560 (Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; butanoic acids, pentanoic acids, their salts and esters). The HS code for Valeric acid (pentanoic acid) and its salts and esters is 291560.
How do I classify Valeric acid for customs?
Valeric acid is classified under HS code 291560 — Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; butanoic acids, pentanoic acids, their salts and esters. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code change for isovaleric acid?
No, isovaleric acid is an isomer of pentanoic acid and is also classified under HS code 291560 as it falls under the 'pentanoic acids' group.
Which countries are the top exporters of valeric acid (HS 291560)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291560 (the code used for valeric acid) in UN Comtrade data were China ($186M, 27% of world exports), the United States ($128M) and the Netherlands ($60M). World exports came to about $688M, 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 valeric acid (HS 291560)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291560 (the code used for valeric acid) in UN Comtrade data were India ($79M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($53M) and the Netherlands ($47M). World imports came to about $676M, 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 Valeric acid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291560 for Valeric 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 valeric acid in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 291560 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for valeric acid depends on the product's details: 2915.60.11 (Butanoic acids and their salts), 2915.60.12 (Ethyl butanoate), 2915.60.19 (Other butanoic acid esters), 2915.60.21 (Pivalic acid), 2915.60.29 (Other pentanoic acids, salts and esters).