HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2905.39 – Alcohols; acyclic, diols, other than ethylene glycol (ethandiol) or propylene glycol (propane-1,2-diol)
HS code 2905.39 is the 6-digit subheading for alcohols, acyclic, diols, other than ethylene glycol (ethandiol) or propylene glycol (propane-1,2-diol). It is used for butanediol (1,4-BD), hexanediol (1,6-HD), pentanediol (1,5-PD), neopentyl glycol and octanediol (1,8-OD).
What HS 2905.39 covers
This HS code covers a diverse range of acyclic diols, excluding the more common ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. These "other" diols are crucial intermediates and solvents in specialized chemical manufacturing, finding applications in polymers, resins, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products where specific properties like higher boiling points or unique solubilities are required. International trade in these compounds is often characterized by smaller volumes compared to their more ubiquitous counterparts, but with higher value per unit. Chemical companies specializing in fine chemicals and custom synthesis are primary exporters, while importers are typically manufacturers requiring specific diols for their proprietary formulations. Understanding the exact chemical structure and purity specifications is paramount for trade under this code, as slight variations can lead to different applications and regulatory classifications. Supply chains can be more niche, and sourcing often involves specialized chemical distributors.
- Covers
- Butanediol (1,4-BD)
- Hexanediol (1,6-HD)
- Pentanediol (1,5-PD)
- Neopentyl glycol
- Octanediol (1,8-OD)
- Cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM)
- Examples
- BASF 1,4-Butanediol
- Invista 1,6-Hexanediol
- Eastman NPG Glycol
- Mitsubishi Chemical 1,5-Pentanediol
Codes often confused with 2905.39
Common mistake. This code is a residual category for acyclic diols, so it's crucial not to misclassify ethylene glycol (290531) or propylene glycol (290532) here. Confusion can also arise with polyhydric alcohols (290549) if the "diol" (two hydroxyl groups) specificity is not strictly observed.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290539, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290539 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 13% 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 $456M 23% of world exports
- 2 United States $314M 16% of world exports
- 3 Germany $290M 14% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $274M 13% of world imports
- 2 China $208M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 Italy $200M 9.4% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 2905.39 4
Brazil splits HS 2905.39 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2905.39.10 2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol (hexylene glycol)2-Metil-2,4-pentanodiol (hexilenoglicol)
- 2905.39.20 Trimethylene glycol (1,3-propanediol)Trimetilenoglicol (1,3-propanodiol)
- 2905.39.30 1,3-Butylene glycol (1,3-butanediol)1,3-Butilenoglicol (1,3-butanodiol)
- 2905.39.90 Other diolsOutros
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 2905.39
What is HS code 290539?
HS code 290539 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alcohols; acyclic, diols, other than ethylene glycol (ethandiol) or propylene glycol (propane-1,2-diol). This HS code covers a diverse range of acyclic diols, excluding the more common ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. These "other" diols are crucial intermediates and solvents in specialized chemical manufacturing, finding applications in polymers, resins, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products where specific properties like higher boiling points or unique solubilities are required. International trade in these compounds is often characterized by smaller volumes compared to their more ubiquitous counterparts, but with higher value per unit. Chemical companies specializing in fine chemicals and custom synthesis are primary exporters, while importers are typically manufacturers requiring specific diols for their proprietary formulations. Understanding the exact chemical structure and purity specifications is paramount for trade under this code, as slight variations can lead to different applications and regulatory classifications. Supply chains can be more niche, and sourcing often involves specialized chemical distributors.
What products fall under HS code 290539?
Butanediol (1,4-BD), Hexanediol (1,6-HD), Pentanediol (1,5-PD), Neopentyl glycol, Octanediol (1,8-OD), Cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290539?
This code is a residual category for acyclic diols, so it's crucial not to misclassify ethylene glycol (290531) or propylene glycol (290532) here. Confusion can also arise with polyhydric alcohols (290549) if the "diol" (two hydroxyl groups) specificity is not strictly observed.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290539?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290539 in UN Comtrade data were China ($456M, 23% of world exports), the United States ($314M) and Germany ($290M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 290539?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290539 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($274M, 13% of world imports), China ($208M) and Italy ($200M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 290539 structured?
HS code 290539 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 (39) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290539?
Brazil splits HS code 290539 into 4 NCM codes: 2905.39.10 (2-Methyl-2,4-pentanediol (hexylene glycol)), 2905.39.20 (Trimethylene glycol (1,3-propanediol)), 2905.39.30 (1,3-Butylene glycol (1,3-butanediol)), 2905.39.90 (Other diols). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.