Product classification
HS code for Benzene: 2902.20
Cyclic hydrocarbons, benzene.
Classification of benzene under HS 2902.20
Benzene is classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 290220 due to its fundamental nature as a cyclic hydrocarbon. HS Chapter 29 is dedicated to "Organic chemicals." Within this chapter, Heading 2902 specifically covers "Cyclic hydrocarbons." The subheading 290220 is precisely designated for "Benzene." This direct classification reflects benzene's well-defined chemical structure as the simplest aromatic hydrocarbon, consisting of a six-carbon ring with alternating double and single bonds. Its explicit mention within this subheading ensures accurate and consistent classification for international trade, distinguishing it from other cyclic hydrocarbons and their derivatives.
- Covers
- Pure benzene
- Benzene for industrial feedstock
- Benzene for chemical synthesis
- Refined benzene
- Petrochemical-grade benzene
- Also under 2902.20
- ExxonMobil Chemical (producer)
- SABIC (producer)
- LG Chem (producer)
- Sinopec (producer)
- BASF (producer)
Codes often confused with 2902.20
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for benzene often involve other aromatic hydrocarbons or their derivatives. HS code 290230, which covers "Toluene," is sometimes confused. Toluene is an aromatic hydrocarbon, but it contains a methyl group attached to the benzene ring, making it chemically distinct. Similarly, HS codes 290241 (o-Xylene), 290242 (m-Xylene), and 290243 (p-Xylene) are for xylenes, which are dimethylbenzenes with two methyl groups, differentiating them from benzene. Another potential misclassification is HS code 290290, designated for "Other cyclic hydrocarbons." This is a residual category for cyclic hydrocarbons not specifically enumerated. Since benzene is explicitly named in 290220, it should not be classified under this general "other" category.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290220 (the code used for benzene), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290220 (the code used for benzene) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% 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 290220, not only benzene.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $2.3B 31% of world exports
- 2 India $1.1B 14% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $754M 10% of world exports
World total: $7.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $4.5B 58% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $618M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 United States $449M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $7.8B 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 benzene
Brazil classifies benzene under NCM 2902.20.00: HS 2902.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about benzene
What is the HS code for Benzene?
The HS code for Benzene is 290220 (Cyclic hydrocarbons; benzene). The HS code for benzene is 290220. This code specifically covers benzene as a cyclic hydrocarbon, ensuring its precise chemical classification in international trade.
How do I classify Benzene for customs?
Benzene is classified under HS code 290220 — Cyclic hydrocarbons; benzene. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What are the primary industrial uses of benzene?
Benzene is a crucial chemical feedstock, primarily used as a precursor in the production of other chemicals such as styrene, cumene, cyclohexane, and aniline, which are vital for plastics, resins, and synthetic fibers.
Which countries are the top exporters of benzene (HS 290220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290220 (the code used for benzene) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($2.3B, 31% of world exports), India ($1.1B) and the Netherlands ($754M). World exports came to about $7.4B, 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 benzene (HS 290220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290220 (the code used for benzene) in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.5B, 58% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($618M) and the United States ($449M). World imports came to about $7.8B, 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 Benzene the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290220 for Benzene 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 benzene in Brazil?
In Brazil, benzene (HS 290220) is classified under NCM 2902.20.00.