HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2905.16 – Alcohols; saturated monohydric, octanol (octyl alcohol) and isomers thereof
HS code 2905.16 is the 6-digit subheading for alcohols, saturated monohydric, octanol (octyl alcohol) and isomers thereof. It is used for dioctyl phthalate (DOP), fragrances, emollients, defoamers and flavorings.
What HS 2905.16 covers
This category includes octanol (octyl alcohol) and its various isomers, which are saturated monohydric alcohols with an eight-carbon chain. These alcohols are highly valued in the chemical industry for their versatility. They serve as intermediates in the production of plasticizers, particularly phthalates, which are used to enhance the flexibility of plastics. Additionally, octanols are key ingredients in the formulation of fragrances, cosmetics, and personal care products, where they act as emollients and solvents. They also find application as defoaming agents in industrial processes. Companies in the plastics, cosmetics, personal care, and specialty chemical sectors are the primary importers and exporters. Their moderate chain length gives them a balance of solubility and oiliness, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
- Covers
- Dioctyl phthalate (DOP)
- Fragrances
- Emollients
- Defoamers
- Flavorings
- Surfactants
- Lubricants
- Examples
- BASF 1-Octanol
- P&G (in cosmetic formulations)
- Firmenich (in fragrances)
- Sasol Octanol
Codes often confused with 2905.16
Common mistake. Can be confused with other higher fatty alcohols (e.g., 290517 for dodecanol, hexadecanol) if the carbon chain length is not precisely specified as C8.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290516, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290516 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% 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 $187M 21% of world exports
- 2 Germany $128M 14% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $126M 14% of world exports
World total: $900M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $193M 17% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $143M 12% of world imports
- 3 India $89M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 2905.16
Brazil does not split HS 2905.16: its NCM code is 2905.16.00.
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 2905.16
What is HS code 290516?
HS code 290516 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alcohols; saturated monohydric, octanol (octyl alcohol) and isomers thereof. This category includes octanol (octyl alcohol) and its various isomers, which are saturated monohydric alcohols with an eight-carbon chain. These alcohols are highly valued in the chemical industry for their versatility. They serve as intermediates in the production of plasticizers, particularly phthalates, which are used to enhance the flexibility of plastics. Additionally, octanols are key ingredients in the formulation of fragrances, cosmetics, and personal care products, where they act as emollients and solvents. They also find application as defoaming agents in industrial processes. Companies in the plastics, cosmetics, personal care, and specialty chemical sectors are the primary importers and exporters. Their moderate chain length gives them a balance of solubility and oiliness, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
What products fall under HS code 290516?
Dioctyl phthalate (DOP), fragrances, emollients, defoamers, flavorings, surfactants, lubricants
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290516?
Can be confused with other higher fatty alcohols (e.g., 290517 for dodecanol, hexadecanol) if the carbon chain length is not precisely specified as C8.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290516?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290516 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($187M, 21% of world exports), Germany ($128M) and Indonesia ($126M). World exports came to about $900M, 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 290516?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290516 in UN Comtrade data were China ($193M, 17% of world imports), Türkiye ($143M) and India ($89M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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.
How is HS code 290516 structured?
HS code 290516 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 (16) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290516?
In Brazil, HS code 290516 is NCM 2905.16.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.