HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2905.59 – Alcohols; acyclic; halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives thereof, other than ethchlorvynol (INN)
HS code 2905.59 is the 6-digit subheading for alcohols, acyclic, halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives thereof, other than ethchlorvynol (INN). It is used for chloral hydrate, trichloroethanol, sulfonated fatty alcohols, nitrated propanols and brominated butanols.
What HS 2905.59 covers
This category encompasses a broad array of acyclic alcohol derivatives that have undergone halogenation, sulfonation, nitration, or nitrosation, specifically excluding ethchlorvynol. These compounds serve as crucial intermediates in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, plastics, and specialty chemicals. They are valued for their specific chemical properties, which can impart flame retardancy, solvent capabilities, or reactivity for further synthesis. Key players in this trade are large chemical corporations, pharmaceutical ingredient suppliers, and distributors catering to industrial clients. The global supply chain for these derivatives is complex, driven by demand for end products ranging from medicines to industrial coatings, requiring careful handling and adherence to safety and environmental regulations.
- Covers
- Chloral hydrate
- Trichloroethanol
- Sulfonated fatty alcohols
- Nitrated propanols
- Brominated butanols
- Halogenated polyols
- Glycidol derivatives
- Examples
- BASF's specialty alcohols
- Dow Chemical's industrial intermediates
- Arkema's performance additives
- Evonik's chemical building blocks
Codes often confused with 2905.59
Common mistake. Often confused with 290551 if the specific exclusion of ethchlorvynol is missed, or with other halogenated hydrocarbons in 2903 if the alcohol function is not clearly identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290559, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290559 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 19% 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 $83M 44% of world exports
- 2 Germany $19M 10% of world exports
- 3 Spain $15M 7.8% of world exports
World total: $192M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $39M 19% of world imports
- 2 United States $26M 13% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $15M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $204M 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 2905.59 2
Brazil splits HS 2905.59 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
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 2905.59
What is HS code 290559?
HS code 290559 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alcohols; acyclic; halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives thereof, other than ethchlorvynol (INN). This category encompasses a broad array of acyclic alcohol derivatives that have undergone halogenation, sulfonation, nitration, or nitrosation, specifically excluding ethchlorvynol. These compounds serve as crucial intermediates in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, plastics, and specialty chemicals. They are valued for their specific chemical properties, which can impart flame retardancy, solvent capabilities, or reactivity for further synthesis. Key players in this trade are large chemical corporations, pharmaceutical ingredient suppliers, and distributors catering to industrial clients. The global supply chain for these derivatives is complex, driven by demand for end products ranging from medicines to industrial coatings, requiring careful handling and adherence to safety and environmental regulations.
What products fall under HS code 290559?
Chloral hydrate, Trichloroethanol, Sulfonated fatty alcohols, Nitrated propanols, Brominated butanols, Halogenated polyols, Glycidol derivatives
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290559?
Often confused with 290551 if the specific exclusion of ethchlorvynol is missed, or with other halogenated hydrocarbons in 2903 if the alcohol function is not clearly identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290559?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290559 in UN Comtrade data were China ($83M, 44% of world exports), Germany ($19M) and Spain ($15M). World exports came to about $192M, 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 290559?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290559 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($39M, 19% of world imports), the United States ($26M) and Indonesia ($15M). World imports came to about $204M, 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 290559 structured?
HS code 290559 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 (59) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290559?
Brazil splits HS code 290559 into 2 NCM codes: 2905.59.10 (Chloral hydrate), 2905.59.90 (Other derivatives of acyclic alcohols). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.