HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2909.41 – Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives; 2,2-oxydiethanol (diethylene glycol, digol)
HS code 2909.41 is the 6-digit subheading for ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, 2,2-oxydiethanol (diethylene glycol, digol). It is used for diethylene glycol, DEG, digol, 2,2'-Oxydiethanol and dihydroxydiethyl ether.
What HS 2909.41 covers
This specific HS code covers 2,2-oxydiethanol, commonly known as diethylene glycol (DEG) or digol, and its halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. DEG is a versatile ether-alcohol primarily used as a solvent for nitrocellulose, resins, dyes, and oils. It also functions as a humectant in tobacco and cork, a dehydrating agent for natural gas, and a chemical intermediate in the production of polyester resins, polyurethanes, and plasticizers. Its trade is dominated by large petrochemical companies and chemical distributors, serving industries from automotive (antifreeze, brake fluids) to textiles. Due to its toxicity, strict quality control and regulatory compliance are essential for international trade, especially concerning its use in products that might be ingested.
- Covers
- Diethylene glycol
- DEG
- Digol
- 2,2'-Oxydiethanol
- Dihydroxydiethyl ether
- Diethylene glycol
- Anhydrous
- Examples
- Dow Chemical Diethylene Glycol
- BASF DEG
- LyondellBasell Diethylene Glycol
- Shell Chemicals DEG
Codes often confused with 2909.41
Common mistake. Often confused with ethylene glycol (290531) or other glycols, but DEG has two ether linkages and two hydroxyl groups, distinguishing it from simpler glycols.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290941, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290941 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world imports. 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 14% of its exports here ($3.4M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $114M 23% of world exports
- 2 Canada $90M 18% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $54M 11% of world exports
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 14% of its exports here ($3.4M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $486M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $292M 33% of world imports
- 2 United States $74M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $72M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $890M 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 2909.41
Brazil does not split HS 2909.41: its NCM code is 2909.41.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.09 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2909.41
What is HS code 290941?
HS code 290941 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives; 2,2-oxydiethanol (diethylene glycol, digol). This specific HS code covers 2,2-oxydiethanol, commonly known as diethylene glycol (DEG) or digol, and its halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. DEG is a versatile ether-alcohol primarily used as a solvent for nitrocellulose, resins, dyes, and oils. It also functions as a humectant in tobacco and cork, a dehydrating agent for natural gas, and a chemical intermediate in the production of polyester resins, polyurethanes, and plasticizers. Its trade is dominated by large petrochemical companies and chemical distributors, serving industries from automotive (antifreeze, brake fluids) to textiles. Due to its toxicity, strict quality control and regulatory compliance are essential for international trade, especially concerning its use in products that might be ingested.
What products fall under HS code 290941?
Diethylene glycol, DEG, Digol, 2,2'-Oxydiethanol, Dihydroxydiethyl ether, Diethylene glycol, anhydrous
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290941?
Often confused with ethylene glycol (290531) or other glycols, but DEG has two ether linkages and two hydroxyl groups, distinguishing it from simpler glycols.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290941?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290941 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($114M, 23% of world exports), Canada ($90M) and Belgium ($54M). World exports came to about $486M, 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 14% of its exports here ($3.4M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 290941?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290941 in UN Comtrade data were China ($292M, 33% of world imports), the United States ($74M) and Germany ($72M). World imports came to about $890M, 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 290941 structured?
HS code 290941 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (41) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290941?
In Brazil, HS code 290941 is NCM 2909.41.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.