HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2908.99 – Phenol or phenol-alcohol derivatives, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives thereof; other than dinoseb (ISO), and 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol (DNOC (ISO)), and their salts
HS code 2908.99 is the 6-digit subheading for phenol or phenol-alcohol derivatives, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives thereof, other than dinoseb (ISO), and 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol (DNOC (ISO)), and their salts. It is used for nitrophenols (e.g., 4-nitrophenol), dinitrophenols, phenolsulfonic acid, nitrosophenols and sulfonated cresols.
What HS 2908.99 covers
This 'other' HS code covers a wide array of sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated phenol and phenol-alcohol derivatives, excluding the specifically listed dinoseb and DNOC. These compounds serve as crucial intermediates in the production of dyes, pigments, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals. Their diverse chemical structures allow for a broad range of applications, from colorants in textiles to active ingredients in medicines. International trade involves chemical manufacturers, dye producers, and pharmaceutical companies, often dealing with high-value, low-volume specialty chemicals. Regulatory compliance for these derivatives can vary significantly based on their specific chemical properties and intended applications, requiring detailed documentation for accurate classification and customs clearance.
- Covers
- Nitrophenols (e.g., 4-nitrophenol)
- Dinitrophenols
- Phenolsulfonic acid
- Nitrosophenols
- Sulfonated cresols
- Sulfonated xylenols
- Picric acid
- Examples
- BASF (dye intermediates)
- Lanxess (specialty chemicals)
- Sigma-Aldrich (research chemicals)
- TCI Chemicals (fine chemicals)
Codes often confused with 2908.99
Common mistake. This broad 'other' category is susceptible to misclassification with the specific restricted compounds (290891, 290892) or even non-derivatized phenols (2907 series) if the chemical identity is not clearly stated, leading to potential regulatory and duty issues.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290899, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290899 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 12% 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 $21M 25% of world exports
- 2 Switzerland $14M 17% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $9.5M 11% of world exports
World total: $84M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $12M 12% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $10M 10% of world imports
- 3 India $8.9M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $100M 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 codes for 2908.99 7
Brazil splits HS 2908.99 into 7 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2908.99.1 Derivatives containing only nitro groups, and their saltsDerivados apenas nitrados e seus sais Group
- 2908.99.12 p-Nitrophenol and its saltsp-Nitrofenol e seus sais
- 2908.99.13 Picric acid (trinitrophenol)Ácido pícrico
- 2908.99.19 Other nitrated phenol derivativesOutros
- 2908.99.2 Nitrohalogenated derivativesDerivados nitroalogenados Group
- 2908.99.21 DisophenolDisofenol
- 2908.99.29 Other nitrohalogenated phenol derivativesOutros
- 2908.99.30 Sulphonated phenol derivatives, salts and estersDerivados sulfonados do fenol, seus sais e seus ésteres
- 2908.99.90 Other substituted phenol derivativesOutros
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 2908.99
What is HS code 290899?
HS code 290899 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Phenol or phenol-alcohol derivatives, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives thereof; other than dinoseb (ISO), and 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol (DNOC (ISO)), and their salts. This 'other' HS code covers a wide array of sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated phenol and phenol-alcohol derivatives, excluding the specifically listed dinoseb and DNOC. These compounds serve as crucial intermediates in the production of dyes, pigments, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals. Their diverse chemical structures allow for a broad range of applications, from colorants in textiles to active ingredients in medicines. International trade involves chemical manufacturers, dye producers, and pharmaceutical companies, often dealing with high-value, low-volume specialty chemicals. Regulatory compliance for these derivatives can vary significantly based on their specific chemical properties and intended applications, requiring detailed documentation for accurate classification and customs clearance.
What products fall under HS code 290899?
Nitrophenols (e.g., 4-nitrophenol), Dinitrophenols, Phenolsulfonic acid, Nitrosophenols, Sulfonated cresols, Sulfonated xylenols, Picric acid
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290899?
This broad 'other' category is susceptible to misclassification with the specific restricted compounds (290891, 290892) or even non-derivatized phenols (2907 series) if the chemical identity is not clearly stated, leading to potential regulatory and duty issues.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290899?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290899 in UN Comtrade data were China ($21M, 25% of world exports), Switzerland ($14M) and Czechia ($9.5M). World exports came to about $84M, 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 290899?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290899 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($12M, 12% of world imports), Türkiye ($10M) and India ($8.9M). World imports came to about $100M, 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 290899 structured?
HS code 290899 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 (99) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290899?
Brazil splits HS code 290899 into 7 NCM codes: 2908.99.12 (p-Nitrophenol and its salts), 2908.99.13 (Picric acid (trinitrophenol)), 2908.99.19 (Other nitrated phenol derivatives), 2908.99.21 (Disophenol), 2908.99.29 (Other nitrohalogenated phenol derivatives), 2908.99.30 (Sulphonated phenol derivatives, salts and esters), 2908.99.90 (Other substituted phenol derivatives). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.