HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2905.49 – Alcohols; polyhydric, n.e.c. in item no. 2905.4
HS code 2905.49 is the 6-digit subheading for alcohols, polyhydric, n.e.c. in item no. 2905.4. It is used for xylitol, erythritol, maltitol, isomalt and diglycerol.
What HS 2905.49 covers
This HS code serves as a residual category for "other" polyhydric alcohols not specifically enumerated in subheadings 2905.41 through 2905.45. These compounds are typically specialized chemical intermediates used in niche applications within the polymer, pharmaceutical, and fine chemical industries, where their unique properties (e.g., specific number of hydroxyl groups, molecular weight, or stereochemistry) are critical. International trade in these "other" polyols is often characterized by smaller volumes, higher value, and specialized supply chains involving chemical manufacturers focused on custom synthesis or proprietary formulations. Importers are usually R&D-intensive companies or manufacturers requiring specific, less common polyols for advanced materials or drug synthesis. Key considerations for traders include precise chemical identification, purity specifications, and compliance with specific industry standards, as misidentification can lead to significant issues in downstream applications.
- Covers
- Xylitol
- Erythritol
- Maltitol
- Isomalt
- Diglycerol
- Polyglycerol
- Inositol
- Examples
- Roquette Xylitol
- Cargill Erythritol
- Mitsubishi Chemical Maltitol
- Lonza Polyglycerol
Codes often confused with 2905.49
Common mistake. This "n.e.c." (not elsewhere specified) code is prone to misclassification if specific polyhydric alcohols like trimethylolpropane (290541), pentaerythritol (290542), mannitol (290543), sorbitol (290544), or glycerol (290545) are incorrectly placed here instead of their dedicated codes. It's essential to ensure the product truly falls outside those specific categories.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290549, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290549 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 $272M 55% of world exports
- 2 France $68M 14% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $47M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $495M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $68M 11% of world imports
- 2 Poland $48M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $45M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $600M 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 2905.49
Brazil does not split HS 2905.49: its NCM code is 2905.49.00.
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 2905.49
What is HS code 290549?
HS code 290549 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alcohols; polyhydric, n.e.c. in item no. 2905.4. This HS code serves as a residual category for "other" polyhydric alcohols not specifically enumerated in subheadings 2905.41 through 2905.45. These compounds are typically specialized chemical intermediates used in niche applications within the polymer, pharmaceutical, and fine chemical industries, where their unique properties (e.g., specific number of hydroxyl groups, molecular weight, or stereochemistry) are critical. International trade in these "other" polyols is often characterized by smaller volumes, higher value, and specialized supply chains involving chemical manufacturers focused on custom synthesis or proprietary formulations. Importers are usually R&D-intensive companies or manufacturers requiring specific, less common polyols for advanced materials or drug synthesis. Key considerations for traders include precise chemical identification, purity specifications, and compliance with specific industry standards, as misidentification can lead to significant issues in downstream applications.
What products fall under HS code 290549?
Xylitol, Erythritol, Maltitol, Isomalt, Diglycerol, Polyglycerol, Inositol
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290549?
This "n.e.c." (not elsewhere specified) code is prone to misclassification if specific polyhydric alcohols like trimethylolpropane (290541), pentaerythritol (290542), mannitol (290543), sorbitol (290544), or glycerol (290545) are incorrectly placed here instead of their dedicated codes. It's essential to ensure the product truly falls outside those specific categories.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290549?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290549 in UN Comtrade data were China ($272M, 55% of world exports), France ($68M) and the Netherlands ($47M). World exports came to about $495M, 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 290549?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290549 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($68M, 11% of world imports), Poland ($48M) and Germany ($45M). World imports came to about $600M, 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 290549 structured?
HS code 290549 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 (49) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290549?
In Brazil, HS code 290549 is NCM 2905.49.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.