Product classification
HS code for Alkylbenzenes: 3817.00
Mixed alkylbenzenes and mixed alkylnaphthalenes, other than those of heading no. 2707 or 2902.
Classification of alkylbenzenes under HS 3817.00
Alkylbenzenes are classified under HS code 381700. This code falls within Chapter 38, which covers "Miscellaneous chemical products." Specifically, heading 3817 is designated for "Mixed alkylbenzenes and mixed alkylnaphthalenes, other than those of heading 2707 or 2902." The key aspect of this classification is the term "mixed," indicating a blend of different alkylbenzene isomers or homologues, rather than a single, chemically defined compound. The explicit exclusion of products from HS 2707 (oils from coal tar distillation) and HS 2902 (pure cyclic hydrocarbons) further refines this classification, ensuring that industrial mixtures of alkylbenzenes, often used as solvents or chemical intermediates, are correctly categorized.
- Covers
- Linear alkylbenzene (LAB) mixtures
- Branched alkylbenzene (BAB) mixtures
- Dodecylbenzene mixtures
- Tridecylbenzene mixtures
- Mixed C10-C13 alkylbenzenes
- Mixed C14-C17 alkylbenzenes
- Also under 3817.00
- Sasol LAB
- Chevron Phillips Chemical alkylbenzenes
- Huntsman alkylnaphthalenes
- Indorama Ventures LAB
- CEPSA LAB
Codes often confused with 3817.00
Common mistake. A common misclassification involves HS 2902 (Cyclic hydrocarbons). This chapter is for pure, chemically defined cyclic hydrocarbons, such as pure toluene or xylene. HS 381700 is specifically for *mixed* alkylbenzenes, which are not single, chemically defined compounds. Another potential error is with HS 2707 (Oils and other products of the distillation of high temperature coal tar). If the mixed alkylbenzenes are derived from coal tar distillation and meet the criteria for 2707, they would be classified there. HS 381700 applies to those not meeting the 2707 criteria, often synthetically produced or derived from petroleum. Furthermore, while alkylbenzenes are precursors for detergents, HS 3402 (Organic surface-active agents) is for the finished surface-active agents, not the alkylbenzene mixtures themselves.
Top exporters and importers of HS 381700 (the code used for alkylbenzenes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381700 (the code used for alkylbenzenes) in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 17% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 381700, not only alkylbenzenes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $623M 28% of world exports
- 2 United States $262M 12% of world exports
- 3 Canada $211M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $2.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $451M 17% of world imports
- 2 Nigeria $228M 8.6% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $211M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $2.7B 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 alkylbenzenes
Brazil splits HS 3817.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3817.00.10Mixed alkylbenzenes
- 3817.00.20Mixed alkylnaphthalenes
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about alkylbenzenes
What is the HS code for Alkylbenzenes?
The HS code for Alkylbenzenes is 381700 (Mixed alkylbenzenes and mixed alkylnaphthalenes, other than those of heading no. 2707 or 2902). The HS code for Alkylbenzenes is 381700.
How do I classify Alkylbenzenes for customs?
Alkylbenzenes is classified under HS code 381700 — Mixed alkylbenzenes and mixed alkylnaphthalenes, other than those of heading no. 2707 or 2902. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the significance of "mixed" in HS 381700?
The term "mixed" in HS 381700 is crucial as it indicates that the product is a blend of different alkylbenzene isomers or homologues, rather than a single, pure chemical compound. This distinction is vital for separating these industrial mixtures from chemically defined compounds classified under Chapter 29.
Which countries are the top exporters of alkylbenzenes (HS 381700)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381700 (the code used for alkylbenzenes) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($623M, 28% of world exports), the United States ($262M) and Canada ($211M). World exports came to about $2.2B, 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 alkylbenzenes (HS 381700)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 381700 (the code used for alkylbenzenes) in UN Comtrade data were India ($451M, 17% of world imports), Nigeria ($228M) and Mexico ($211M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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.
Is the HS code for Alkylbenzenes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 381700 for Alkylbenzenes is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for alkylbenzenes in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 381700 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for alkylbenzenes depends on the product's details: 3817.00.10 (Mixed alkylbenzenes), 3817.00.20 (Mixed alkylnaphthalenes).