HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2905.32 – Alcohols; acyclic, diols; propylene glycol (propane-1, 2-diol)
HS code 2905.32 is the 6-digit subheading for alcohols, acyclic, diols, propylene glycol (propane-1, 2-diol). It is used for propylene glycol USP, industrial-grade propylene glycol, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol alginate and propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate.
What HS 2905.32 covers
Propylene glycol is a versatile chemical compound widely traded globally, primarily used as a solvent, humectant, and preservative in various industries. Its international trade is driven by demand from the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and beverage, and automotive sectors. Major chemical manufacturers and distributors are key players in its export, while countries with robust manufacturing industries for consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and food processing are significant importers. Key things to know include its "food-grade" (USP/EP) and industrial-grade distinctions, which dictate its applications and regulatory requirements. The stability of its supply chain is crucial for industries relying on it for formulations, and price fluctuations can impact production costs. Environmental regulations regarding its disposal and use, though generally considered safe, are also important considerations for traders. Its role as a base for antifreeze and de-icing fluids also sees seasonal demand shifts.
- Covers
- Propylene glycol USP
- Industrial-grade propylene glycol
- Propylene glycol monomethyl ether
- Propylene glycol alginate
- Propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate
- Examples
- Dow PuraGuard Propylene Glycol USP/EP
- LyondellBasell Propylene Glycol
- BASF Propylene Glycol
- Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Propylene Glycol
Codes often confused with 2905.32
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 290531 (Ethylene glycol) due to both being acyclic diols, but propylene glycol has an extra carbon atom. It might also be mistaken for other polyols under 290549 if its specific diol nature is overlooked.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290532, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290532 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 6.5% 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 China $266M 18% of world exports
- 2 Germany $236M 16% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $169M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $94M 6.5% of world imports
- 2 France $90M 6.2% of world imports
- 3 Italy $70M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 2905.32
Brazil does not split HS 2905.32: its NCM code is 2905.32.00.
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 2905.32
What is HS code 290532?
HS code 290532 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alcohols; acyclic, diols; propylene glycol (propane-1, 2-diol). Propylene glycol is a versatile chemical compound widely traded globally, primarily used as a solvent, humectant, and preservative in various industries. Its international trade is driven by demand from the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and beverage, and automotive sectors. Major chemical manufacturers and distributors are key players in its export, while countries with robust manufacturing industries for consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and food processing are significant importers. Key things to know include its "food-grade" (USP/EP) and industrial-grade distinctions, which dictate its applications and regulatory requirements. The stability of its supply chain is crucial for industries relying on it for formulations, and price fluctuations can impact production costs. Environmental regulations regarding its disposal and use, though generally considered safe, are also important considerations for traders. Its role as a base for antifreeze and de-icing fluids also sees seasonal demand shifts.
What products fall under HS code 290532?
Propylene glycol USP, Industrial-grade propylene glycol, Propylene glycol monomethyl ether, Propylene glycol alginate, Propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290532?
This code can be confused with 290531 (Ethylene glycol) due to both being acyclic diols, but propylene glycol has an extra carbon atom. It might also be mistaken for other polyols under 290549 if its specific diol nature is overlooked.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290532?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290532 in UN Comtrade data were China ($266M, 18% of world exports), Germany ($236M) and Thailand ($169M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 290532?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290532 in UN Comtrade data were India ($94M, 6.5% of world imports), France ($90M) and Italy ($70M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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.
How is HS code 290532 structured?
HS code 290532 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 (32) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290532?
In Brazil, HS code 290532 is NCM 2905.32.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.