HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2905.31 – Alcohols; acyclic, diols; ethylene glycol (ethanediol)
HS code 2905.31 is the 6-digit subheading for alcohols, acyclic, diols, ethylene glycol (ethanediol). It is used for antifreeze, coolant, polyester fibers, PET plastic bottles and heat transfer fluids.
What HS 2905.31 covers
Ethylene glycol (EG), also known as ethanediol, is a crucial acyclic diol, meaning it contains two hydroxyl groups. It is a high-volume commodity chemical with diverse industrial applications. Its primary use is as an antifreeze agent in automotive coolants and de-icing fluids due to its low freezing point and high boiling point. Furthermore, EG is a vital monomer in the production of polyester fibers and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins, which are extensively used in textiles and plastic bottles. Major importers and exporters include chemical giants, automotive fluid manufacturers, and textile and plastics producers. Key aspects include its toxicity, excellent heat transfer properties, and its role as a fundamental building block for a vast array of consumer and industrial products, making it a cornerstone of modern manufacturing.
- Covers
- Antifreeze
- Coolant
- Polyester fibers
- PET plastic bottles
- Heat transfer fluids
- De-icing fluids
- Unsaturated polyester resins
- Examples
- Prestone Antifreeze
- DuPont Polyester
- Coca-Cola PET bottles (made from PET resin)
- BASF Ethylene Glycol
Codes often confused with 2905.31
Common mistake. Can be confused with other glycols like propylene glycol (290532) or diethylene glycol (290941) if not specifically identified as ethylene glycol.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290531, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290531 in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 48% 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 Saudi Arabia $3.0B 40% of world exports
- 2 United States $1.6B 21% of world exports
- 3 Kuwait $853M 12% of world exports
World total: $7.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $4.0B 48% of world imports
- 2 India $676M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $606M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $8.3B 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 2905.31
Brazil does not split HS 2905.31: its NCM code is 2905.31.00.
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 2905.31
What is HS code 290531?
HS code 290531 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alcohols; acyclic, diols; ethylene glycol (ethanediol). Ethylene glycol (EG), also known as ethanediol, is a crucial acyclic diol, meaning it contains two hydroxyl groups. It is a high-volume commodity chemical with diverse industrial applications. Its primary use is as an antifreeze agent in automotive coolants and de-icing fluids due to its low freezing point and high boiling point. Furthermore, EG is a vital monomer in the production of polyester fibers and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins, which are extensively used in textiles and plastic bottles. Major importers and exporters include chemical giants, automotive fluid manufacturers, and textile and plastics producers. Key aspects include its toxicity, excellent heat transfer properties, and its role as a fundamental building block for a vast array of consumer and industrial products, making it a cornerstone of modern manufacturing.
What products fall under HS code 290531?
Antifreeze, coolant, polyester fibers, PET plastic bottles, heat transfer fluids, de-icing fluids, unsaturated polyester resins
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290531?
Can be confused with other glycols like propylene glycol (290532) or diethylene glycol (290941) if not specifically identified as ethylene glycol.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290531?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290531 in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($3.0B, 40% of world exports), the United States ($1.6B) and Kuwait ($853M). World exports came to about $7.4B, 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 290531?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290531 in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.0B, 48% of world imports), India ($676M) and Türkiye ($606M). World imports came to about $8.3B, 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 290531 structured?
HS code 290531 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 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290531?
In Brazil, HS code 290531 is NCM 2905.31.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.