Product classification
HS code for Cumene: 2902.70
Cyclic hydrocarbons, cumene.
Classification of cumene under HS 2902.70
Cumene, also known as isopropylbenzene, is classified under HS code 2902.70. This classification is situated within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals, and specifically under heading 2902, which is reserved for cyclic hydrocarbons. Cumene is an aromatic hydrocarbon consisting of a benzene ring with an isopropyl group. It is a critical intermediate in the chemical industry, primarily used in the production of phenol and acetone via the cumene process. The classification 2902.70 is specific to this compound regardless of its purity level, provided it remains a chemically defined organic compound. The Harmonized System distinguishes between pure aromatic hydrocarbons in Chapter 29 and mixed aromatic hydrocarbon streams found in Chapter 27, making the chemical identity of cumene the primary factor for its placement in 2902.70.
- Covers
- Pure isopropylbenzene (Cumene)
- Technical grade cumene
- Cumene used as a chemical intermediate
- High-purity cumene for laboratory use
- Also under 2902.70
- INEOS Phenol cumene
- Mitsui Chemicals cumene
- CEPSA cumene
- Formosa Plastics cumene
Codes often confused with 2902.70
Common mistake. Cumene is sometimes misclassified under HS code 2707.50, which covers other aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures of which 65% or more by volume distills at 250 degrees Celsius. However, if the product is a chemically defined single compound (cumene), it must stay in Chapter 29. It may also be confused with other cyclic hydrocarbons under 2902.90, but since cumene has its own specific subheading (2902.70), the more specific code must be used according to GRI 3(a).
Top exporters and importers of HS 290270 (the code used for cumene), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290270 (the code used for cumene) in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 84% of world imports. Mexico reports $1.1B of its heading 2902 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 290270, not only cumene.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Singapore $221M 36% of world exports
- 2 Japan $181M 30% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $144M 24% of world exports
World total: $610M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $541M 84% of world imports
- 2 India $52M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $11M 1.8% of world imports
Mexico reports $1.1B of its heading 2902 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $642M 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 cumene
Brazil classifies cumene under NCM 2902.70.00: HS 2902.70 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cumene
What is the HS code for Cumene?
The HS code for Cumene is 290270 (Cyclic hydrocarbons; cumene). The specific HS code for cumene (isopropylbenzene) is 2902.70.
How do I classify Cumene for customs?
Cumene is classified under HS code 290270 — Cyclic hydrocarbons; cumene. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is cumene classified as a fuel or a chemical?
While it can be a component of fuels, for international trade, pure cumene is classified as a cyclic hydrocarbon under 2902.70 in the organic chemicals chapter.
Which countries are the top exporters of cumene (HS 290270)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290270 (the code used for cumene) in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($221M, 36% of world exports), Japan ($181M) and South Korea ($144M). World exports came to about $610M, 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 cumene (HS 290270)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290270 (the code used for cumene) in UN Comtrade data were China ($541M, 84% of world imports), India ($52M) and the Netherlands ($11M). World imports came to about $642M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $1.1B of its heading 2902 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Cumene the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290270 for Cumene 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 cumene in Brazil?
In Brazil, cumene (HS 290270) is classified under NCM 2902.70.00.