HS Code 29.05 – Acyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives

HS code 2905 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives. Heading 2905 covers acyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. This classification encompasses a broad range of open-chain organic compounds characterized by the presence of one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups, including saturated and unsaturated alcohols. Key examples include methanol, ethanol, propanols, butanols, and various glycols (e.g., ethylene glycol, propylene glycol), as well as glycerol. These alcohols are fundamental industrial chemicals, widely used as solvents, fuels, antifreeze agents, and crucial intermediates in the production of plastics, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The scope extends to their derivatives where hydrogen atoms are replaced by halogens, sulfonic acid, nitro, or nitroso groups, provided the primary acyclic alcohol structure is maintained. It generally excludes denatured alcohols or alcohol mixtures prepared for specific end-uses (e.g., certain antifreeze preparations), which often fall under Chapter 22 or 38. Accurate classification under 2905 is vital for trade compliance due to varying tariffs, excise duties (especially for ethanol), and specific regulatory controls based on the alcohol's purity and potential applications. This heading is a cornerstone of Chapter 29, providing another foundational class of organic compounds with diverse applications.

Methanol, Ethanol (pure, undenatured), Propan-1-ol (n-propanol), Propan-2-ol (isopropanol), Butan-1-ol (n-butanol), Butan-2-ol, 2-Methylpropan-1-ol (isobutanol), Pentanols, Hexanols, Octanols, Ethylene glycol, Propylene glycol, Glycerol (pure), Butanediol, Allyl alcohol, Oleyl alcohol, Dodecanol (lauryl alcohol), 1,6-Hexanediol, 1,4-Butanediol, Chloromethanol, 2-Chloroethanol, Methanesulfonic acid (as a derivative), Nitromethanol.

A common misclassification for 2905 involves ethyl alcohol. Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80% vol or higher is classified under 2207 (Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80% vol or higher; denatured ethyl alcohol and other spirits of any strength), not 2905. Denatured ethyl alcohol also falls under 2207. Another frequent error is confusing pure alcohols with prepared mixtures like antifreeze preparations (often 3824) or organic composite solvents (3814), which contain alcohols but are formulated products. Glycerol, when crude or in specific pharmaceutical preparations, might also be confused with 3824 or Chapter 15 if derived from fats and oils. Purity is a key determinant for distinguishing between 2905 and other headings.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2905 in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($4.6B, 14% of world exports), the United States ($4.5B) and China ($2.4B). World exports came to about $32.5B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2905 in UN Comtrade data were China ($9.9B, 27% of world imports), India ($2.7B) and Germany ($1.9B). World imports came to about $36.9B, 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.

HS code 2905 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (05) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.