Product classification
HS code for Vitamin B2: 2936.23
Vitamins, vitamin B2 and its derivatives, unmixed.
Classification of vitamin B2 under HS 2936.23
Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is classified under HS code 2936.23. This classification is based on its status as a pure vitamin derivative within the organic chemicals chapter of the Harmonized System. Riboflavin is a yellow-orange compound used both as a nutrient and occasionally as a food colorant. However, its primary classification remains under 2936.23 when it is traded as a pure substance or a derivative like riboflavin-5'-phosphate. The HS code 2936.23 is specific to Vitamin B2 and its derivatives, unmixed. If the riboflavin is mixed with other vitamins or minerals, or if it is prepared as a food supplement, the classification would shift to other headings. The technical purity and the absence of other active ingredients are the primary factors that keep this product within the 2936.23 designation. This code covers both the natural form and the synthetic version of the vitamin. Because riboflavin is sensitive to light and heat, it is often traded in stabilized forms, which are still permitted under this code as long as the stabilization is for preservation or transport only.
- Covers
- Riboflavin (Lactoflavin)
- Riboflavin-5'-phosphate
- Riboflavin butyrate
- Sodium riboflavin phosphate
- Pure riboflavin powder
- Also under 2936.23
- DSM
- BASF
- Zhejiang Medicine Co.
- Ltd.
- Brother Enterprises
- Hubei Guangji Pharmaceutical
Codes often confused with 2936.23
Common mistake. Vitamin B2 is frequently misclassified under HS code 3203.00, which covers coloring matter of vegetable or animal origin. Because riboflavin is used as a yellow dye (E101), this confusion is common. However, Chapter 29 Note 1 and the specific vitamin heading 2936 take precedence over the general coloring matter heading. It is also misclassified under 2106.90 when sold as a supplement.
Top exporters and importers of HS 293623 (the code used for vitamin B2), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293623 (the code used for vitamin B2) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 24% 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 293623, not only vitamin B2.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $95M 30% of world exports
- 2 China $89M 28% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $54M 17% of world exports
World total: $318M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $80M 24% of world imports
- 2 United States $41M 12% of world imports
- 3 Germany $27M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $333M 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 B2
Brazil splits HS 2936.23 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2936.23.10Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- 2936.23.20Riboflavin 5'-phosphate sodium (vitamin B2)
- 2936.23.90Other vitamin B2 (riboflavin) derivatives
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vitamin B2
What is the HS code for Vitamin B2?
The HS code for Vitamin B2 is 293623 (Vitamins; vitamin B2 and its derivatives, unmixed). The HS code for Vitamin B2 and its derivatives is 2936.23.
How do I classify Vitamin B2 for customs?
Vitamin B2 is classified under HS code 293623 — Vitamins; vitamin B2 and its derivatives, unmixed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is riboflavin-5'-phosphate classified here?
Yes, riboflavin-5'-phosphate is a derivative of Vitamin B2 and is correctly classified under HS code 2936.23.
Which countries are the top exporters of vitamin B2 (HS 293623)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293623 (the code used for vitamin B2) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($95M, 30% of world exports), China ($89M) and the Netherlands ($54M). World exports came to about $318M, 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 B2 (HS 293623)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 293623 (the code used for vitamin B2) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($80M, 24% of world imports), the United States ($41M) and Germany ($27M). World imports came to about $333M, 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 B2 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 293623 for Vitamin B2 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 B2 in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 293623 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for vitamin B2 depends on the product's details: 2936.23.10 (Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)), 2936.23.20 (Riboflavin 5'-phosphate sodium (vitamin B2)), 2936.23.90 (Other vitamin B2 (riboflavin) derivatives).