Product classification
HS code for Ethylbenzene: 2902.60
Cyclic hydrocarbons, ethylbenzene.
Classification of ethylbenzene under HS 2902.60
Ethylbenzene is classified under HS code 2902.60 because it is a monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. Within the Harmonized System, Chapter 29 is dedicated to organic chemicals, and heading 2902 specifically addresses cyclic hydrocarbons. Ethylbenzene consists of a benzene ring attached to an ethyl group (C8H10). It is primarily produced through the liquid-phase or vapor-phase alkylation of benzene with ethylene in the presence of a catalyst like aluminum chloride or zeolites. Because it is a chemically defined organic compound and lacks other functional groups—such as halogens, hydroxyls, or acids—that would place it in subsequent headings of Chapter 29, it remains within the hydrocarbon category. Its primary industrial utility is as an intermediate in the production of styrene monomer, which is then polymerized into polystyrene. The classification is strictly determined by its molecular structure as an aromatic hydrocarbon without further substitution or functionalization, ensuring it meets the criteria for heading 2902.
- Covers
- High-purity ethylbenzene for styrene production
- Technical grade ethylbenzene used as a solvent
- Ethylbenzene used as a precursor in the synthesis of diethylbenzene
- Ethylbenzene used in the manufacture of paints and lacquers
- Ethylbenzene used as an intermediate in the production of synthetic rubber
- Also under 2902.60
- LyondellBasell ethylbenzene
- Trinseo ethylbenzene
- INEOS Styrolution ethylbenzene
- LG Chem ethylbenzene
Codes often confused with 2902.60
Common mistake. Ethylbenzene is frequently confused with xylenes, which are classified under HS codes 2902.41 (o-xylene), 2902.42 (m-xylene), 2902.43 (p-xylene), or 2902.44 (mixed xylenes). While ethylbenzene and xylenes are isomers (both having the formula C8H10), they are chemically distinct; ethylbenzene has a single ethyl group on the benzene ring, whereas xylenes have two methyl groups. Another common misclassification involves styrene (HS code 2902.50). Although ethylbenzene is the primary feedstock for styrene, styrene contains a vinyl group (unsaturated) rather than an ethyl group (saturated), placing it in a separate subheading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290260 (the code used for ethylbenzene), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290260 (the code used for ethylbenzene) in UN Comtrade data was Czechia, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 68% 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 290260, not only ethylbenzene.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Czechia $93M 29% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $86M 27% of world exports
- 3 Germany $58M 18% of world exports
World total: $322M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $228M 68% of world imports
- 2 Poland $99M 30% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $2.1M 0.6% 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: $334M 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 ethylbenzene
Brazil classifies ethylbenzene under NCM 2902.60.00: HS 2902.60 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ethylbenzene
What is the HS code for Ethylbenzene?
The HS code for Ethylbenzene is 290260 (Cyclic hydrocarbons; ethylbenzene). The HS code for ethylbenzene is 2902.60, which falls under the category of cyclic hydrocarbons.
How do I classify Ethylbenzene for customs?
Ethylbenzene is classified under HS code 290260 — Cyclic hydrocarbons; ethylbenzene. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is ethylbenzene classified differently if used as a solvent?
No, as long as it is a separate chemically defined compound of high purity, it remains under 2902.60. However, if it is part of a complex mixture of aromatic hydrocarbons (like a petroleum stream), it might fall under Chapter 27.
Which countries are the top exporters of ethylbenzene (HS 290260)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290260 (the code used for ethylbenzene) in UN Comtrade data were Czechia ($93M, 29% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($86M) and Germany ($58M). World exports came to about $322M, 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 ethylbenzene (HS 290260)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290260 (the code used for ethylbenzene) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($228M, 68% of world imports), Poland ($99M) and Saudi Arabia ($2.1M). World imports came to about $334M, 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 Ethylbenzene the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290260 for Ethylbenzene 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 ethylbenzene in Brazil?
In Brazil, ethylbenzene (HS 290260) is classified under NCM 2902.60.00.