HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 2910.10 – Epoxides, epoxyalcohols, epoxyphenols and epoxyethers; with a three-membered ring and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives; oxirane (ethylene oxide)

HS code 2910.10 is the 6-digit subheading for epoxides, epoxyalcohols, epoxyphenols and epoxyethers, with a three-membered ring and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, oxirane (ethylene oxide). It is used for ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, ethanolamines, glycol ethers and ethoxylates.

What HS 2910.10 covers

This HS code covers oxirane, commonly known as ethylene oxide, a crucial organic chemical intermediate in international trade. It's a highly reactive and flammable gas, primarily used to produce ethylene glycol, which is essential for antifreeze, polyester fibers, and PET plastics. Major chemical companies like Dow, BASF, and SABIC are key players in its production and trade, exporting large volumes globally. Importers are typically manufacturers of downstream products, especially in textile, automotive, and packaging industries. Due to its hazardous nature, trade involves strict safety regulations and specialized transport. Understanding its derivatives is key to tracking its global flow and market dynamics, as it underpins a vast array of consumer and industrial goods.

Covers
  • Ethylene glycol
  • Polyethylene glycols
  • Ethanolamines
  • Glycol ethers
  • Ethoxylates
  • Surfactants
  • Polyether polyols
Examples
  • BASF Ethylene Oxide
  • Dow Ethylene Oxide
  • SABIC Ethylene Oxide

Codes often confused with 2910.10

Common mistake. This code can be confused with other cyclic ethers (e.g., 2932.99) if the specific three-membered epoxide ring structure is not accurately identified. It's distinct from its derivatives like ethylene glycol (2905.31).

2932.99Heterocyclic compounds; with oxygen hetero-atom(s) only, no lactones or unfused furan rings in the structure, other than isosafrole, 1-(1,3-benzodiaxol-5-yl) propan-2-one, piperonal, safrole, tetrahydrocannabinols (all isomers), carbofuran (ISO)2905.31Alcohols; acyclic, diols; ethylene glycol (ethanediol)

Top exporters and importers of HS code 291010, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291010 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 23% 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. 1 Germany $205M
  2. 2 Netherlands $134M
  3. 3 Belgium $49M

World total: $429M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Italy $94M
  2. 2 Germany $73M
  3. 3 Belgium $63M

World total: $418M 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 2910.10

Brazil does not split HS 2910.10: its NCM code is 2910.10.00.

  1. 2910.10.00 Oxirane (ethylene oxide)Oxirano (óxido de etileno)

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.10 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 2910.10

What is HS code 291010?

HS code 291010 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Epoxides, epoxyalcohols, epoxyphenols and epoxyethers; with a three-membered ring and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives; oxirane (ethylene oxide). This HS code covers oxirane, commonly known as ethylene oxide, a crucial organic chemical intermediate in international trade. It's a highly reactive and flammable gas, primarily used to produce ethylene glycol, which is essential for antifreeze, polyester fibers, and PET plastics. Major chemical companies like Dow, BASF, and SABIC are key players in its production and trade, exporting large volumes globally. Importers are typically manufacturers of downstream products, especially in textile, automotive, and packaging industries. Due to its hazardous nature, trade involves strict safety regulations and specialized transport. Understanding its derivatives is key to tracking its global flow and market dynamics, as it underpins a vast array of consumer and industrial goods.

What products fall under HS code 291010?

Ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, ethanolamines, glycol ethers, ethoxylates, surfactants, polyether polyols

What are common misclassifications for HS code 291010?

This code can be confused with other cyclic ethers (e.g., 2932.99) if the specific three-membered epoxide ring structure is not accurately identified. It's distinct from its derivatives like ethylene glycol (2905.31).

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291010?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291010 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($205M, 48% of world exports), the Netherlands ($134M) and Belgium ($49M). World exports came to about $429M, 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 291010?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291010 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($94M, 23% of world imports), Germany ($73M) and Belgium ($63M). World imports came to about $418M, 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 291010 structured?

HS code 291010 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (10) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291010?

In Brazil, HS code 291010 is NCM 2910.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.