Product classification

HS code for Butanols: 2905.14

Alcohols, saturated monohydric, butanols excluding item no. 2905.13.

Classification of butanols under HS 2905.14

HS code 2905.14 covers saturated monohydric butanols other than n-butyl alcohol. This classification includes several important isomers: isobutanol (2-methylpropan-1-ol), sec-butanol (butan-2-ol), and tert-butanol (2-methylpropan-2-ol). The classification logic follows Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System, which deals with organic chemicals. Heading 2905 is dedicated to acyclic alcohols and their derivatives. While n-butyl alcohol is specifically isolated in subheading 2905.13, the other isomers are grouped together in 2905.14. These chemicals are essential in various industrial applications, including the manufacture of esters, as chemical intermediates, and as solvents in the pharmaceutical and paint industries. Accurate classification depends on identifying the specific molecular arrangement of the butyl group. Under GRI 1, the product must be a chemically defined organic compound. If the product is a mixture of isomers, it still typically remains within this heading, provided it is not a prepared solvent mixture classified elsewhere.

Covers
  • Isobutanol (2-methylpropan-1-ol)
  • Sec-Butanol (butan-2-ol)
  • Tert-Butanol (2-methylpropan-2-ol)
  • Secondary butyl alcohol
  • Tertiary butyl alcohol
Also under 2905.14
  • LyondellBasell Isobutanol
  • ExxonMobil Tert-Butanol
  • Shell Chemicals Butanol
  • Arkema Butanol

Codes often confused with 2905.14

Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 2905.13, which is exclusively for n-butyl alcohol. Another common error involves HS code 3814.00, which covers organic composite solvents; if the butanols are blended with other solvents, they move from Chapter 29 to Chapter 38. Furthermore, tert-butanol with a purity of less than 95% might occasionally be challenged, though it generally remains in 2905.14 as a chemically defined compound.

2905.13Alcohols; saturated monohydric, butan-1-ol (n-butyl alcohol)3814.00Solvents and thinners; organic composite solvents and thinners, n.e.c. or included, prepared paint or varnish removers

Top exporters and importers of HS 290514 (the code used for butanols), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290514 (the code used for butanols) in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 290514, not only butanols.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Saudi Arabia $95M
  2. 2 Malaysia $56M
  3. 3 Netherlands $55M

World total: $438M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $67M
  2. 2 South Korea $53M
  3. 3 India $49M

World total: $421M 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 butanols

Brazil splits HS 2905.14 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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 butanols

What is the HS code for Butanols?

The HS code for Butanols is 290514 (Alcohols; saturated monohydric, butanols excluding item no. 2905.13). The HS code for butanols (excluding n-butyl alcohol) is 2905.14.

How do I classify Butanols for customs?

Butanols is classified under HS code 290514 — Alcohols; saturated monohydric, butanols excluding item no. 2905.13. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is sec-butanol classified under 2905.13?

No, sec-butanol is classified under 2905.14. Only n-butyl alcohol (butan-1-ol) is classified under 2905.13.

Which countries are the top exporters of butanols (HS 290514)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290514 (the code used for butanols) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($95M, 22% of world exports), Malaysia ($56M) and the Netherlands ($55M). World exports came to about $438M, 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 butanols (HS 290514)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 290514 (the code used for butanols) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($67M, 16% of world imports), South Korea ($53M) and India ($49M). World imports came to about $421M, 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 Butanols the same in all countries?

The base HS code 290514 for Butanols 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 butanols in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 290514 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for butanols depends on the product's details: 2905.14.10 (Isobutyl alcohol (2-methyl-1-propanol)), 2905.14.20 (sec-Butyl alcohol (2-butanol)), 2905.14.30 (tert-Butyl alcohol (2-methyl-2-propanol)).