HS Code 29.06 – Alcohols; cyclic, and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives

HS code 2906 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alcohols; cyclic, and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives. Heading 2906 of the Harmonized System (HS) encompasses cyclic alcohols, which include both alicyclic alcohols (e.g., cyclohexanol) and aromatic alcohols (e.g., benzyl alcohol), along with their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. This classification is critical for chemically defined organic compounds, distinguishing them from mixtures or preparations found in later chapters. The scope specifically covers compounds where the hydroxyl (-OH) group is attached to a carbon atom that is part of a cyclic structure, or to an aliphatic side chain of an aromatic ring, but not directly to the aromatic ring itself (which would be a phenol, covered in 2907). Key sub-categories include menthol and cholesterol, widely used in pharmaceuticals and food. The classification's importance for trade compliance stems from its impact on tariffs, regulatory controls, and trade agreements. For instance, high-purity pharmaceutical-grade cyclic alcohols may have different tariff treatments than industrial-grade variants. Historically, these compounds have been vital building blocks in the chemical industry, underpinning the production of fragrances, flavors, solvents, and intermediates for polymers and other fine chemicals. As part of Chapter 29, this heading ensures that only distinct, chemically defined organic compounds are classified here, providing a precise framework for international trade.

Menthol, Cholesterol, Cyclohexanol, Borneol, Terpineols, Benzyl alcohol, Phenethyl alcohol, Cyclododecanol, myo-Inositol, 4-tert-butylcyclohexanol, 2-phenyl-1-ethanol, 3-cyclohexene-1-methanol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 4-bromocyclohexanol, 2-nitro-1-cyclohexanol, 3-chloro-1-phenylpropan-1-ol, alpha-Ionol, Nerol, Geraniol (cyclic variant), alpha-Terpineol, beta-Phenylethyl alcohol, trans-2-methylcyclohexanol, 4-methylbenzyl alcohol

Common misclassifications for products in heading 2906 often involve confusing them with acyclic alcohols (HS 2905), phenols (HS 2907), or complex mixtures and preparations (HS 3824). Traders might incorrectly classify an acyclic alcohol with a cyclic substituent under 2906 instead of 2905 if the main alcoholic function is on the acyclic part. Phenols (2907) are frequently confused with aromatic alcohols (2906) if the hydroxyl group is directly attached to the aromatic ring, which is the defining characteristic of a phenol. Furthermore, industrial preparations or formulations containing cyclic alcohols as active ingredients, rather than the pure, chemically defined compounds, should be classified under Chapter 38, leading to potential classification errors.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2906 in UN Comtrade data were China ($745M, 33% of world exports), Germany ($303M) and India ($253M). World exports came to about $2.2B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2906 in UN Comtrade data were India ($305M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($244M) and China ($193M). World imports came to about $2.2B, 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.

HS code 2906 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (06) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.