HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2904.20 – Derivatives of hydrocarbons; containing only nitro or only nitroso groups, whether or not halogenated
HS code 2904.20 is the 6-digit subheading for derivatives of hydrocarbons, containing only nitro or only nitroso groups, whether or not halogenated. It is used for nitrobenzene, nitrotoluene, dinitrobenzene, nitroethane and nitromethane.
What HS 2904.20 covers
This HS code covers hydrocarbon derivatives featuring nitro (-NO2) or nitroso (-NO) groups, which are vital intermediates in the chemical industry. These compounds are extensively used in the production of pharmaceuticals, dyes, explosives, and agricultural chemicals. The presence of nitro or nitroso groups imparts specific reactivity, making them valuable for various synthesis pathways. Major importers are typically chemical manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and defense contractors requiring precursors for their products. Exporters are often large-scale chemical producers in countries with advanced chemical industries. Key considerations for trade include the inherent stability and safety protocols required for handling nitro compounds, which can be explosive or highly reactive. Regulatory compliance, especially regarding transportation and storage, is paramount. The "whether or not halogenated" clause indicates that these compounds can also contain halogens, further diversifying their chemical properties and applications, for instance, in specialized solvents or flame retardants.
- Covers
- Nitrobenzene
- Nitrotoluene
- Dinitrobenzene
- Nitroethane
- Nitromethane
- P-Nitrophenol
- Nitrosobenzene
- Examples
- BASF (nitroaromatics)
- Lanxess (intermediates)
- DuPont (specialty chemicals)
- Sigma-Aldrich (laboratory reagents)
Codes often confused with 2904.20
Common mistake. Often confused with other nitrogen-containing organic compounds, such as amines (2921) or amides (2924), if the specific nitro or nitroso functional group is not correctly identified as the primary characteristic.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290420, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290420 in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 16% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Poland $94M 20% of world exports
- 2 Germany $81M 17% of world exports
- 3 China $70M 15% of world exports
World total: $466M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $104M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $68M 11% of world imports
- 3 United States $62M 9.8% of world imports
World total: $632M 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 2904.20 11
Brazil splits HS 2904.20 into 11 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2904.20.10 Mononitrotoluenes (MNT)Mononitrotoluenos (MNT)
- 2904.20.20 NitropropanesNitropropanos
- 2904.20.30 DinitrotoluenesDinitrotoluenos
- 2904.20.4 TrinitrotoluenesTrinitrotoluenos Group
- 2904.20.41 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT)2,4,6-Trinitrotolueno (TNT)
- 2904.20.49 Other trinitrotoluenesOutros
- 2904.20.5 Nitrated derivatives of benzeneDerivados nitrados do benzeno Group
- 2904.20.51 NitrobenzeneNitrobenzeno
- 2904.20.52 1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene1,3,5-Trinitrobenzeno
- 2904.20.59 Other nitrated benzene derivativesOutros
- 2904.20.60 Nitrated xylene derivativesDerivados nitrados do xileno
- 2904.20.70 Mononitroethane and nitromethanesMononitroetano; nitrometanos
- 2904.20.90 Other nitro or nitroso hydrocarbon derivativesOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.04 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2904.20
What is HS code 290420?
HS code 290420 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Derivatives of hydrocarbons; containing only nitro or only nitroso groups, whether or not halogenated. This HS code covers hydrocarbon derivatives featuring nitro (-NO2) or nitroso (-NO) groups, which are vital intermediates in the chemical industry. These compounds are extensively used in the production of pharmaceuticals, dyes, explosives, and agricultural chemicals. The presence of nitro or nitroso groups imparts specific reactivity, making them valuable for various synthesis pathways. Major importers are typically chemical manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and defense contractors requiring precursors for their products. Exporters are often large-scale chemical producers in countries with advanced chemical industries. Key considerations for trade include the inherent stability and safety protocols required for handling nitro compounds, which can be explosive or highly reactive. Regulatory compliance, especially regarding transportation and storage, is paramount. The "whether or not halogenated" clause indicates that these compounds can also contain halogens, further diversifying their chemical properties and applications, for instance, in specialized solvents or flame retardants.
What products fall under HS code 290420?
Nitrobenzene, Nitrotoluene, Dinitrobenzene, Nitroethane, Nitromethane, p-Nitrophenol, Nitrosobenzene
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290420?
Often confused with other nitrogen-containing organic compounds, such as amines (2921) or amides (2924), if the specific nitro or nitroso functional group is not correctly identified as the primary characteristic.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290420?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290420 in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($94M, 20% of world exports), Germany ($81M) and China ($70M). World exports came to about $466M, 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 goods under HS code 290420?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290420 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($104M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($68M) and the United States ($62M). World imports came to about $632M, 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.
How is HS code 290420 structured?
HS code 290420 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290420?
Brazil splits HS code 290420 into 11 NCM codes: 2904.20.10 (Mononitrotoluenes (MNT)), 2904.20.20 (Nitropropanes), 2904.20.30 (Dinitrotoluenes), 2904.20.41 (2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT)), 2904.20.49 (Other trinitrotoluenes), 2904.20.51 (Nitrobenzene), 2904.20.52 (1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene), 2904.20.59 (Other nitrated benzene derivatives), and more listed on this page. The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.