Product classification

HS code for Industrial fatty alcohols: 3823.70

Industrial fatty alcohols.

Classification of industrial fatty alcohols under HS 3823.70

Industrial fatty alcohols are classified under HS code 3823.70. These products are mixtures of primary alcohols, usually ranging from six to twenty-four carbon atoms. They are obtained by the catalytic reduction of the corresponding fatty acids or by the processing of fats and oils. In the Harmonized System, a critical distinction is made between chemically pure alcohols, which belong in Chapter 29, and industrial mixtures, which belong in Chapter 38. Heading 3823 specifically addresses industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids, acid oils from refining, and industrial fatty alcohols. The classification 3823.70 is used when the product is a mixture of fatty alcohols, which is common in the production of surfactants, detergents, and lubricants. These alcohols are often wax-like or liquid depending on the chain length and are valued for their amphiphilic properties in industrial chemistry.

Covers
  • Industrial cetyl alcohol (mixtures)
  • Industrial stearyl alcohol (mixtures)
  • Lauryl alcohol mixtures
  • Oleyl alcohol (industrial grade)
  • Mixtures of C12-C15 fatty alcohols
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. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 2905. Chapter 29 is strictly for separate chemically defined organic compounds. If a fatty alcohol has a purity of 90% or more (by weight of the dry product), it may be pushed into 2905. However, most industrial-grade fatty alcohols are intentional mixtures of different chain lengths to achieve specific melting points or HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) values, which mandates classification under 3823.70.

29.05Acyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives

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

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382370 (the code used for industrial 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 industrial 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 industrial 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 industrial fatty alcohols

What is the HS code for Industrial fatty alcohols?

The HS code for Industrial fatty alcohols is 382370 (Industrial fatty alcohols). The specific HS code for industrial fatty alcohols is 3823.70.

How do I classify Industrial fatty alcohols for customs?

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

Are these the same as alcohols used in beverages?

No, industrial fatty alcohols are non-potable chemicals used in manufacturing and are distinct from ethyl alcohol (ethanol) found in Chapter 22.

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

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382370 (the code used for industrial 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 industrial fatty alcohols (HS 382370)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 382370 (the code used for industrial 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 Industrial fatty alcohols the same in all countries?

The base HS code 382370 for Industrial 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 industrial fatty alcohols in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 382370 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for industrial 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).