Product classification
HS code for Vanillin: 2912.41
Aldehydes, aldehyde-ethers, aldehyde-phenols and aldehydes with other oxygen function, vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde).
Classification of vanillin under HS 2912.41
Vanillin, known chemically as 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde, is classified under HS code 2912.41. This classification is found in Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals. Heading 2912 includes aldehydes, whether or not with other oxygen functions, cyclic polymers of aldehydes, and paraformaldehyde. Subheading 2912.41 is specifically reserved for vanillin. This compound is an aldehyde-phenol, meaning it contains both an aldehyde group and a phenolic hydroxyl group. The classification applies to vanillin regardless of its source, whether it is extracted naturally from vanilla beans or produced synthetically from guaiacol or lignin. Because vanillin is a separate chemically defined organic compound, it must be classified here rather than with food preparations or flavorings, provided it is not mixed with other substances. The specificity of this code reflects vanillin's importance as one of the most widely used flavoring agents in the global market.
- Covers
- Natural vanillin extracted from vanilla beans
- Synthetic vanillin (lignin-based or guaiacol-based)
- Crystalline vanillin powder
- USP/FCC grade vanillin for food use
- Vanillin used as a chemical intermediate
- Also under 2912.41
- Solvay Vanillin
- Borregaard EuroVanillin
- Givaudan Vanillin
- Symrise Vanillin
Codes often confused with 2912.41
Common mistake. Vanillin is frequently misclassified under HS code 3302, which covers mixtures of odoriferous substances used as raw materials in industry. However, if the vanillin is pure and not mixed, 2912.41 takes precedence. It is also often confused with ethyl vanillin, which is a related but distinct chemical classified under HS code 2912.42. Vanilla extract, which contains vanillin along with many other compounds in an alcohol base, is classified under 3301.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291241 (the code used for vanillin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291241 (the code used for vanillin) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% 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 291241, not only vanillin.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $139M 39% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $53M 15% of world exports
- 3 France $31M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $361M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $120M 29% of world imports
- 2 Germany $49M 12% of world imports
- 3 France $31M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $419M 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 code for vanillin
Brazil classifies vanillin under NCM 2912.41.00: HS 2912.41 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vanillin
What is the HS code for Vanillin?
The HS code for Vanillin is 291241 (Aldehydes; aldehyde-ethers, aldehyde-phenols and aldehydes with other oxygen function, vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde)). The specific HS code for vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde) is 2912.41.
How do I classify Vanillin for customs?
Vanillin is classified under HS code 291241 — Aldehydes; aldehyde-ethers, aldehyde-phenols and aldehydes with other oxygen function, vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include vanilla sugar?
No, vanilla sugar is a mixture of sugar and vanillin and is typically classified under HS code 1701 or 2106, depending on the composition and intended use.
Which countries are the top exporters of vanillin (HS 291241)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291241 (the code used for vanillin) in UN Comtrade data were China ($139M, 39% of world exports), Thailand ($53M) and France ($31M). World exports came to about $361M, 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 vanillin (HS 291241)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291241 (the code used for vanillin) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($120M, 29% of world imports), Germany ($49M) and France ($31M). World imports came to about $419M, 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 Vanillin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291241 for Vanillin 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 vanillin in Brazil?
In Brazil, vanillin (HS 291241) is classified under NCM 2912.41.00.