HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2908.11 – Phenol or phenol-alcohol derivatives containing only halogen substituents and their salts; pentachlorophenol (ISO)
HS code 2908.11 is the 6-digit subheading for phenol or phenol-alcohol derivatives containing only halogen substituents and their salts, pentachlorophenol (ISO). It is used for pentachlorophenol (PCP), sodium pentachlorophenate, PCP-treated wood (for specific, approved applications) and PCP formulations (restricted use).
What HS 2908.11 covers
This HS code is highly specific to pentachlorophenol (PCP) and its salts, a halogenated phenol derivative. Historically, PCP was widely used as a pesticide, fungicide, and wood preservative. However, due to its high toxicity, environmental persistence, and bioaccumulation potential, its international trade and use are now severely restricted or banned in many countries under conventions like the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Any remaining trade is typically for very specific, approved industrial uses (e.g., utility poles in some regions) or for destruction and remediation purposes, involving stringent regulatory oversight and specialized chemical waste management companies. Compliance with international environmental treaties is critical for any trade involving this substance.
- Covers
- Pentachlorophenol (PCP)
- Sodium pentachlorophenate
- PCP-treated wood (for specific, approved applications)
- PCP formulations (restricted use)
- Examples
- Historically used by companies like Dow Chemical (production largely ceased)
- now primarily handled by environmental remediation firms.
Codes often confused with 2908.11
Common mistake. Given its highly restricted status, misclassification with other halogenated phenol derivatives (290819) could lead to severe legal and customs issues, as import/export permits are often required or prohibited.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290811, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290811 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 90% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Sri Lanka, 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 United States $138K 90% of world exports
- 2 Germany $11K 7.5% of world exports
- 3 Colombia $3K 2.2% of world exports
World total: $154K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Sri Lanka $316K 51% of world imports
- 2 Kenya $91K 15% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $79K 13% of world imports
World total: $620K 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 2908.11
Brazil does not split HS 2908.11: its NCM code is 2908.11.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.08 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2908.11
What is HS code 290811?
HS code 290811 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Phenol or phenol-alcohol derivatives containing only halogen substituents and their salts; pentachlorophenol (ISO). This HS code is highly specific to pentachlorophenol (PCP) and its salts, a halogenated phenol derivative. Historically, PCP was widely used as a pesticide, fungicide, and wood preservative. However, due to its high toxicity, environmental persistence, and bioaccumulation potential, its international trade and use are now severely restricted or banned in many countries under conventions like the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Any remaining trade is typically for very specific, approved industrial uses (e.g., utility poles in some regions) or for destruction and remediation purposes, involving stringent regulatory oversight and specialized chemical waste management companies. Compliance with international environmental treaties is critical for any trade involving this substance.
What products fall under HS code 290811?
Pentachlorophenol (PCP), Sodium pentachlorophenate, PCP-treated wood (for specific, approved applications), PCP formulations (restricted use)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290811?
Given its highly restricted status, misclassification with other halogenated phenol derivatives (290819) could lead to severe legal and customs issues, as import/export permits are often required or prohibited.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290811?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290811 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($138K, 90% of world exports), Germany ($11K) and Colombia ($3K). World exports came to about $154K, 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 290811?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290811 in UN Comtrade data were Sri Lanka ($316K, 51% of world imports), Kenya ($91K) and the Netherlands ($79K). World imports came to about $620K, 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 290811 structured?
HS code 290811 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) 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 290811?
In Brazil, HS code 290811 is NCM 2908.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.