Product classification
HS code for Glycerine: 2905.45
Alcohols, polyhydric, glycerol.
Classification of glycerine under HS 2905.45
Glycerine, or glycerol, is classified under HS code 2905.45 when it is in a chemically pure state, typically defined as having a purity of 95% or higher by weight. This code is situated within Chapter 29, which encompasses organic chemicals, and specifically under heading 2905 for acyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. The classification is determined by the chemical structure of the product, which is a trihydric alcohol (propane-1,2,3-triol). It is important to distinguish between refined glycerine and crude glycerine. Refined glycerine is used extensively in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food production as a humectant, solvent, and sweetener. The HS code 2905.45 is reserved for the pure chemical compound, regardless of whether it is derived from natural fats and oils through saponification or synthesized from propylene. The high purity level required for this heading ensures that the product is treated as a chemical rather than a raw industrial byproduct.
- Covers
- Refined glycerine (95% purity or higher)
- Synthetic glycerol
- USP grade glycerine
- Food grade glycerol
- Pharmaceutical grade glycerine
- Also under 2905.45
- Dow Glycerine
- Wilmar International Glycerine
- P&G Chemicals Glycerine
- KLK Oleo Glycerine
Codes often confused with 2905.45
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 1520.00, which covers crude glycerol, glycerol waters, and glycerol lyes. If the glycerine has a purity of less than 95%, it must be classified under 1520.00. Additionally, mixtures containing glycerine used for specific industrial purposes might be misclassified under 3824.99, which covers chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries not elsewhere specified.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290545 (the code used for glycerine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290545 (the code used for glycerine) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% 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 290545, not only glycerine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $905M 35% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $468M 18% of world exports
- 3 Germany $386M 15% of world exports
World total: $2.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $635M 25% of world imports
- 2 United States $220M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $103M 4.0% of world imports
World total: $2.6B 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 glycerine
Brazil classifies glycerine under NCM 2905.45.00: HS 2905.45 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 glycerine
What is the HS code for Glycerine?
The HS code for Glycerine is 290545 (Alcohols; polyhydric, glycerol).
How do I classify Glycerine for customs?
Glycerine is classified under HS code 290545 — Alcohols; polyhydric, glycerol. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for refined glycerine?
Refined glycerine with a purity of 95% or more is classified under HS code 2905.45.
How is crude glycerine classified differently?
Crude glycerine, which is a byproduct of biodiesel or soap production and has lower purity, is classified under HS code 1520.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of glycerine (HS 290545)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290545 (the code used for glycerine) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($905M, 35% of world exports), Malaysia ($468M) and Germany ($386M). World exports came to about $2.6B, 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 glycerine (HS 290545)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290545 (the code used for glycerine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($635M, 25% of world imports), the United States ($220M) and the Netherlands ($103M). World imports came to about $2.6B, 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 Glycerine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290545 for Glycerine 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 glycerine in Brazil?
In Brazil, glycerine (HS 290545) is classified under NCM 2905.45.00.