Product classification

HS code for Vitamin E: 2936.28

Vitamins, vitamin E and its derivatives, unmixed.

Classification of vitamin E under HS 2936.28

Vitamin E is classified under HS code 2936.28. This classification covers Vitamin E and its derivatives, such as tocopherols and tocopheryl acetates, provided they are unmixed and not put up for retail sale. The Harmonized System places these substances in Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals) because they are well-defined chemical compounds, whether they are extracted from natural vegetable oils or produced through chemical synthesis. The classification logic follows the principle that bulk vitamins are chemical raw materials rather than finished pharmaceutical products. Even if the Vitamin E is concentrated or stabilized with an antioxidant, it remains in 2936.28 as long as the additive is solely for preservation. This code is essential for importers of bulk oils or powders used in the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries as a source of Vitamin E.

Covers
  • Alpha-tocopherol
  • Tocopheryl acetate (bulk)
  • Mixed tocopherols (unmixed with other vitamins)
  • Tocopheryl succinate
  • Synthetic Vitamin E concentrate
Also under 2936.28
  • DSM
  • BASF
  • ADM
  • Cargill
  • Lonza
  • Zhejiang Medicine Co.
  • Ltd.

Codes often confused with 2936.28

Common mistake. Vitamin E is often misclassified under HS code 1517.90 or other headings in Chapter 15 if it is a natural concentrate derived from vegetable oil that still contains significant amounts of other oil constituents. It is also frequently confused with HS code 3004.50, which is reserved for Vitamin E capsules or preparations put up for retail sale as medicaments. Another common error is using 3824.99 for chemical mixtures, but if the primary character is Vitamin E, 2936.28 is the more specific and correct heading.

1517.90Edible mixtures or preparations of animal, vegetable or microbial fats or oils or of fractions of different fats or oils of this Chapter, n.e.c. in heading 1517, other than edible fats and oils or their fractions of heading 15.163004.50Medicaments; containing vitamins or their derivatives, for therapeutic or prophylactic use, packaged for retail sale3824.99Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; n.e.c. heading 3824

Top exporters and importers of HS 293628 (the code used for vitamin E), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 293628 (the code used for vitamin E) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 64% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 293628, not only vitamin E.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $1.5B
  2. 2 Netherlands $333M
  3. 3 United States $121M

World total: $2.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $425M
  2. 2 Netherlands $326M
  3. 3 Germany $310M

World total: $2.9B 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 E

Brazil splits HS 2936.28 into 4 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 E

What is the HS code for Vitamin E?

The HS code for Vitamin E is 293628 (Vitamins; vitamin E and its derivatives, unmixed). The HS code for Vitamin E and its unmixed derivatives is 2936.28.

How do I classify Vitamin E for customs?

Vitamin E is classified under HS code 293628 — Vitamins; vitamin E and its derivatives, unmixed. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can natural tocopherols be classified under 2936.28?

Yes, natural tocopherols and their concentrates are classified under 2936.28, provided they are intended for use as vitamins and meet the purity requirements of Chapter 29.

Which countries are the top exporters of vitamin E (HS 293628)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 293628 (the code used for vitamin E) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.5B, 64% of world exports), the Netherlands ($333M) and the United States ($121M). World exports came to about $2.3B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of vitamin E (HS 293628)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 293628 (the code used for vitamin E) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($425M, 15% of world imports), the Netherlands ($326M) and Germany ($310M). World imports came to about $2.9B, 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 E the same in all countries?

The base HS code 293628 for Vitamin E 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 E in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 293628 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for vitamin E depends on the product's details: 2936.28.11 (D- or DL-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E)), 2936.28.12 (D- or DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate), 2936.28.19 (Other alpha-tocopherol derivatives), 2936.28.90 (Other vitamin E and its derivatives).