HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2905.13 – Alcohols; saturated monohydric, butan-1-ol (n-butyl alcohol)
HS code 2905.13 is the 6-digit subheading for alcohols, saturated monohydric, butan-1-ol (n-butyl alcohol). It is used for butyl acetate, plasticizers (DBP, DIBP), paints, lacquers and brake fluids.
What HS 2905.13 covers
Butan-1-ol, commonly known as n-butyl alcohol, is a saturated monohydric alcohol crucial for various industrial applications. It serves predominantly as a solvent in the production of paints, lacquers, and varnishes, and as an intermediate in the synthesis of plasticizers, butyl acetate, and other chemicals. The automotive industry utilizes it in brake fluids, while the textile industry employs it in dyeing processes. Chemical manufacturers, paint and coatings companies, and automotive suppliers are key players in its international trade. Understanding its specific isomer (n-butyl) is vital, as its properties and applications differ from other butanol isomers. Its moderate volatility and good solvent power make it highly valued in industrial formulations.
- Covers
- Butyl acetate
- Plasticizers (DBP, DIBP)
- Paints
- Lacquers
- Brake fluids
- Chemical synthesis intermediates
- Textile auxiliaries
- Examples
- BASF n-Butanol
- Eastman n-Butanol
- Dow Chemical Butanol
- LyondellBasell Butanol
Codes often confused with 2905.13
Common mistake. This code is often confused with other butanol isomers (e.g., 290514 for isobutanol, sec-butanol, tert-butanol) if the specific n-butyl form is not clearly identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290513, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290513 in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% 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 South Africa $95M 27% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$78M 22% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $54M 15% of world exports
World total: $350M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $70M 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $67M 14% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $56M 12% of world imports
World total: $477M 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 code for 2905.13
Brazil does not split HS 2905.13: its NCM code is 2905.13.00.
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 2905.13
What is HS code 290513?
HS code 290513 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alcohols; saturated monohydric, butan-1-ol (n-butyl alcohol). Butan-1-ol, commonly known as n-butyl alcohol, is a saturated monohydric alcohol crucial for various industrial applications. It serves predominantly as a solvent in the production of paints, lacquers, and varnishes, and as an intermediate in the synthesis of plasticizers, butyl acetate, and other chemicals. The automotive industry utilizes it in brake fluids, while the textile industry employs it in dyeing processes. Chemical manufacturers, paint and coatings companies, and automotive suppliers are key players in its international trade. Understanding its specific isomer (n-butyl) is vital, as its properties and applications differ from other butanol isomers. Its moderate volatility and good solvent power make it highly valued in industrial formulations.
What products fall under HS code 290513?
Butyl acetate, plasticizers (DBP, DIBP), paints, lacquers, brake fluids, chemical synthesis intermediates, textile auxiliaries
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290513?
This code is often confused with other butanol isomers (e.g., 290514 for isobutanol, sec-butanol, tert-butanol) if the specific n-butyl form is not clearly identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290513?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290513 in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($95M, 27% of world exports), Taiwan (about $78M) and Germany ($54M). World exports came to about $350M, 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 290513?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290513 in UN Comtrade data were China ($70M, 15% of world imports), Germany ($67M) and South Korea ($56M). World imports came to about $477M, 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 290513 structured?
HS code 290513 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 (13) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290513?
In Brazil, HS code 290513 is NCM 2905.13.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.