Product classification
HS code for Denatured alcohol: 2207.20
Ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured, of any strength.
Classification of denatured alcohol under HS 2207.20
Denatured alcohol is classified under HS code 2207.20. This classification is found in Chapter 22, which covers beverages, spirits, and vinegar. Heading 2207 includes both undenatured ethyl alcohol (at 80% volume or higher) and denatured ethyl alcohol of any strength. Denaturing is the process of adding specific chemicals, known as denaturants, to ethyl alcohol to make it unpalatable, nauseating, or toxic, thereby rendering it unfit for human consumption. This is done to allow the alcohol to be used for industrial, medical, or laboratory purposes without being subject to the high excise taxes typically levied on potable spirits. Common denaturants include wood naphtha, methanol, isopropyl alcohol, or bittering agents like denatonium benzoate. According to the Harmonized System's legal notes, denatured alcohol is classified under 2207.20 regardless of its alcoholic strength, which distinguishes it from undenatured alcohol where the strength determines the heading (2207 vs 2208).
- Covers
- Methylated spirits
- Industrial denatured alcohol (IDA)
- Completely denatured alcohol (CDA)
- Specially denatured spirits (SDS)
- Ethyl alcohol mixed with methanol or benzine for fuel
- Also under 2207.20
- Isopropyl alcohol (often denatured ethanol blend)
- hand sanitizers (ethanol-based)
- windshield washer fluid
- shellac thinner
- bioethanol fuel.
Codes often confused with 2207.20
Common mistake. Denatured alcohol is often misclassified under HS code 2207.10, which is for undenatured ethyl alcohol of 80% vol or higher. The presence of denaturants is the deciding factor. It is also sometimes confused with HS code 3814.00 (organic composite solvents) or 3820.00 (anti-freezing preparations). While denatured alcohol is a component of these products, if it is simply alcohol with denaturants added, it remains in 2207.20. If it is a complex mixture for a specific solvent use, Chapter 38 might apply, but 2207.20 is generally the default for bulk denatured ethanol.
Top exporters and importers of HS 220720 (the code used for denatured alcohol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 220720 (the code used for denatured alcohol) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 70% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 34% 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 220720, not only denatured alcohol.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $2.5B 70% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $353M 9.9% of world exports
- 3 Spain $164M 4.6% of world exports
World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $1.6B 34% of world imports
- 2 India $428M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $362M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $4.7B 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 denatured alcohol
Brazil splits HS 2207.20 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2207.20.11Denatured ethyl alcohol, water 1% vol or less
- 2207.20.19Denatured ethyl alcohol, water over 1% vol
- 2207.20.20Denatured spirits, other than ethyl alcohol
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about denatured alcohol
What is the HS code for Denatured alcohol?
The HS code for Denatured alcohol is 220720 (Ethyl alcohol and other spirits; denatured, of any strength). The HS code for denatured ethyl alcohol and other spirits of any strength is 2207.20.
How do I classify Denatured alcohol for customs?
Denatured alcohol is classified under HS code 220720 — Ethyl alcohol and other spirits; denatured, of any strength. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the alcohol percentage change the code for denatured alcohol?
No, unlike undenatured alcohol, denatured alcohol is classified under 2207.20 regardless of its alcoholic strength by volume.
Which countries are the top exporters of denatured alcohol (HS 220720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 220720 (the code used for denatured alcohol) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.5B, 70% of world exports), the Netherlands ($353M) and Spain ($164M). World exports came to about $3.6B, 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 denatured alcohol (HS 220720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 220720 (the code used for denatured alcohol) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($1.6B, 34% of world imports), India ($428M) and the Netherlands ($362M). World imports came to about $4.7B, 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 Denatured alcohol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 220720 for Denatured 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 denatured alcohol in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 220720 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for denatured alcohol depends on the product's details: 2207.20.11 (Denatured ethyl alcohol, water 1% vol or less), 2207.20.19 (Denatured ethyl alcohol, water over 1% vol), 2207.20.20 (Denatured spirits, other than ethyl alcohol).