HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2905.45 – Alcohols; polyhydric, glycerol
HS code 2905.45 is the 6-digit subheading for alcohols, polyhydric, glycerol. It is used for refined glycerine USP, crude glycerine, vegetable glycerine, synthetic glycerine and glycerol monostearate.
What HS 2905.45 covers
Glycerol, commonly known as glycerine, is a highly versatile polyhydric alcohol with extensive international trade, driven by its wide range of applications across numerous industries. It serves as a humectant, solvent, and sweetener, and is a crucial building block for various chemicals. Its global demand stems from the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and beverage, and chemical industries, particularly in the production of personal care products, processed foods, and alkyd resins. Key exporters include major chemical producers and biodiesel manufacturers (as a byproduct), while importers are diverse, ranging from consumer goods giants to specialized chemical formulators. Traders must differentiate between crude and refined grades (e.g., USP/EP grade) and understand the implications for purity and application. The market for glycerol is significantly influenced by the biodiesel industry, as it is a co-product, leading to price volatility based on biofuel production levels.
- Covers
- Refined glycerine USP
- Crude glycerine
- Vegetable glycerine
- Synthetic glycerine
- Glycerol monostearate
- Examples
- Dow Glycerine
- Wilmar International Glycerine
- P&G Chemicals Glycerine
- KLK Oleo Glycerine
Codes often confused with 2905.45
Common mistake. Glycerol is distinct but can sometimes be broadly grouped with other polyhydric alcohols under 290549 if its specific identity is not clearly established. It's crucial to correctly classify glycerol here, given its unique chemical structure and widespread industrial importance, rather than as a general "other" polyol.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290545, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290545 in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% 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 Indonesia $905M 35% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $468M 18% of world exports
- 3 Germany $386M 15% of world exports
World total: $2.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $635M 25% of world imports
- 2 United States $220M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $103M 4.0% of world imports
World total: $2.6B 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 2905.45
Brazil does not split HS 2905.45: its NCM code is 2905.45.00.
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 2905.45
What is HS code 290545?
HS code 290545 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alcohols; polyhydric, glycerol. Glycerol, commonly known as glycerine, is a highly versatile polyhydric alcohol with extensive international trade, driven by its wide range of applications across numerous industries. It serves as a humectant, solvent, and sweetener, and is a crucial building block for various chemicals. Its global demand stems from the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and beverage, and chemical industries, particularly in the production of personal care products, processed foods, and alkyd resins. Key exporters include major chemical producers and biodiesel manufacturers (as a byproduct), while importers are diverse, ranging from consumer goods giants to specialized chemical formulators. Traders must differentiate between crude and refined grades (e.g., USP/EP grade) and understand the implications for purity and application. The market for glycerol is significantly influenced by the biodiesel industry, as it is a co-product, leading to price volatility based on biofuel production levels.
What products fall under HS code 290545?
Refined glycerine USP, Crude glycerine, Vegetable glycerine, Synthetic glycerine, Glycerol monostearate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290545?
Glycerol is distinct but can sometimes be broadly grouped with other polyhydric alcohols under 290549 if its specific identity is not clearly established. It's crucial to correctly classify glycerol here, given its unique chemical structure and widespread industrial importance, rather than as a general "other" polyol.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290545?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290545 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($905M, 35% of world exports), Malaysia ($468M) and Germany ($386M). World exports came to about $2.6B, 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 290545?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290545 in UN Comtrade data were China ($635M, 25% of world imports), the United States ($220M) and the Netherlands ($103M). World imports came to about $2.6B, 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 290545 structured?
HS code 290545 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 (45) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290545?
In Brazil, HS code 290545 is NCM 2905.45.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.