Product classification
HS code for Ethylene oxide: 2910.10
Epoxides, epoxyalcohols, epoxyphenols and epoxyethers, with a three-membered ring and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, oxirane (ethylene oxide).
Classification of ethylene oxide under HS 2910.10
Ethylene oxide is classified under HS code 2910.10 because it is a separate chemically defined organic compound belonging to the epoxide group. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Chapter 29 notes, organic chemicals are classified based on their chemical structure. Heading 2910 specifically covers epoxides, epoxyalcohols, epoxyphenols, and epoxyethers with a three-membered ring. Ethylene oxide, also known as oxirane, is the simplest epoxide, consisting of two carbon atoms and one oxygen atom in a cyclic structure. For a product to be classified here, it must be a pure substance, although it may contain impurities resulting from the manufacturing process or stabilizers added for safety during transport. Ethylene oxide is a highly reactive, colorless gas at room temperature and serves as a critical intermediate in the production of ethylene glycol, surfactants, and various detergents. Its classification is determined by its specific chemical identity as a cyclic ether with a three-membered ring, which is explicitly named in the subheading 2910.10.
- Covers
- Pure ethylene oxide (oxirane)
- Ethylene oxide containing manufacturing impurities
- Ethylene oxide stabilized with small amounts of additives for transport safety
- High-purity ethylene oxide for chemical synthesis
- Also under 2910.10
- BASF Ethylene Oxide
- Dow Ethylene Oxide
- SABIC Ethylene Oxide
Codes often confused with 2910.10
Common mistake. Ethylene oxide is frequently confused with HS code 3824.81. The primary distinction is that 2910.10 is for the pure chemical compound, while 3824.81 is for chemical mixtures containing ethylene oxide, such as those used for industrial sterilization. It is also sometimes misclassified under 2901.21, which is the code for ethylene gas; however, ethylene oxide is a derivative (an epoxide) and must be classified in 2910. Furthermore, if the product is prepared as a disinfectant and put up in retail packaging, importers might mistakenly look at 3808.94, but 2910.10 remains the correct code for the bulk chemical.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291010 (the code used for ethylene oxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291010 (the code used for ethylene oxide) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 23% 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 291010, not only ethylene oxide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $205M 48% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $134M 31% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $49M 11% of world exports
World total: $429M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $94M 23% of world imports
- 2 Germany $73M 17% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $63M 15% of world imports
World total: $418M 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 oxide
Brazil classifies ethylene oxide under NCM 2910.10.00: HS 2910.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ethylene oxide
What is the HS code for Ethylene oxide?
The HS code for Ethylene oxide is 291010 (Epoxides, epoxyalcohols, epoxyphenols and epoxyethers; with a three-membered ring and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives; oxirane (ethylene oxide)). The HS code for pure ethylene oxide is 2910.10, classified under the category of epoxides with a three-membered ring.
How do I classify Ethylene oxide for customs?
Ethylene oxide is classified under HS code 291010 — Epoxides, epoxyalcohols, epoxyphenols and epoxyethers; with a three-membered ring and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives; oxirane (ethylene oxide). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can ethylene oxide be classified in Chapter 38?
Yes, but only if it is part of a mixture. If ethylene oxide is blended with inert gases like carbon dioxide for use as a fumigant or sterilant, it moves to HS code 3824.81.
Which countries are the top exporters of ethylene oxide (HS 291010)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291010 (the code used for ethylene oxide) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($205M, 48% of world exports), the Netherlands ($134M) and Belgium ($49M). World exports came to about $429M, 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 oxide (HS 291010)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291010 (the code used for ethylene oxide) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($94M, 23% of world imports), Germany ($73M) and Belgium ($63M). World imports came to about $418M, 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 oxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291010 for Ethylene oxide 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 oxide in Brazil?
In Brazil, ethylene oxide (HS 291010) is classified under NCM 2910.10.00.