Product classification
HS code for Cresols: 2907.12
Monophenols, cresols and their salts.
Classification of cresols under HS 2907.12
Cresols and their salts are classified under HS code 2907.12. This classification falls within Chapter 29, which encompasses organic chemicals, and specifically under Heading 2907, which is dedicated to phenols and phenol-alcohols. Cresols, also known as methylphenols, are a group of aromatic organic compounds that are methyl derivatives of phenol. They exist as three isomers: ortho-cresol, meta-cresol, and para-cresol. For customs purposes, HS code 2907.12 covers these isomers whether they are presented in a pure state, as a mixture of isomers, or in the form of their salts (such as sodium or potassium cresylates). The classification is determined by the chemical structure of the molecule, which must consist of a benzene ring with one hydroxyl group and one methyl group attached. These substances are widely used in the production of resins, disinfectants, and chemical intermediates. It is important to note that for a product to be classified here, it must be a separate chemically defined compound or a specific mixture of isomers as defined in the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 29.
- Covers
- O-Cresol (ortho-methylphenol)
- M-Cresol (meta-methylphenol)
- P-Cresol (para-methylphenol)
- Mixed cresols (isomeric mixtures)
- Sodium cresylate and other cresol salts
- Also under 2907.12
- Lanxess Cresols
- Sasol Cresols
- SI Group (antioxidants from cresols)
- Merck KGaA
- Honeywell
Codes often confused with 2907.12
Common mistake. Cresols are often confused with HS code 2707.99, which covers coal tar oils and other products of the distillation of high-temperature coal tar. If the cresols are part of a crude oil mixture and are not chemically pure, they belong in Chapter 27. Additionally, they may be confused with HS code 2907.11 (Phenol), but 2907.12 is specific to the methylated version (cresols).
Top exporters and importers of HS 290712 (the code used for cresols), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290712 (the code used for cresols) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 20% 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 290712, not only cresols.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $78M 31% of world exports
- 2 Germany $58M 24% of world exports
- 3 India $38M 15% of world exports
World total: $247M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $37M 20% of world imports
- 2 India $28M 15% of world imports
- 3 Germany $23M 13% of world imports
World total: $184M 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 cresols
Brazil classifies cresols under NCM 2907.12.00: HS 2907.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cresols
What is the HS code for Cresols?
The HS code for Cresols is 290712 (Monophenols; cresols and their salts). The HS code for cresols and their salts is 2907.12.
How do I classify Cresols for customs?
Cresols is classified under HS code 290712 — Monophenols; cresols and their salts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are cresol salts classified differently?
No, salts of cresols are specifically included in the same subheading 2907.12 as the cresols themselves.
Which countries are the top exporters of cresols (HS 290712)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290712 (the code used for cresols) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($78M, 31% of world exports), Germany ($58M) and India ($38M). World exports came to about $247M, 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 cresols (HS 290712)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290712 (the code used for cresols) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($37M, 20% of world imports), India ($28M) and Germany ($23M). World imports came to about $184M, 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 Cresols the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290712 for Cresols 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 cresols in Brazil?
In Brazil, cresols (HS 290712) is classified under NCM 2907.12.00.