Product classification
HS code for Alkylnaphthalenes: 3817.00
Mixed alkylbenzenes and mixed alkylnaphthalenes, other than those of heading no. 2707 or 2902.
Classification of alkylnaphthalenes under HS 3817.00
Alkylnaphthalenes are classified under HS code 3817.00, which covers mixed alkylbenzenes and mixed alkylnaphthalenes. This heading is located in Chapter 38, dedicated to miscellaneous chemical products. The classification specifically applies to mixtures of these hydrocarbons. Alkylnaphthalenes are produced through the alkylation of naphthalene, resulting in a mixture of isomers or compounds with different alkyl chain lengths. These mixtures are widely used in industrial applications, such as high-performance solvents, heat transfer fluids, and as precursors for synthetic lubricants or surfactants. According to the General Rules for Interpretation (GRI), specifically Rule 1, the product must meet the description of the heading. Heading 3817 excludes pure chemically defined isomers, which would instead fall under Chapter 29. It also excludes products obtained from the distillation of coal tar that meet the criteria for Chapter 27. Therefore, 3817.00 is the correct designation for synthetic industrial mixtures of alkylnaphthalenes.
- Covers
- Mixed monoalkylnaphthalenes
- Mixed dialkylnaphthalenes
- Synthetic hydrocarbon mixtures (naphthalene-based)
- Alkylnaphthalene-based heat transfer fluids
- Mixed alkylnaphthalene solvents
- 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 is HS code 2902.90, which covers "Other cyclic hydrocarbons." However, Chapter 29 is strictly for separate chemically defined organic compounds. If the product is a mixture of isomers, it is excluded from Chapter 29 and moved to 3817. Another frequent error is HS code 2707.50 or 2707.99, which covers oils and other products of the distillation of high-temperature coal tar. If the alkylnaphthalene is synthetic rather than a direct coal tar distillate, 3817.00 is the appropriate code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 381700 (the code used for alkylnaphthalenes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381700 (the code used for alkylnaphthalenes) 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 alkylnaphthalenes.
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 alkylnaphthalenes
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 alkylnaphthalenes
What is the HS code for Alkylnaphthalenes?
The HS code for Alkylnaphthalenes is 381700 (Mixed alkylbenzenes and mixed alkylnaphthalenes, other than those of heading no. 2707 or 2902).
How do I classify Alkylnaphthalenes for customs?
Alkylnaphthalenes 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 HS code for mixed alkylnaphthalenes?
The HS code for mixed alkylnaphthalenes is 3817.00.00.
When should I use Chapter 29 instead of 3817?
You should use Chapter 29 (specifically 2902) only if the product is a single, pure, chemically defined isomer of alkylnaphthalene. If it is a commercial mixture of different alkylnaphthalenes, 3817.00 is required.
Which countries are the top exporters of alkylnaphthalenes (HS 381700)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381700 (the code used for alkylnaphthalenes) 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 alkylnaphthalenes (HS 381700)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 381700 (the code used for alkylnaphthalenes) 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 Alkylnaphthalenes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 381700 for Alkylnaphthalenes 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 alkylnaphthalenes in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 381700 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for alkylnaphthalenes depends on the product's details: 3817.00.10 (Mixed alkylbenzenes), 3817.00.20 (Mixed alkylnaphthalenes).