HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2905.11 – Alcohols; saturated monohydric, methanol (methyl alcohol)
HS code 2905.11 is the 6-digit subheading for alcohols, saturated monohydric, methanol (methyl alcohol). It is used for formaldehyde, acetic acid, MTBE, DME and biodiesel.
What HS 2905.11 covers
This HS code covers methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, a fundamental organic chemical traded globally. It serves as a crucial building block in the chemical industry, primarily used to produce formaldehyde, acetic acid, and various other chemicals. Methanol is also gaining prominence as a clean-burning fuel, a fuel additive, and a feedstock for biodiesel production, reflecting its versatility. Major importers and exporters are typically large chemical conglomerates, energy companies, and industrial manufacturers. Key things to know include its toxicity, its production from natural gas, coal, or increasingly, renewable sources (green methanol), and its role in the 'methanol economy' as a potential alternative to fossil fuels. Its widespread industrial applications make it a high-volume commodity in international trade.
- Covers
- Formaldehyde
- Acetic acid
- MTBE
- DME
- Biodiesel
- Solvents
- Antifreeze
- Fuel additive
- Examples
- BASF Methanol
- SABIC Methanol
- OCI Methanol
- Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Methanol
Codes often confused with 2905.11
Common mistake. Methanol can be confused with other primary alcohols, such as propanol (290512) or ethanol (220710), if not specifically identified as methyl alcohol. Its distinct chemical formula and primary uses differentiate it.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290511, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290511 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% 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 United States $1.5B 15% of world exports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $1.2B 12% of world exports
- 3 Trinidad and Tobago $1.2B 12% of world exports
World total: $10.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $3.9B 31% of world imports
- 2 India $1.0B 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $1.0B 8.0% of world imports
World total: $12.9B 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 code for 2905.11
Brazil does not split HS 2905.11: its NCM code is 2905.11.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about HS 2905.11
What is HS code 290511?
HS code 290511 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alcohols; saturated monohydric, methanol (methyl alcohol). This HS code covers methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, a fundamental organic chemical traded globally. It serves as a crucial building block in the chemical industry, primarily used to produce formaldehyde, acetic acid, and various other chemicals. Methanol is also gaining prominence as a clean-burning fuel, a fuel additive, and a feedstock for biodiesel production, reflecting its versatility. Major importers and exporters are typically large chemical conglomerates, energy companies, and industrial manufacturers. Key things to know include its toxicity, its production from natural gas, coal, or increasingly, renewable sources (green methanol), and its role in the 'methanol economy' as a potential alternative to fossil fuels. Its widespread industrial applications make it a high-volume commodity in international trade.
What products fall under HS code 290511?
Formaldehyde, acetic acid, MTBE, DME, biodiesel, solvents, antifreeze, fuel additive
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290511?
Methanol can be confused with other primary alcohols, such as propanol (290512) or ethanol (220710), if not specifically identified as methyl alcohol. Its distinct chemical formula and primary uses differentiate it.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290511?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290511 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 15% of world exports), Saudi Arabia ($1.2B) and Trinidad and Tobago ($1.2B). World exports came to about $10.2B, 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 290511?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290511 in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.9B, 31% of world imports), India ($1.0B) and the Netherlands ($1.0B). World imports came to about $12.9B, 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.
How is HS code 290511 structured?
HS code 290511 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290511?
In Brazil, HS code 290511 is NCM 2905.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.