Product classification
HS code for Vitamin B5: 2936.24
Vitamins, D- or DL-pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and its derivatives, unmixed.
Classification of vitamin B5 under HS 2936.24
Vitamin B5, which includes D- or DL-pantothenic acid and its derivatives, is classified under HS code 2936.24. This classification falls under Heading 2936 for vitamins and provitamins. Vitamin B5 is essential for the synthesis of coenzyme A and is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. The specific subheading 2936.24 covers the acid itself and its derivatives, such as calcium pantothenate and panthenol. To be classified here, the substance must be unmixed and meet the criteria for organic chemicals under Chapter 29. The distinction between the D-isomer (biologically active) and the DL-racemic mixture is noted within the code's description, ensuring both forms are captured under this specific HS classification when traded in bulk. The classification is determined by the chemical structure of the pantothenic acid molecule. Even when used in topical applications like skin creams, the bulk chemical ingredient remains in 2936.24. Only when it is part of a finished cosmetic preparation does the classification change to Chapter 33.
- Covers
- D-pantothenic acid
- DL-pantothenic acid
- Calcium pantothenate
- D-panthenol (Provitamin B5)
- DL-panthenol
- Sodium pantothenate
- Also under 2936.24
- DSM
- BASF
- Zhejiang Medicine Co.
- Ltd.
- Brother Enterprises
- Kyowa Hakko Bio
Codes often confused with 2936.24
Common mistake. Vitamin B5 is often misclassified under HS code 2924.19, which covers acyclic amides. Since panthenol and pantothenic acid contain amide groups, this is a common technical error. However, 2936 is the more specific heading for vitamins. It is also misclassified under 3304.99 when imported as a bulk ingredient for the cosmetic industry, though it should remain in 2936.24 until formulated.
Top exporters and importers of HS 293624 (the code used for vitamin B5), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293624 (the code used for vitamin B5) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 293624, not only vitamin B5.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $144M 65% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $37M 17% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $8.5M 3.9% of world exports
World total: $221M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $45M 13% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $27M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Germany $26M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $342M 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 B5
Brazil splits HS 2936.24 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2936.24.10Calcium D-pantothenate (vitamin B5)
- 2936.24.90Other pantothenic acid (B5) and derivatives
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vitamin B5
What is the HS code for Vitamin B5?
The HS code for Vitamin B5 is 293624 (Vitamins; D- or DL-pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and its derivatives, unmixed). The HS code for Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and its derivatives is 2936.24.
How do I classify Vitamin B5 for customs?
Vitamin B5 is classified under HS code 293624 — Vitamins; D- or DL-pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and its derivatives, unmixed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is calcium pantothenate classified under this code?
Yes, calcium pantothenate is the most common salt derivative of Vitamin B5 and is classified under HS code 2936.24.
Which countries are the top exporters of vitamin B5 (HS 293624)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293624 (the code used for vitamin B5) in UN Comtrade data were China ($144M, 65% of world exports), the Netherlands ($37M) and Singapore ($8.5M). World exports came to about $221M, 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 B5 (HS 293624)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 293624 (the code used for vitamin B5) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($45M, 13% of world imports), the Netherlands ($27M) and Germany ($26M). World imports came to about $342M, 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 B5 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 293624 for Vitamin B5 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 B5 in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 293624 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for vitamin B5 depends on the product's details: 2936.24.10 (Calcium D-pantothenate (vitamin B5)), 2936.24.90 (Other pantothenic acid (B5) and derivatives).