HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2908.91 – Phenol or phenol-alcohol derivatives, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives thereof; dinoseb (ISO) and its salts
HS code 2908.91 is the 6-digit subheading for phenol or phenol-alcohol derivatives, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives thereof, dinoseb (ISO) and its salts. It is used for dinoseb, dinoseb acetate, dinoseb salts, dinoseb formulations (restricted use) and 2-sec-Butyl-4,6-dinitrophenol.
What HS 2908.91 covers
This HS code specifically covers dinoseb (ISO) and its salts, a nitrated phenol derivative. Dinoseb was historically used as a powerful herbicide and insecticide in agriculture. However, due to its high toxicity to humans and wildlife, and its potential for environmental persistence, its international trade and use are now severely restricted or banned in most countries under international conventions. Any remaining trade is typically for very specific, approved legacy uses, or for the purpose of destruction and safe disposal, involving strict regulatory oversight. Companies involved in such trade must navigate complex international chemical regulations and obtain specific permits, highlighting the hazardous nature of this substance.
- Covers
- Dinoseb
- Dinoseb acetate
- Dinoseb salts
- Dinoseb formulations (restricted use)
- 2-sec-Butyl-4,6-dinitrophenol
- Examples
- Historically produced by companies like Dow Chemical (production largely ceased)
- now primarily handled by environmental remediation firms.
Codes often confused with 2908.91
Common mistake. Given its highly restricted status, misclassification with other nitrated phenol derivatives (290899) could lead to severe legal and customs issues, as import/export permits are often required or prohibited.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290891, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290891 in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 78% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 26% 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 Kingdom $4.8M 78% of world exports
- 2 United States $1.2M 20% of world exports
- 3 India $68K 1.1% of world exports
World total: $6.2M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $1.0M 26% of world imports
- 2 France $913K 23% of world imports
- 3 Poland $892K 22% of world imports
World total: $4.0M 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 2908.91
Brazil does not split HS 2908.91: its NCM code is 2908.91.00.
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 2908.91
What is HS code 290891?
HS code 290891 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Phenol or phenol-alcohol derivatives, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives thereof; dinoseb (ISO) and its salts. This HS code specifically covers dinoseb (ISO) and its salts, a nitrated phenol derivative. Dinoseb was historically used as a powerful herbicide and insecticide in agriculture. However, due to its high toxicity to humans and wildlife, and its potential for environmental persistence, its international trade and use are now severely restricted or banned in most countries under international conventions. Any remaining trade is typically for very specific, approved legacy uses, or for the purpose of destruction and safe disposal, involving strict regulatory oversight. Companies involved in such trade must navigate complex international chemical regulations and obtain specific permits, highlighting the hazardous nature of this substance.
What products fall under HS code 290891?
Dinoseb, Dinoseb acetate, Dinoseb salts, Dinoseb formulations (restricted use), 2-sec-Butyl-4,6-dinitrophenol
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290891?
Given its highly restricted status, misclassification with other nitrated phenol derivatives (290899) 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 290891?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290891 in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($4.8M, 78% of world exports), the United States ($1.2M) and India ($68K). World exports came to about $6.2M, 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 290891?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290891 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($1.0M, 26% of world imports), France ($913K) and Poland ($892K). World imports came to about $4.0M, 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 290891 structured?
HS code 290891 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 (91) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290891?
In Brazil, HS code 290891 is NCM 2908.91.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.