Product classification
HS code for Vitamin C: 2936.27
Vitamins, vitamin C and its derivatives, unmixed.
Classification of vitamin C under HS 2936.27
Vitamin C, scientifically known as L-ascorbic acid, is classified under HS code 2936.27. This classification is determined by the product's status as a pure, unmixed vitamin derivative within the organic chemicals sector of the Harmonized System. Chapter 29 covers organic chemicals, and heading 2936 specifically addresses vitamins, natural or reproduced by synthesis, and their derivatives used primarily as vitamins. For Vitamin C to remain in 2936.27, it must be in bulk form and not mixed with other substances, except for those required for its preservation or transport. The classification is based on the chemical identity of the ascorbic acid molecule. If the product is modified into a salt, such as sodium ascorbate, it still falls under this code as a derivative of Vitamin C, provided it is not prepared for retail sale as a finished supplement.
- Covers
- L-ascorbic acid (bulk powder)
- Sodium ascorbate
- Calcium ascorbate
- Ascorbyl palmitate (when used as a vitamin derivative)
- Pure synthetic Vitamin C
- Also under 2936.27
- DSM
- BASF
- Shandong Luwei Pharmaceutical
- North China Pharmaceutical Group
- CSPC Pharmaceutical Group
Codes often confused with 2936.27
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 2918.14, which is the specific code for citric acid. While both are organic acids used in the food industry, they are chemically distinct. Additionally, Vitamin C is often incorrectly classified under 3004.50 when it is imported in bulk but intended for pharmaceutical use; however, 3004.50 is strictly for products already put up in measured doses or retail packaging. Finally, 2106.90 is often misused for Vitamin C when it is sold as a food additive blend rather than a pure chemical.
Top exporters and importers of HS 293627 (the code used for vitamin C), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293627 (the code used for vitamin C) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 59% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 293627, not only vitamin C.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $636M 59% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $113M 10% of world exports
- 3 United States $108M 10.0% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $235M 18% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $106M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 Germany $99M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 C
Brazil splits HS 2936.27 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2936.27.10Vitamin C (L- or DL-ascorbic acid)
- 2936.27.20Sodium ascorbate (vitamin C)
- 2936.27.90Other vitamin C derivatives
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vitamin C
What is the HS code for Vitamin C?
The HS code for Vitamin C is 293627 (Vitamins; vitamin C and its derivatives, unmixed). The HS code for Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and its unmixed derivatives is 2936.27.
How do I classify Vitamin C for customs?
Vitamin C is classified under HS code 293627 — Vitamins; vitamin C and its derivatives, unmixed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is sodium ascorbate classified under the same code as Vitamin C?
Yes, sodium ascorbate is a derivative of Vitamin C and is classified under HS code 2936.27 when unmixed.
Which countries are the top exporters of vitamin C (HS 293627)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293627 (the code used for vitamin C) in UN Comtrade data were China ($636M, 59% of world exports), the Netherlands ($113M) and the United States ($108M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 C (HS 293627)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 293627 (the code used for vitamin C) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($235M, 18% of world imports), the Netherlands ($106M) and Germany ($99M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 C the same in all countries?
The base HS code 293627 for Vitamin C 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 C in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 293627 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for vitamin C depends on the product's details: 2936.27.10 (Vitamin C (L- or DL-ascorbic acid)), 2936.27.20 (Sodium ascorbate (vitamin C)), 2936.27.90 (Other vitamin C derivatives).