HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2910.20 – Epoxides, epoxyalcohols, epoxyphenols and epoxyethers; with a three-membered ring and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, methyloxirane (propylene oxide)
HS code 2910.20 is the 6-digit subheading for epoxides, epoxyalcohols, epoxyphenols and epoxyethers, with a three-membered ring and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, methyloxirane (propylene oxide). It is used for polyurethane polyols, propylene glycol, glycol ethers, surfactants and brake fluids.
What HS 2910.20 covers
Methyloxirane, or propylene oxide, is a vital chemical building block extensively traded internationally. It's a colorless, volatile liquid primarily used in the production of polyurethane polyols, which are critical components for foams, coatings, and adhesives in the construction, automotive, and furniture sectors. It also serves as a precursor for propylene glycol, used in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. Large petrochemical corporations such as LyondellBasell, Dow, and SKC dominate its global supply chain. Importers are typically manufacturers requiring intermediates for polymer production or specialty chemicals. Its flammability and reactivity necessitate stringent handling and transportation protocols in global commerce.
- Covers
- Polyurethane polyols
- Propylene glycol
- Glycol ethers
- Surfactants
- Brake fluids
- Unsaturated polyester resins
- Examples
- LyondellBasell Propylene Oxide
- Dow Propylene Oxide
- SKC Propylene Oxide
Codes often confused with 2910.20
Common mistake. Often confused with other epoxides like ethylene oxide (2910.10) due to similar chemical classification, but its methyl group makes it chemically distinct and leads to different end-use applications.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291020, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291020 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 33% 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 $359M 29% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $220M 18% of world exports
- 3 Germany $182M 14% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $516M 33% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $318M 20% of world imports
- 3 Germany $275M 17% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 2910.20
Brazil does not split HS 2910.20: its NCM code is 2910.20.00.
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 2910.20
What is HS code 291020?
HS code 291020 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, methyloxirane (propylene oxide). Methyloxirane, or propylene oxide, is a vital chemical building block extensively traded internationally. It's a colorless, volatile liquid primarily used in the production of polyurethane polyols, which are critical components for foams, coatings, and adhesives in the construction, automotive, and furniture sectors. It also serves as a precursor for propylene glycol, used in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. Large petrochemical corporations such as LyondellBasell, Dow, and SKC dominate its global supply chain. Importers are typically manufacturers requiring intermediates for polymer production or specialty chemicals. Its flammability and reactivity necessitate stringent handling and transportation protocols in global commerce.
What products fall under HS code 291020?
Polyurethane polyols, propylene glycol, glycol ethers, surfactants, brake fluids, unsaturated polyester resins
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291020?
Often confused with other epoxides like ethylene oxide (2910.10) due to similar chemical classification, but its methyl group makes it chemically distinct and leads to different end-use applications.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291020?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291020 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($359M, 29% of world exports), the Netherlands ($220M) and Germany ($182M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 291020?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291020 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($516M, 33% of world imports), Belgium ($318M) and Germany ($275M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 291020 structured?
HS code 291020 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291020?
In Brazil, HS code 291020 is NCM 2910.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.