HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2905.42 – Alcohols; polyhydric, pentaerythritol
HS code 2905.42 is the 6-digit subheading for alcohols, polyhydric, pentaerythritol. It is used for pentaerythritol (PE), pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), pentaerythritol triacrylate, pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate) and dipentaerythritol.
What HS 2905.42 covers
Pentaerythritol is a crucial polyhydric alcohol with four hydroxyl groups, making it a highly versatile chemical intermediate widely traded across the globe. Its international trade is primarily fueled by its extensive use in the production of alkyd resins for paints and coatings, synthetic lubricants, plasticizers, and flame retardants. Major chemical manufacturers and specialized distributors are key exporters, while countries with significant manufacturing bases for paints, plastics, and industrial chemicals are major importers. Key considerations for traders include the different grades available (e.g., technical grade, pure grade) and their impact on end-product performance. The global supply chain for pentaerythritol is sensitive to the availability and pricing of its raw materials, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. Its ability to impart hardness, durability, and heat resistance makes it indispensable in many industrial applications, linking its demand to construction, automotive, and electronics sectors.
- Covers
- Pentaerythritol (PE)
- Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN)
- Pentaerythritol triacrylate
- Pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate)
- Dipentaerythritol
- Examples
- Perstorp Pentaerythritol
- BASF Pentaerythritol
- Mitsui Chemicals Pentaerythritol
- Ercros Pentaerythritol
Codes often confused with 2905.42
Common mistake. This code is specific to pentaerythritol and should not be confused with other polyhydric alcohols like trimethylolpropane (290541) or glycerol (290545), which have different numbers of hydroxyl groups and distinct applications. Careful chemical identification is essential to avoid misclassification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290542, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290542 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 $98M 41% of world exports
- 2 Germany $61M 25% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$39M 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $239M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $48M 13% of world imports
- 2 Italy $31M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 India $28M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $369M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 2905.42
Brazil does not split HS 2905.42: its NCM code is 2905.42.00.
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 2905.42
What is HS code 290542?
HS code 290542 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alcohols; polyhydric, pentaerythritol. Pentaerythritol is a crucial polyhydric alcohol with four hydroxyl groups, making it a highly versatile chemical intermediate widely traded across the globe. Its international trade is primarily fueled by its extensive use in the production of alkyd resins for paints and coatings, synthetic lubricants, plasticizers, and flame retardants. Major chemical manufacturers and specialized distributors are key exporters, while countries with significant manufacturing bases for paints, plastics, and industrial chemicals are major importers. Key considerations for traders include the different grades available (e.g., technical grade, pure grade) and their impact on end-product performance. The global supply chain for pentaerythritol is sensitive to the availability and pricing of its raw materials, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. Its ability to impart hardness, durability, and heat resistance makes it indispensable in many industrial applications, linking its demand to construction, automotive, and electronics sectors.
What products fall under HS code 290542?
Pentaerythritol (PE), Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), Pentaerythritol triacrylate, Pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate), Dipentaerythritol
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290542?
This code is specific to pentaerythritol and should not be confused with other polyhydric alcohols like trimethylolpropane (290541) or glycerol (290545), which have different numbers of hydroxyl groups and distinct applications. Careful chemical identification is essential to avoid misclassification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290542?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290542 in UN Comtrade data were China ($98M, 41% of world exports), Germany ($61M) and Taiwan (about $39M). World exports came to about $239M, 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 290542?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290542 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($48M, 13% of world imports), Italy ($31M) and India ($28M). World imports came to about $369M, 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 290542 structured?
HS code 290542 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 (42) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290542?
In Brazil, HS code 290542 is NCM 2905.42.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.