HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2905.17 – Alcohols; saturated monohydric, dodecan-1-ol (lauryl alcohol), hexadecan-1-ol (cetyl alcohol) and octadecan-1-ol (stearyl alcohol)
HS code 2905.17 is the 6-digit subheading for alcohols, saturated monohydric, dodecan-1-ol (lauryl alcohol), hexadecan-1-ol (cetyl alcohol) and octadecan-1-ol (stearyl alcohol). It is used for shampoos, conditioners, lotions, creams and detergents.
What HS 2905.17 covers
This HS code covers specific long-chain saturated monohydric alcohols: dodecan-1-ol (lauryl alcohol), hexadecan-1-ol (cetyl alcohol), and octadecan-1-ol (stearyl alcohol). These are commonly known as fatty alcohols and are indispensable in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and detergent industries. They function as emollients, emulsifiers, thickeners, and stabilizers in a vast array of products. Lauryl alcohol is often used in detergents and surfactants, while cetyl and stearyl alcohols are prevalent in creams, lotions, and hair conditioners due to their skin-conditioning properties. Importers and exporters include major personal care, pharmaceutical, and detergent manufacturers. Key aspects involve their origin, often derived from natural fats and oils (like coconut or palm kernel oil) or petrochemicals, and their role in enhancing product texture and stability.
- Covers
- Shampoos
- Conditioners
- Lotions
- Creams
- Detergents
- Emulsifiers
- Pharmaceutical excipients
- Waxes
- Examples
- Dove Body Wash (cetyl alcohol)
- L'Oréal Hair Conditioner (stearyl alcohol)
- BASF Fatty Alcohols
- Croda Fatty Alcohols
Codes often confused with 2905.17
Common mistake. Sometimes confused with other fatty alcohols not specifically listed here (e.g., 290519) or with fatty acids (Chapter 38) if not clearly identified as alcohols.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290517, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290517 in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% 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 Malaysia $405M 47% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $167M 19% of world exports
- 3 Philippines $108M 12% of world exports
World total: $862M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $165M 24% of world imports
- 2 United States $72M 11% of world imports
- 3 Japan $67M 9.8% of world imports
World total: $687M 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 codes for 2905.17 3
Brazil splits HS 2905.17 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2905.17.10 Lauryl alcohol (dodecan-1-ol)Álcool láurico
- 2905.17.20 Cetyl alcohol (hexadecan-1-ol)Álcool cetílico
- 2905.17.30 Stearyl alcohol (octadecan-1-ol)Álcool esteárico
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 2905.17
What is HS code 290517?
HS code 290517 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alcohols; saturated monohydric, dodecan-1-ol (lauryl alcohol), hexadecan-1-ol (cetyl alcohol) and octadecan-1-ol (stearyl alcohol). This HS code covers specific long-chain saturated monohydric alcohols: dodecan-1-ol (lauryl alcohol), hexadecan-1-ol (cetyl alcohol), and octadecan-1-ol (stearyl alcohol). These are commonly known as fatty alcohols and are indispensable in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and detergent industries. They function as emollients, emulsifiers, thickeners, and stabilizers in a vast array of products. Lauryl alcohol is often used in detergents and surfactants, while cetyl and stearyl alcohols are prevalent in creams, lotions, and hair conditioners due to their skin-conditioning properties. Importers and exporters include major personal care, pharmaceutical, and detergent manufacturers. Key aspects involve their origin, often derived from natural fats and oils (like coconut or palm kernel oil) or petrochemicals, and their role in enhancing product texture and stability.
What products fall under HS code 290517?
Shampoos, conditioners, lotions, creams, detergents, emulsifiers, pharmaceutical excipients, waxes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290517?
Sometimes confused with other fatty alcohols not specifically listed here (e.g., 290519) or with fatty acids (Chapter 38) if not clearly identified as alcohols.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290517?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290517 in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($405M, 47% of world exports), Indonesia ($167M) and the Philippines ($108M). World exports came to about $862M, 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 290517?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290517 in UN Comtrade data were China ($165M, 24% of world imports), the United States ($72M) and Japan ($67M). World imports came to about $687M, 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 290517 structured?
HS code 290517 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 (17) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290517?
Brazil splits HS code 290517 into 3 NCM codes: 2905.17.10 (Lauryl alcohol (dodecan-1-ol)), 2905.17.20 (Cetyl alcohol (hexadecan-1-ol)), 2905.17.30 (Stearyl alcohol (octadecan-1-ol)). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.