HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2906.11 – Alcohols; cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic and derivatives, menthol
HS code 2906.11 is the 6-digit subheading for alcohols, cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic and derivatives, menthol. It is used for L-Menthol crystals, synthetic menthol, peppermint oil (menthol content), menthol powder and D-Menthol.
What HS 2906.11 covers
This HS code covers cyclanic, cyclenic, or cycloterpenic alcohols and their derivatives, specifically focusing on menthol. Menthol is a key ingredient in a vast array of consumer products due to its cooling sensation and distinctive aroma. In international trade, it's primarily imported and exported by pharmaceutical companies for cough and cold remedies, confectionery manufacturers for candies and chewing gum, and cosmetic firms for oral hygiene products and topical pain relievers. The trade often involves bulk shipments of L-menthol crystals, both natural (derived from peppermint oil) and synthetic. Key things to know include the purity requirements for different applications (e.g., pharmaceutical vs. food grade) and the impact of agricultural yields on natural menthol prices. Major players are often large chemical producers and flavor & fragrance houses.
- Covers
- L-Menthol crystals
- Synthetic menthol
- Peppermint oil (menthol content)
- Menthol powder
- D-Menthol
- Racemic menthol
- Examples
- Vicks VapoRub
- Halls cough drops
- Wrigley's Spearmint gum
- Carmex lip balm
- Tiger Balm
Codes often confused with 2906.11
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 3004.90 (medicaments containing menthol) if the product is a finished pharmaceutical, or 3301.25 (peppermint oil) if traded as an essential oil rather than isolated menthol.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290611, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290611 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 22% 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 $191M 30% of world exports
- 2 Germany $143M 22% of world exports
- 3 India $122M 19% of world exports
World total: $641M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $143M 22% of world imports
- 2 China $103M 16% of world imports
- 3 United States $69M 10% of world imports
World total: $663M 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 2906.11
Brazil does not split HS 2906.11: its NCM code is 2906.11.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.06 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2906.11
What is HS code 290611?
HS code 290611 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alcohols; cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic and derivatives, menthol. This HS code covers cyclanic, cyclenic, or cycloterpenic alcohols and their derivatives, specifically focusing on menthol. Menthol is a key ingredient in a vast array of consumer products due to its cooling sensation and distinctive aroma. In international trade, it's primarily imported and exported by pharmaceutical companies for cough and cold remedies, confectionery manufacturers for candies and chewing gum, and cosmetic firms for oral hygiene products and topical pain relievers. The trade often involves bulk shipments of L-menthol crystals, both natural (derived from peppermint oil) and synthetic. Key things to know include the purity requirements for different applications (e.g., pharmaceutical vs. food grade) and the impact of agricultural yields on natural menthol prices. Major players are often large chemical producers and flavor & fragrance houses.
What products fall under HS code 290611?
L-Menthol crystals, Synthetic menthol, Peppermint oil (menthol content), Menthol powder, D-Menthol, Racemic menthol
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290611?
This code can be confused with 3004.90 (medicaments containing menthol) if the product is a finished pharmaceutical, or 3301.25 (peppermint oil) if traded as an essential oil rather than isolated menthol.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290611?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290611 in UN Comtrade data were China ($191M, 30% of world exports), Germany ($143M) and India ($122M). World exports came to about $641M, 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 290611?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290611 in UN Comtrade data were India ($143M, 22% of world imports), China ($103M) and the United States ($69M). World imports came to about $663M, 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 290611 structured?
HS code 290611 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290611?
In Brazil, HS code 290611 is NCM 2906.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.