HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 29.08 – Phenols or phenol-alcohols; halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives
What HS 29.08 covers
Heading 2908 covers chemically defined halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives of phenols or phenol-alcohols. This classification is a direct extension of heading 2907, focusing on modifications to the basic phenol or phenol-alcohol structure through the introduction of specific functional groups. These derivatives often possess enhanced or altered chemical properties, making them suitable for specialized industrial applications. For instance, halogenated phenols are frequently used as biocides or flame retardants, while nitrophenols are important dye intermediates. The scope is strictly limited to chemically defined compounds, ensuring they are not confused with mixtures or formulated products found in Chapter 38. The importance of accurate classification under 2908 for trade compliance is significant, as many of these derivatives are subject to stringent environmental regulations, import/export controls, and specific tariff rates. Historically, the development of these derivatives has expanded the utility of basic phenols, providing solutions for industrial challenges ranging from pest control to material stabilization. As part of Chapter 29, this heading maintains the integrity of classifying pure organic chemicals.
- Covers
- 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol
- Pentachlorophenol (PCP)
- 2,4-Dinitrophenol
- Picric acid (Trinitrophenol)
- P-Nitrophenol
- Chloroxylenol
- 4-Chlororesorcinol
- 2-Bromophenol
- 4-Nitrocatechol
- Sodium Phenolsulfonate
- Phenolsulfonic acid
- 4-Chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol
- 2,4-Dibromophenol
- 2-Iodo-4-chlorophenol
- 4-Chloro-2-methylphenol
- 2-Amino-4-nitrophenol (nitro derivative)
- 4-Nitroguaiacol
- 2-Chloro-4-nitrophenol
- 2,6-Dibromo-4-methylphenol
- 4-Sulfophenol
- Examples
A chemical company in India exports 2,4-Dinitrophenol, classified under 2908, to Germany for use as a dye intermediate in the textile industry, with shipments typically sent by sea freight. A manufacturer in China produces and exports Pentachlorophenol (PCP) to certain developing countries (where its use is still permitted) for wood preservation, requiring strict adherence to hazardous material shipping regulations. A European specialty chemical firm imports Bromophenols from the United States for synthesis into flame retardants, relying on established transatlantic shipping routes and preferential trade agreement terms.
Subheadings under 29.08 5
Codes often confused with 29.08
Common mistake. A common mistake when classifying under HS 2908 is to confuse these derivatives with the parent phenols (2907) or with other halogenated organic compounds (e.g., 2903 for hydrocarbons, 2904 for non-aromatic derivatives). Traders might overlook the specific halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated modification and incorrectly classify a derivative under 2907. Conversely, some might incorrectly classify a halogenated aromatic compound that is not a phenol (e.g., chlorobenzene) under 2908 instead of 2903. Additionally, preparations containing these derivatives, such as formulated pesticides or flame retardant mixtures, should be classified in Chapter 38, not as the pure chemical under 2908, leading to potential compliance issues.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 2908, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2908 in UN Comtrade data was Jordan, with about 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 51% 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 Jordan* ~$178M 33% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Israel $103M 19% of world exports
- 3 China $53M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $542M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $289M 51% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $42M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 United States $36M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $569M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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.
Questions about HS 29.08
What is HS code 2908?
HS code 2908 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Phenols or phenol-alcohols; halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives. Heading 2908 covers chemically defined halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives of phenols or phenol-alcohols. This classification is a direct extension of heading 2907, focusing on modifications to the basic phenol or phenol-alcohol structure through the introduction of specific functional groups. These derivatives often possess enhanced or altered chemical properties, making them suitable for specialized industrial applications. For instance, halogenated phenols are frequently used as biocides or flame retardants, while nitrophenols are important dye intermediates. The scope is strictly limited to chemically defined compounds, ensuring they are not confused with mixtures or formulated products found in Chapter 38. The importance of accurate classification under 2908 for trade compliance is significant, as many of these derivatives are subject to stringent environmental regulations, import/export controls, and specific tariff rates. Historically, the development of these derivatives has expanded the utility of basic phenols, providing solutions for industrial challenges ranging from pest control to material stabilization. As part of Chapter 29, this heading maintains the integrity of classifying pure organic chemicals.
What products fall under HS code 2908?
2,4,6-Trichlorophenol, Pentachlorophenol (PCP), 2,4-Dinitrophenol, Picric acid (Trinitrophenol), p-Nitrophenol, Chloroxylenol, 4-Chlororesorcinol, 2-Bromophenol, 4-Nitrocatechol, Sodium Phenolsulfonate, Phenolsulfonic acid, 4-Chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol, 2,4-Dibromophenol, 2-Iodo-4-chlorophenol, 4-Chloro-2-methylphenol, 2-Amino-4-nitrophenol (nitro derivative), 4-Nitroguaiacol, 2-Chloro-4-nitrophenol, 2,6-Dibromo-4-methylphenol, 4-Sulfophenol
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2908?
A common mistake when classifying under HS 2908 is to confuse these derivatives with the parent phenols (2907) or with other halogenated organic compounds (e.g., 2903 for hydrocarbons, 2904 for non-aromatic derivatives). Traders might overlook the specific halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated modification and incorrectly classify a derivative under 2907. Conversely, some might incorrectly classify a halogenated aromatic compound that is not a phenol (e.g., chlorobenzene) under 2908 instead of 2903. Additionally, preparations containing these derivatives, such as formulated pesticides or flame retardant mixtures, should be classified in Chapter 38, not as the pure chemical under 2908, leading to potential compliance issues.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2908?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2908 in UN Comtrade data were Jordan (about $178M, 33% of world exports), Israel ($103M) and China ($53M). World exports came to about $542M, 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 2908?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2908 in UN Comtrade data were China ($289M, 51% of world imports), South Korea ($42M) and the United States ($36M). World imports came to about $569M, 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 2908 structured?
HS code 2908 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (08) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.