HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 2905.12 – Alcohols; saturated monohydric, propan-1-ol (propyl alcohol) and propan-2-ol (isopropyl alcohol)

HS code 2905.12 is the 6-digit subheading for alcohols, saturated monohydric, propan-1-ol (propyl alcohol) and propan-2-ol (isopropyl alcohol). It is used for hand sanitizers, rubbing alcohol, industrial solvents, cleaning agents and chemical intermediates.

What HS 2905.12 covers

This category encompasses propan-1-ol (n-propyl alcohol) and propan-2-ol (isopropyl alcohol or IPA), two saturated monohydric alcohols with distinct yet overlapping industrial applications. Isopropyl alcohol is widely recognized for its use in disinfectants, hand sanitizers, and as a general-purpose solvent in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and electronics. Propan-1-ol, while less common in consumer products, is a significant industrial solvent and chemical intermediate. Companies in the pharmaceutical, personal care, cleaning product, and chemical manufacturing sectors are the primary importers and exporters. Key aspects include IPA's role in hygiene products, both alcohols' solvent properties, and their use in synthesizing other organic compounds. Their relatively low toxicity compared to methanol makes them safer for certain applications.

Covers: Hand sanitizers
Rubbing alcohol
Industrial solvents
Cleaning agents
Chemical intermediates
Printing inks
Coatings
Examples: Purell Hand Sanitizer
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
Dow Chemical Propanol
ExxonMobil Isopropanol

Codes often confused with 2905.12

Common mistake. These propanols might be confused with other short-chain alcohols like ethanol (220710 for undenatured, 220720 for denatured) if not specifically identified by their propyl structure.

2207.10Undenatured ethyl alcohol; of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80% vol. or higher 2207.20Ethyl alcohol and other spirits; denatured, of any strength

Top exporters and importers of HS code 290512, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290512 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 8.7% 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 $329M 22% of world exports
2 Taiwan* ~$156M 10% of world exports · partner records ↗
3 China $143M 9.6% of world exports

World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

1 United States $136M 8.7% of world imports
2 China $122M 7.8% of world imports
3 India $121M 7.8% of world imports

World total: $1.6B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 2905.12 2

Brazil splits HS 2905.12 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

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.

Access via API

GET /api/hs-code/290512/

{
  "code": "290512",
  "description": "Alcohols; saturated monohydric, propan-1-ol (propyl alcohol) and propan-2-ol (isopropyl alcohol)",
  "section": "VI",
  "parent": "2905"
}

API docs →

Questions about HS 2905.12

What is HS code 290512?

HS code 290512 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alcohols; saturated monohydric, propan-1-ol (propyl alcohol) and propan-2-ol (isopropyl alcohol). This category encompasses propan-1-ol (n-propyl alcohol) and propan-2-ol (isopropyl alcohol or IPA), two saturated monohydric alcohols with distinct yet overlapping industrial applications. Isopropyl alcohol is widely recognized for its use in disinfectants, hand sanitizers, and as a general-purpose solvent in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and electronics. Propan-1-ol, while less common in consumer products, is a significant industrial solvent and chemical intermediate. Companies in the pharmaceutical, personal care, cleaning product, and chemical manufacturing sectors are the primary importers and exporters. Key aspects include IPA's role in hygiene products, both alcohols' solvent properties, and their use in synthesizing other organic compounds. Their relatively low toxicity compared to methanol makes them safer for certain applications.

What products fall under HS code 290512?

Hand sanitizers, rubbing alcohol, industrial solvents, cleaning agents, chemical intermediates, printing inks, coatings

What are common misclassifications for HS code 290512?

These propanols might be confused with other short-chain alcohols like ethanol (220710 for undenatured, 220720 for denatured) if not specifically identified by their propyl structure.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290512?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290512 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($329M, 22% of world exports), Taiwan (about $156M) and China ($143M). World exports 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.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 290512?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290512 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($136M, 8.7% of world imports), China ($122M) and India ($121M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 290512 structured?

HS code 290512 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 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290512?

Brazil splits HS code 290512 into 2 NCM codes: 2905.12.10 (Propyl alcohol (propan-1-ol)), 2905.12.20 (Isopropyl alcohol (propan-2-ol)). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.