Product classification
HS code for Diethylene glycol: 2909.41
Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, 2,2-oxydiethanol (diethylene glycol, digol).
Classification of diethylene glycol under HS 2909.41
Diethylene glycol (DEG) is classified under HS code 2909.41, which specifically covers 2,2-oxydiethanol. This classification is determined by the chemical structure of the substance as an ether-alcohol. Within Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System, which governs organic chemicals, heading 2909 is dedicated to ethers, ether-alcohols, and their derivatives. Because diethylene glycol contains both an ether linkage and hydroxyl groups, it fits the criteria for an ether-alcohol. The specific subheading 2909.41 is a dedicated provision for this exact chemical compound, ensuring that it is not grouped with more general ether-alcohols. Proper classification is essential for regulatory compliance, as DEG is subject to strict safety standards due to its toxicity if ingested, despite its widespread industrial use as a solvent and chemical intermediate.
- Covers
- Pure diethylene glycol (2,2-oxydiethanol)
- Digol
- Industrial grade diethylene glycol
- Technical grade diethylene glycol for polyester resin production
- Also under 2909.41
- Dow Chemical Diethylene Glycol
- BASF DEG
- LyondellBasell Diethylene Glycol
- Shell Chemicals DEG
Codes often confused with 2909.41
Common mistake. Diethylene glycol is frequently confused with ethylene glycol, which is classified under HS code 2905.31. While both are glycols, ethylene glycol is a diol without an ether linkage. Another common error involves classifying DEG-based mixtures, such as prepared anti-freezing liquids, under HS code 3820.00. If the product is a pure chemical or a defined technical grade, it must remain in Chapter 29. Additionally, polyethylene glycols with a molecular weight exceeding a certain threshold may be classified under 3907.20 as polymers, rather than 2909.41.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290941 (the code used for diethylene glycol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290941 (the code used for diethylene glycol) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 14% of its exports here ($3.4M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 290941, not only diethylene glycol.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $114M 23% of world exports
- 2 Canada $90M 18% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $54M 11% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 14% of its exports here ($3.4M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $486M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $292M 33% of world imports
- 2 United States $74M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $72M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $890M 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 diethylene glycol
Brazil classifies diethylene glycol under NCM 2909.41.00: HS 2909.41 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about diethylene glycol
What is the HS code for Diethylene glycol?
The HS code for Diethylene glycol is 290941 (Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives; 2,2-oxydiethanol (diethylene glycol, digol)). The specific HS code for diethylene glycol is 2909.41, which covers 2,2-oxydiethanol.
How do I classify Diethylene glycol for customs?
Diethylene glycol is classified under HS code 290941 — Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives; 2,2-oxydiethanol (diethylene glycol, digol). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is diethylene glycol classified as a polymer?
No, diethylene glycol is a well-defined organic chemical monomer. Only higher molecular weight chains like polyethylene glycol (PEG) are classified as polymers under Chapter 39.
Which countries are the top exporters of diethylene glycol (HS 290941)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290941 (the code used for diethylene glycol) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($114M, 23% of world exports), Canada ($90M) and Belgium ($54M). World exports came to about $486M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 14% of its exports here ($3.4M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of diethylene glycol (HS 290941)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290941 (the code used for diethylene glycol) in UN Comtrade data were China ($292M, 33% of world imports), the United States ($74M) and Germany ($72M). World imports came to about $890M, 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 Diethylene glycol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290941 for Diethylene glycol 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 diethylene glycol in Brazil?
In Brazil, diethylene glycol (HS 290941) is classified under NCM 2909.41.00.