HS Code 29.07 – Phenols; monophenols, polyphenols, and phenol-alcohols

HS code 2907 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Phenols; monophenols, polyphenols, and phenol-alcohols. Heading 2907 encompasses phenols, monophenols, polyphenols, and phenol-alcohols, all of which are chemically defined organic compounds. The defining characteristic of a phenol is the presence of one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups directly attached to an aromatic hydrocarbon ring. Monophenols contain one hydroxyl group (e.g., phenol, cresol), while polyphenols have two or more (e.g., resorcinol, hydroquinone). Phenol-alcohols combine both phenolic and alcoholic hydroxyl groups within their structure. This heading is crucial for distinguishing these fundamental aromatic compounds from other alcohols (2906) or derivatives (2908). These chemicals serve as vital intermediates in the production of plastics, resins, dyes, disinfectants, and antioxidants. Their classification under Chapter 29 signifies their status as pure, distinct chemical entities rather than mixtures or formulated products. The precise classification under 2907 is paramount for trade compliance, affecting import duties, export controls, and adherence to chemical safety regulations globally. Historically, phenols have been cornerstones of the chemical industry since the 19th century, with their diverse applications driving continuous innovation and trade in various sectors from pharmaceuticals to materials science.

Phenol, o-Cresol, m-Cresol, p-Cresol, Resorcinol, Hydroquinone, Catechol, Pyrogallol, Bisphenol A (BPA), Thymol, Eugenol, Nonylphenol, Octylphenol, Guaiacol, 4-tert-butylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT), Propyl gallate, Xylenols, Chloroxylenol, 4-nitrophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2-nitrophenol, 3,4-dimethoxyphenol, 4-aminophenol

Misclassification of phenols under HS 2907 commonly occurs when confusing them with aromatic alcohols (2906), where the hydroxyl group is on an aliphatic side chain, not directly on the aromatic ring. Another frequent error is classifying derivatives of phenols (e.g., halogenated, nitrated) under 2907 instead of the more specific heading 2908. Furthermore, preparations containing phenols, such as disinfectants or formulated resins, should be classified in Chapter 38 or Chapter 39, respectively, rather than as the pure chemical under 2907. Correctly identifying the functional group attachment and the presence of additional substituents is crucial to avoid these errors.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2907 in UN Comtrade data were China ($493M, 13% of world exports), South Korea ($408M) and Taiwan (about $397M). World exports came to about $3.9B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 5.1% of its exports here ($30M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2907 in UN Comtrade data were India ($643M, 14% of world imports), Germany ($420M) and China ($391M). World imports came to about $4.7B, 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 2907 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (07) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.