Product classification
HS code for Glycerol: 2905.45
Alcohols, polyhydric, glycerol.
Classification of glycerol under HS 2905.45
Glycerol, commonly known as glycerin, is classified under HS code 2905.45. This classification is found in Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals, specifically under heading 2905 for acyclic alcohols and their derivatives. To be classified under 2905.45, the glycerol must be in a refined state, typically defined as having a purity of 95% or more by weight, calculated on the dry product. Glycerol is a trihydric alcohol (propane-1,2,3-triol) and is a clear, colorless, viscous liquid. The classification is determined by the chemical purity and the absence of impurities found in crude versions of the product. Refined glycerol is used extensively in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries as a humectant, solvent, and sweetener. Whether the glycerol is synthetic or derived from the saponification of fats and oils (natural glycerol), it remains under this code as long as the purity threshold is met. This distinguishes it from crude glycerol, which is a byproduct of biodiesel production or soap manufacturing and contains significant water and organic impurities.
- Covers
- Refined glycerol (purity 95% or higher)
- USP grade glycerin
- Food grade glycerol (E422)
- Chemically pure propane-1,2,3-triol
- Synthetic glycerol meeting purity standards
- Also under 2905.45
- Dow Glycerine
- Wilmar International Glycerine
- P&G Chemicals Glycerine
- KLK Oleo Glycerine
Codes often confused with 2905.45
Common mistake. Glycerol is most commonly misclassified under HS code 1520.00, which is reserved for crude glycerol, glycerol waters, and glycerol lyes (purity less than 95%). It may also be confused with medicaments under heading 3004 if it is prepared in measured doses for therapeutic use, or with cosmetic preparations under heading 3304 if it is part of a finished skin-care product.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290545 (the code used for glycerol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290545 (the code used for glycerol) 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 glycerol.
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 glycerol
Brazil classifies glycerol 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 glycerol
What is the HS code for Glycerol?
The HS code for Glycerol is 290545 (Alcohols; polyhydric, glycerol).
How do I classify Glycerol for customs?
Glycerol is classified under HS code 290545 — Alcohols; polyhydric, glycerol. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for refined glycerin?
Refined glycerin with a purity of 95% or more is classified under HS code 2905.45.
How is crude glycerol classified?
Crude glycerol, which has a purity of less than 95%, is classified under HS code 1520.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of glycerol (HS 290545)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290545 (the code used for glycerol) 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 glycerol (HS 290545)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290545 (the code used for glycerol) 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 Glycerol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290545 for Glycerol 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 glycerol in Brazil?
In Brazil, glycerol (HS 290545) is classified under NCM 2905.45.00.