Product classification
HS code for Butanol: 2905.13
Alcohols, saturated monohydric, butan-1-ol (n-butyl alcohol).
Classification of butanol under HS 2905.13
Butan-1-ol, also known as n-butyl alcohol, is classified under HS code 2905.13. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1 and 6. As an organic chemical, it falls under Chapter 29. Heading 2905 is dedicated to acyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. Within this heading, the system distinguishes between saturated monohydric alcohols. Subheading 2905.13 is specifically reserved for n-butyl alcohol, which is a primary alcohol with a straight four-carbon chain. The classification is precise because the Harmonized System separates specific isomers of butanol to ensure accurate trade statistics and regulatory control. This chemical is widely used as a solvent in the production of lacquers, resins, and plasticizers. Importers must ensure that the purity and chemical identity match the specifications for n-butyl alcohol to utilize this code correctly, as even minor structural variations can lead to a different classification.
- Covers
- N-Butyl alcohol (Butan-1-ol)
- Normal butanol
- 1-Butanol
- Primary butyl alcohol
- Butanol for industrial solvent use
- Also under 2905.13
- BASF n-Butanol
- Eastman n-Butanol
- Dow Chemical Butanol
- LyondellBasell Butanol
Codes often confused with 2905.13
Common mistake. Butan-1-ol is frequently confused with other butanol isomers classified under HS code 2905.14, such as isobutanol or sec-butanol. It may also be misclassified under HS code 3814.00 if it is part of a complex organic composite solvent rather than a pure chemical. Additionally, if the butanol is of a specific purity intended for use as a fuel additive, some may mistakenly look toward Chapter 38, though 2905.13 remains the correct code for the pure chemical entity.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290513 (the code used for butanol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290513 (the code used for butanol) in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% 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 290513, not only butanol.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Africa $95M 27% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$78M 22% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $54M 15% of world exports
World total: $350M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $70M 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $67M 14% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $56M 12% of world imports
World total: $477M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 butanol
Brazil classifies butanol under NCM 2905.13.00: HS 2905.13 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about butanol
What is the HS code for Butanol?
The HS code for Butanol is 290513 (Alcohols; saturated monohydric, butan-1-ol (n-butyl alcohol)). The HS code for n-butyl alcohol (butan-1-ol) is 2905.13.
How do I classify Butanol for customs?
Butanol is classified under HS code 290513 — Alcohols; saturated monohydric, butan-1-ol (n-butyl alcohol). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include isobutanol?
No, isobutanol is an isomer of butanol and is classified under HS code 2905.14, which covers other saturated monohydric butanols.
Which countries are the top exporters of butanol (HS 290513)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290513 (the code used for butanol) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($95M, 27% of world exports), Taiwan (about $78M) and Germany ($54M). World exports came to about $350M, 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 butanol (HS 290513)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290513 (the code used for butanol) in UN Comtrade data were China ($70M, 15% of world imports), Germany ($67M) and South Korea ($56M). World imports came to about $477M, 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 Butanol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290513 for Butanol 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 butanol in Brazil?
In Brazil, butanol (HS 290513) is classified under NCM 2905.13.00.