Product classification
HS code for Hydroquinone: 2907.22
Polyphenols, hydroquinone (quinol) and its salts.
Classification of hydroquinone under HS 2907.22
Hydroquinone, chemically known as benzene-1,4-diol or quinol, is classified under HS code 2907.22. This classification is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically focusing on the chemical structure of the compound. Chapter 29 covers organic chemicals, and Heading 2907 is dedicated to phenols and phenol-alcohols. Hydroquinone is a dihydric phenol, meaning it contains two hydroxyl groups attached to a benzene ring in the para position. According to the Chapter 29 notes, chemically defined organic compounds are classified here even if they contain impurities, provided they are not in a mixture or prepared as a finished product for a specific retail use. The classification 2907.22 specifically identifies hydroquinone and its salts, ensuring that this specific polyphenol is distinguished from monophenols like phenol or naphthols. Its primary use as a reducing agent in photography or as a stabilizer in various industrial processes does not change its classification as a pure chemical compound under this heading.
- Covers
- Photographic grade hydroquinone
- Industrial grade quinol
- Hydroquinone salts
- 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene
- Technical grade hydroquinone crystals
- Also under 2907.22
- Eastman Chemical (hydroquinone)
- Mitsui Chemicals (hydroquinone)
- Solvay (hydroquinone derivatives)
- Sinopec (hydroquinone)
Codes often confused with 2907.22
Common mistake. Hydroquinone is frequently misclassified under HS code 2907.11, which is reserved for pure phenol (carbolic acid). While both are phenols, 2907.11 is for monophenols, whereas hydroquinone is a polyphenol. Another common error is classifying it under HS code 3824.99 as a miscellaneous chemical product; however, Chapter 29 takes precedence for separate chemically defined compounds. Furthermore, if hydroquinone is prepared as a skin-lightening cream, it must be classified under HS code 3304.99 (cosmetics) rather than 2907.22.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290722 (the code used for hydroquinone), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290722 (the code used for hydroquinone) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 21% 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 290722, not only hydroquinone.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $36M 25% of world exports
- 2 United States $32M 23% of world exports
- 3 China $32M 22% of world exports
World total: $144M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $38M 21% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $17M 9.5% of world imports
- 3 China $17M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $182M 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 hydroquinone
Brazil classifies hydroquinone under NCM 2907.22.00: HS 2907.22 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hydroquinone
What is the HS code for Hydroquinone?
The HS code for Hydroquinone is 290722 (Polyphenols; hydroquinone (quinol) and its salts). The HS code for hydroquinone (quinol) and its salts is 2907.22.
How do I classify Hydroquinone for customs?
Hydroquinone is classified under HS code 290722 — Polyphenols; hydroquinone (quinol) and its salts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is hydroquinone classified differently if used in photography?
If it is a separate chemically defined compound, it remains under 2907.22. However, if it is mixed with other substances and packaged for retail sale as a photographic developer, it may fall under HS code 3707.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of hydroquinone (HS 290722)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290722 (the code used for hydroquinone) in UN Comtrade data were France ($36M, 25% of world exports), the United States ($32M) and China ($32M). World exports came to about $144M, 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 hydroquinone (HS 290722)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290722 (the code used for hydroquinone) in UN Comtrade data were India ($38M, 21% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($17M) and China ($17M). World imports came to about $182M, 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 Hydroquinone the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290722 for Hydroquinone 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 hydroquinone in Brazil?
In Brazil, hydroquinone (HS 290722) is classified under NCM 2907.22.00.