Product classification

HS code for Fatty alcohols: 3823.70

Industrial fatty alcohols.

Classification of fatty alcohols under HS 3823.70

Industrial fatty alcohols are classified under HS code 3823.70. These are typically mixtures of primary alcohols obtained by the catalytic reduction of the fatty acids classified in the same chapter or by other industrial processes. Unlike the chemically defined alcohols found in Chapter 29, these are industrial mixtures used as surfactants, emulsifiers, or lubricants. The classification follows the principle that industrial mixtures of organic compounds are generally housed in Chapter 38 unless a more specific heading applies. These alcohols are characterized by their long carbon chains and are vital in the cosmetic and detergent industries. The classification is determined by the fact that these products are not single, chemically defined substances but rather commercial mixtures of several different alcohols. This distinction is critical for customs purposes, as it separates industrial-grade raw materials from high-purity laboratory chemicals found in other sections of the Harmonized System.

Covers
  • Industrial cetyl alcohol mixtures
  • Stearyl alcohol commercial blends
  • Lauryl alcohol industrial mixtures
  • Mixed C12-C18 fatty alcohols
  • Tallow-derived fatty alcohol blends
  • Synthetic fatty alcohol mixtures
Also under 3823.70
  • BASF Fatty Alcohols
  • Sasol Fatty Alcohols
  • KLK Oleo Fatty Alcohols
  • Wilmar Fatty Alcohols
  • Emery Oleochemicals Fatty Alcohols

Codes often confused with 3823.70

Common mistake. HS codes 2905.17 for cetyl alcohol and 2905.19 for other saturated acyclic alcohols are the most common misclassifications. If the alcohol is a single, chemically defined compound of high purity, it must be classified in Chapter 29. However, most commercial fatty alcohols are mixtures of several chain lengths and thus belong in 3823.70. 1520.00 for glycerol is also occasionally confused, but glycerol is a triol and is chemically distinct from the fatty alcohols covered here. Furthermore, 3402.13 for non-ionic surfactants is sometimes used if the alcohol has been ethoxylated.

2905.17Alcohols; saturated monohydric, dodecan-1-ol (lauryl alcohol), hexadecan-1-ol (cetyl alcohol) and octadecan-1-ol (stearyl alcohol)2905.19Alcohols; saturated monohydric, n.e.c. in item no. 2905.11520.00Glycerol, crude; glycerol waters and glycerol lyes

Top exporters and importers of HS 382370 (the code used for fatty alcohols), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382370 (the code used for fatty alcohols) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% 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 382370, not only fatty alcohols.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Indonesia $2.1B
  2. 2 Malaysia $1.4B
  3. 3 Netherlands $660M

World total: $5.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $1.8B
  2. 2 Netherlands $502M
  3. 3 United States $424M

World total: $5.7B 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 fatty alcohols

Brazil splits HS 3823.70 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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 fatty alcohols

What is the HS code for Fatty alcohols?

The HS code for Fatty alcohols is 382370 (Industrial fatty alcohols). The HS code for industrial fatty alcohols is 3823.70. This applies to mixtures used in industrial applications like cosmetics and detergents.

How do I classify Fatty alcohols for customs?

Fatty alcohols is classified under HS code 382370 — Industrial fatty alcohols. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can pure cetyl alcohol be classified here?

No, pure cetyl alcohol with a high degree of chemical purity (typically 90% or more) is classified under 2905.17. Only industrial mixtures fall under 3823.70.

Which countries are the top exporters of fatty alcohols (HS 382370)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382370 (the code used for fatty alcohols) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($2.1B, 38% of world exports), Malaysia ($1.4B) and the Netherlands ($660M). World exports came to about $5.7B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of fatty alcohols (HS 382370)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 382370 (the code used for fatty alcohols) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.8B, 31% of world imports), the Netherlands ($502M) and the United States ($424M). World imports came to about $5.7B, 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 Fatty alcohols the same in all countries?

The base HS code 382370 for Fatty alcohols 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 fatty alcohols in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 382370 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for fatty alcohols depends on the product's details: 3823.70.10 (Industrial stearyl alcohol), 3823.70.20 (Industrial lauryl alcohol), 3823.70.40 (Industrial cetyl alcohol), 3823.70.90 (Other industrial fatty alcohols).