HS Code 29.04 – Sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives of hydrocarbons; whether or not halogenated

HS code 2904 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives of hydrocarbons; whether or not halogenated. Heading 2904 encompasses sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives of hydrocarbons, which may or may not be halogenated. This classification covers organic compounds where a hydrogen atom (or sometimes another group) on a hydrocarbon structure has been replaced by a sulfonic acid group (-SO3H), a nitro group (-NO2), or a nitroso group (-NO). These derivatives are critical intermediates in the chemical industry, essential for producing dyes, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, detergents, and explosives. The scope includes a wide array of compounds, from simple nitromethane to complex aromatic sulfonic acids and their salts, provided they are pure, individual chemicals. It excludes preparations or mixtures where these derivatives are combined with other substances for specific end-uses (e.g., formulated detergents or explosives). Proper classification under 2904 is crucial for trade compliance, as these chemicals often have varying tariffs, safety regulations, and dual-use considerations (e.g., for explosives precursors). Historically, the synthesis of many industrial chemicals, particularly dyes, relied heavily on these types of derivatives. This heading demonstrates further functionalization of basic hydrocarbon structures within Chapter 29, introducing highly reactive or industrially significant groups.

Benzene sulfonic acid, Toluene sulfonic acid, Xylene sulfonic acid, p-Toluenesulfonyl chloride, Nitromethane, Nitrobenzene, Dinitrotoluene, Trinitrotoluene (TNT) (pure chemical), Nitroethane, Nitrotoluene, Nitrochlorobenzene, Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (pure), Sodium lignosulfonate (pure chemical), Aniline sulfate (pure chemical), Nitropropane, Nitroxylene, Methanesulfonic acid (MSA), 2-Naphthol-6-sulfonic acid, Nitrophenols (as derivatives), Chloronitrobenzene.

A common mistake in classifying under 2904 is confusing pure sulphonated or nitrated hydrocarbons with their formulated preparations. For instance, if sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate is mixed with other ingredients to form a detergent, it would fall under 3402 (Organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, lubricating preparations, artificial waxes, prepared waxes, polishing or scouring preparations, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, 'dental waxes' and dental preparations with a basis of plaster) rather than 2904. Similarly, pure Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is classified here, but if it's formulated into an explosive device or preparation, it would be under 3603 (Explosives, prepared). Another error involves products where the nitro group has been reduced to an amine; these would typically fall under 2921 (Amines, acyclic) or 2922 (Oxygen-function amino-compounds) if they are amino-compounds.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2904 in UN Comtrade data were Kuwait ($694M, 37% of world exports), China ($282M) and Germany ($165M). World exports came to about $1.9B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2904 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($119M, 8.2% of world imports), Germany ($115M) and the United States ($106M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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.

HS code 2904 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.