Product classification
HS code for Ethylene glycol: 2905.31
Alcohols, acyclic, diols, ethylene glycol (ethanediol).
Classification of ethylene glycol under HS 2905.31
Ethylene glycol, also known as ethanediol, is classified under HS code 2905.31. Heading 2905 covers acyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. Subheading 2905.31 is specific to ethylene glycol (ethanediol), which is a diol—an alcohol containing exactly two hydroxyl (-OH) groups. It is a colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting, and viscous liquid. Its primary applications include its use as an antifreeze agent in automotive coolant systems and as a vital raw material in the production of polyester fibers and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins. The classification is based on its chemical structure as a dihydric alcohol. Because it is a separate chemically defined compound, it is placed in Chapter 29. If it were mixed with inhibitors or other additives for use as a finished antifreeze, the classification would change, but the pure chemical remains here.
- Covers
- Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
- Ethanediol (pure)
- Ethylene glycol used for polyester fiber production
- Ethylene glycol used as a humectant
- Ethylene glycol used in electrolytic capacitors
- Also under 2905.31
- Prestone Antifreeze
- DuPont Polyester
- Coca-Cola PET bottles (made from PET resin)
- BASF Ethylene Glycol
Codes often confused with 2905.31
Common mistake. Ethylene glycol is frequently confused with diethylene glycol (HS code 2909.41). While they are related, diethylene glycol is an ether-alcohol, not a simple diol. It is also often confused with propylene glycol (HS code 2905.32), which has three carbon atoms instead of two. Another major misclassification occurs when ethylene glycol is sold as a finished product; for example, prepared anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids are classified under HS code 3820.00 rather than 2905.31.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290531 (the code used for ethylene glycol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290531 (the code used for ethylene glycol) in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 48% 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 290531, not only ethylene glycol.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $3.0B 40% of world exports
- 2 United States $1.6B 21% of world exports
- 3 Kuwait $853M 12% of world exports
World total: $7.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $4.0B 48% of world imports
- 2 India $676M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $606M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $8.3B 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 ethylene glycol
Brazil classifies ethylene glycol under NCM 2905.31.00: HS 2905.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about ethylene glycol
What is the HS code for Ethylene glycol?
The HS code for Ethylene glycol is 290531 (Alcohols; acyclic, diols; ethylene glycol (ethanediol)). The HS code for pure ethylene glycol is 2905.31, categorized as an acyclic diol.
How do I classify Ethylene glycol for customs?
Ethylene glycol is classified under HS code 290531 — Alcohols; acyclic, diols; ethylene glycol (ethanediol). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change if it is used in antifreeze?
If the ethylene glycol is pure or contains only minor stabilizers, it is 2905.31. If it is a prepared mixture ready for use as antifreeze, it is classified under 3820.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of ethylene glycol (HS 290531)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290531 (the code used for ethylene glycol) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($3.0B, 40% of world exports), the United States ($1.6B) and Kuwait ($853M). World exports came to about $7.4B, 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 ethylene glycol (HS 290531)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290531 (the code used for ethylene glycol) in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.0B, 48% of world imports), India ($676M) and Türkiye ($606M). World imports came to about $8.3B, 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 Ethylene glycol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290531 for Ethylene 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 ethylene glycol in Brazil?
In Brazil, ethylene glycol (HS 290531) is classified under NCM 2905.31.00.