Product classification
HS code for Benzyl alcohol: 2906.21
Alcohols, aromatic alcohols and derivatives, benzyl alcohol.
Classification of benzyl alcohol under HS 2906.21
Benzyl alcohol is classified under HS Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals. Within this chapter, heading 2906 specifically addresses cyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. Subheading 290621 is precisely designated for "Benzyl alcohol." This classification is appropriate because benzyl alcohol is an organic compound characterized by a hydroxyl group attached to a methylene group, which is itself attached to a benzene ring, making it an aromatic alcohol. Its chemical structure and properties align directly with the scope of this subheading, distinguishing it from other types of alcohols or finished products where it might be an ingredient.
- Covers
- Benzyl alcohol (pharmaceutical excipient)
- Benzyl alcohol (fragrance ingredient)
- Benzyl alcohol (solvent for inks, paints, and lacquers)
- Benzyl alcohol (preservative in cosmetics)
- Also under 2906.21
- BASF Benzyl Alcohol
- Lanxess Benzyl Alcohol
- Spectrum Chemical (pharmaceutical grade)
- Sigma-Aldrich
- Merck KGaA
Codes often confused with 2906.21
Common mistake. Benzyl alcohol is sometimes confused with acyclic alcohols, which fall under HS code 2905. However, benzyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol, meaning it contains a benzene ring structure, which distinguishes it from acyclic alcohols like ethanol or propanol. Therefore, it is correctly classified under 290621, not 2905. Another potential misclassification could occur if it is part of a prepared mixture of odoriferous substances (e.g., 330290). While benzyl alcohol is used in fragrances, the pure chemical itself is classified under 290621, whereas a prepared mixture would fall under Chapter 33.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290621 (the code used for benzyl alcohol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290621 (the code used for benzyl alcohol) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 290621, not only benzyl alcohol.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $64M 36% of world exports
- 2 Germany $43M 24% of world exports
- 3 India $27M 15% of world exports
World total: $180M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $27M 14% of world imports
- 2 Italy $15M 7.8% of world imports
- 3 Japan $14M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $196M 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 benzyl alcohol
Brazil classifies benzyl alcohol under NCM 2906.21.00: HS 2906.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about benzyl alcohol
What is the HS code for Benzyl alcohol?
The HS code for Benzyl alcohol is 290621 (Alcohols; aromatic alcohols and derivatives, benzyl alcohol). The HS code for Benzyl alcohol is 290621.
How do I classify Benzyl alcohol for customs?
Benzyl alcohol is classified under HS code 290621 — Alcohols; aromatic alcohols and derivatives, benzyl alcohol. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is benzyl alcohol classified under HS Chapter 29?
Benzyl alcohol is classified under HS Chapter 29 because it is an organic chemical, specifically an aromatic alcohol, and Chapter 29 is dedicated to the classification of organic compounds based on their chemical structure and functional groups.
Which countries are the top exporters of benzyl alcohol (HS 290621)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290621 (the code used for benzyl alcohol) in UN Comtrade data were China ($64M, 36% of world exports), Germany ($43M) and India ($27M). World exports came to about $180M, 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 benzyl alcohol (HS 290621)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290621 (the code used for benzyl alcohol) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($27M, 14% of world imports), Italy ($15M) and Japan ($14M). World imports came to about $196M, 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 Benzyl alcohol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290621 for Benzyl alcohol 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 benzyl alcohol in Brazil?
In Brazil, benzyl alcohol (HS 290621) is classified under NCM 2906.21.00.