Product classification

HS code for Vitamin A: 2936.21

Vitamins, vitamins A and their derivatives, unmixed.

Classification of vitamin A under HS 2936.21

Vitamin A is classified under HS code 2936.21 because it falls within the category of provitamins and vitamins, natural or reproduced by synthesis, and their derivatives used primarily as vitamins. This specific subheading is reserved for Vitamin A and its derivatives, provided they are unmixed. The Harmonized System (HS) organizes these substances based on their chemical structure and intended use as essential micronutrients. To qualify for this code, the product must be in its pure chemical form or as a derivative intended for use as a vitamin, rather than being part of a complex food supplement or a medicinal preparation with specific therapeutic dosages. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the vitamin is derived from natural sources, such as fish liver oil, or produced synthetically, as long as it meets the purity requirements of Chapter 29. If the vitamin is stabilized for transport or storage with antioxidants or anti-caking agents, it remains in this code, provided these additions do not change the character of the product from a basic chemical to a prepared food supplement or medicament. The distinction is crucial for customs purposes, as it separates raw industrial or pharmaceutical ingredients from finished consumer goods.

Covers
  • Retinol (Vitamin A alcohol)
  • Retinal (Vitamin A aldehyde)
  • Retinyl acetate
  • Retinyl palmitate
  • Retinyl propionate
  • Synthetic Vitamin A concentrates
Also under 2936.21
  • DSM (formerly Roche Vitamins)
  • BASF
  • Lonza
  • Zhejiang Medicine Co.
  • Ltd.
  • Adisseo

Codes often confused with 2936.21

Common mistake. Vitamin A is frequently misclassified under HS code 2106.90, which covers food preparations not elsewhere specified, or HS code 3004.50, which covers medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses. The confusion arises when Vitamin A is sold in retail packaging as a dietary supplement. However, if the product is a pure chemical derivative, 2936.21 is the correct code.

2106.90Food preparations; n.e.c. in item no. 2106.103004.50Medicaments; containing vitamins or their derivatives, for therapeutic or prophylactic use, packaged for retail sale

Top exporters and importers of HS 293621 (the code used for vitamin A), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293621 (the code used for vitamin A) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 293621, not only vitamin A.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $195M
  2. 2 China $178M
  3. 3 France $54M

World total: $596M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $71M
  2. 2 Germany $56M
  3. 3 Brazil $29M

World total: $590M 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 vitamin A

Brazil splits HS 2936.21 into 5 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.

Questions about vitamin A

What is the HS code for Vitamin A?

The HS code for Vitamin A is 293621 (Vitamins; vitamins A and their derivatives, unmixed). The HS code for Vitamin A and its unmixed derivatives is 2936.21.

How do I classify Vitamin A for customs?

Vitamin A is classified under HS code 293621 — Vitamins; vitamins A and their derivatives, unmixed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can synthetic Vitamin A use this code?

Yes, HS code 2936.21 covers both natural Vitamin A and Vitamin A reproduced by synthesis, as well as their derivatives.

Which countries are the top exporters of vitamin A (HS 293621)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293621 (the code used for vitamin A) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($195M, 33% of world exports), China ($178M) and France ($54M). World exports came to about $596M, 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 vitamin A (HS 293621)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 293621 (the code used for vitamin A) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($71M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($56M) and Brazil ($29M). World imports came to about $590M, 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 Vitamin A the same in all countries?

The base HS code 293621 for Vitamin A 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 vitamin A in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 293621 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for vitamin A depends on the product's details: 2936.21.11 (Vitamin A1 alcohol (retinol)), 2936.21.12 (Vitamin A1 (retinol) acetate), 2936.21.13 (Vitamin A1 (retinol) palmitate), 2936.21.19 (Other vitamin A1 (retinol) derivatives), 2936.21.90 (Other vitamins A and their derivatives).