Product classification
HS code for Industrial alcohol: 2207.20
Ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured, of any strength.
Classification of industrial alcohol under HS 2207.20
Industrial alcohol is classified under HS code 220720. This classification applies to ethyl alcohol and other spirits that have been denatured. Denaturation involves adding chemicals to make the alcohol unfit for human consumption, which is a standard requirement for alcohol used in industrial processes, solvent manufacturing, or fuel production. Chapter 22 covers beverages, spirits, and vinegar, but 2207 specifically deals with ethyl alcohol. The distinction between 220710 (undenatured) and 220720 (denatured) is vital for customs purposes, as denatured alcohol is typically subject to different tax and regulatory frameworks than potable spirits. The strength of the alcohol (measured by volume) does not change the classification under 220720, provided it is denatured. This code is used globally to track the movement of industrial-grade ethanol. Common denaturants include methanol, isopropyl alcohol, or denatonium benzoate. The presence of these additives must be clearly stated in the technical data sheet to justify the use of 220720. Misclassification as undenatured alcohol can lead to significant legal issues and higher excise duties, as undenatured alcohol is often treated as a beverage-grade product regardless of its actual end-use. The classification remains in Chapter 22 because the product is still chemically an alcohol, even if its utility has shifted to industrial applications. It is important to distinguish this from acyclic alcohols in Chapter 29, which are pure chemical compounds not derived from the fermentation processes typical of 2207.
- Covers
- Denatured ethyl alcohol
- Industrial methylated spirits (IMS)
- Denatured ethanol for biofuel production
- Solvent-grade denatured alcohol
- Completely denatured alcohol (CDA)
- Also under 2207.20
- Isopropyl alcohol (often denatured ethanol blend)
- hand sanitizers (ethanol-based)
- windshield washer fluid
- shellac thinner
- bioethanol fuel.
Codes often confused with 2207.20
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is 220710, which is for undenatured ethyl alcohol. Another error is using 381400, which covers organic composite solvents; however, if the product is primarily denatured ethyl alcohol, 220720 takes precedence as the more specific heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 220720 (the code used for industrial alcohol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 220720 (the code used for industrial alcohol) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 70% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 34% 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 220720, not only industrial alcohol.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $2.5B 70% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $353M 9.9% of world exports
- 3 Spain $164M 4.6% of world exports
World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $1.6B 34% of world imports
- 2 India $428M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $362M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $4.7B 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 industrial alcohol
Brazil splits HS 2207.20 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2207.20.11Denatured ethyl alcohol, water 1% vol or less
- 2207.20.19Denatured ethyl alcohol, water over 1% vol
- 2207.20.20Denatured spirits, other than ethyl alcohol
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about industrial alcohol
What is the HS code for Industrial alcohol?
The HS code for Industrial alcohol is 220720 (Ethyl alcohol and other spirits; denatured, of any strength). The HS code for denatured industrial ethyl alcohol is 220720.
How do I classify Industrial alcohol for customs?
Industrial alcohol is classified under HS code 220720 — Ethyl alcohol and other spirits; denatured, of any strength. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the alcohol percentage matter for this code?
No, 220720 covers denatured ethyl alcohol of any strength, unlike undenatured alcohol which is split by strength in other sub-headings.
Which countries are the top exporters of industrial alcohol (HS 220720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 220720 (the code used for industrial alcohol) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.5B, 70% of world exports), the Netherlands ($353M) and Spain ($164M). World exports came to about $3.6B, 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 industrial alcohol (HS 220720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 220720 (the code used for industrial alcohol) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($1.6B, 34% of world imports), India ($428M) and the Netherlands ($362M). World imports came to about $4.7B, 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 Industrial alcohol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 220720 for Industrial alcohol 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 industrial alcohol in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 220720 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for industrial alcohol depends on the product's details: 2207.20.11 (Denatured ethyl alcohol, water 1% vol or less), 2207.20.19 (Denatured ethyl alcohol, water over 1% vol), 2207.20.20 (Denatured spirits, other than ethyl alcohol).