Product classification

HS code for Cetyl alcohol: 2905.17

Alcohols, saturated monohydric, dodecan-1-ol (lauryl alcohol), hexadecan-1-ol (cetyl alcohol) and octadecan-1-ol (stearyl alcohol).

Classification of cetyl alcohol under HS 2905.17

Cetyl alcohol, also known as hexadecan-1-ol, is classified under HS code 2905.17. This code specifically identifies saturated monohydric alcohols, including dodecan-1-ol (lauryl alcohol), hexadecan-1-ol (cetyl alcohol), and octadecan-1-ol (stearyl alcohol). As a chemically defined organic compound, cetyl alcohol fits into Chapter 29. The classification is based on its molecular structure as a primary saturated alcohol with a chain length of 16 carbons. It is widely used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickening agent. For a product to be classified under 2905.17, it must meet the purity standards of a "chemically defined compound" as per the General Notes to Chapter 29. This means it should not be a complex mixture of various fatty alcohols, which would shift the classification to Chapter 38.

Covers
  • Pure cetyl alcohol (Hexadecan-1-ol)
  • Cetyl alcohol flakes (chemically pure)
  • N-hexadecyl alcohol
  • Cetyl alcohol pellets for pharmaceutical use
  • High-purity hexadecanol for laboratory research
Also under 2905.17
  • Dove Body Wash (cetyl alcohol)
  • L'Oréal Hair Conditioner (stearyl alcohol)
  • BASF Fatty Alcohols
  • Croda Fatty Alcohols

Codes often confused with 2905.17

Common mistake. A common error is classifying industrial-grade cetyl alcohol under HS code 3823.70, which covers industrial fatty alcohols. The distinction depends on the purity and whether the product is a mixture of fatty alcohols (like cetearyl alcohol) or a chemically defined single substance. If the product contains significant amounts of other alcohols like stearyl alcohol, it is no longer a single compound and must be moved to 3823.70. It may also be confused with 2905.19, which is a residual category for other saturated monohydric alcohols.

3823.70Industrial fatty alcohols2905.19Alcohols; saturated monohydric, n.e.c. in item no. 2905.1

Top exporters and importers of HS 290517 (the code used for cetyl alcohol), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290517 (the code used for cetyl alcohol) in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% 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 290517, not only cetyl alcohol.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Malaysia $405M
  2. 2 Indonesia $167M
  3. 3 Philippines $108M

World total: $862M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $165M
  2. 2 United States $72M
  3. 3 Japan $67M

World total: $687M 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 cetyl alcohol

Brazil splits HS 2905.17 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 cetyl alcohol

What is the HS code for Cetyl alcohol?

The HS code for Cetyl alcohol is 290517 (Alcohols; saturated monohydric, dodecan-1-ol (lauryl alcohol), hexadecan-1-ol (cetyl alcohol) and octadecan-1-ol (stearyl alcohol)). The HS code for chemically pure cetyl alcohol is 2905.17.

How do I classify Cetyl alcohol for customs?

Cetyl alcohol is classified under HS code 290517 — Alcohols; saturated monohydric, dodecan-1-ol (lauryl alcohol), hexadecan-1-ol (cetyl alcohol) and octadecan-1-ol (stearyl alcohol). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is cetyl alcohol the same as cetearyl alcohol for customs purposes?

No, cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols and is typically classified under 3823.70 as an industrial fatty alcohol mixture, whereas 2905.17 is for the pure single compound.

Which countries are the top exporters of cetyl alcohol (HS 290517)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290517 (the code used for cetyl alcohol) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($405M, 47% of world exports), Indonesia ($167M) and the Philippines ($108M). World exports came to about $862M, 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 cetyl alcohol (HS 290517)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 290517 (the code used for cetyl alcohol) in UN Comtrade data were China ($165M, 24% of world imports), the United States ($72M) and Japan ($67M). World imports came to about $687M, 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 Cetyl alcohol the same in all countries?

The base HS code 290517 for Cetyl 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 cetyl alcohol in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 290517 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for cetyl alcohol depends on the product's details: 2905.17.10 (Lauryl alcohol (dodecan-1-ol)), 2905.17.20 (Cetyl alcohol (hexadecan-1-ol)), 2905.17.30 (Stearyl alcohol (octadecan-1-ol)).