Product classification
HS code for Inositols: 2906.13
Alcohols, cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic and derivatives, sterols and inositols.
Classification of inositols under HS 2906.13
Inositols are classified under HS code 2906.13 as part of the organic chemicals sector. Chapter 29 is dedicated to organic chemicals, and heading 2906 covers cyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. Specifically, subheading 2906.13 is designated for inositols, which are carbocyclic sugars (cyclitols) that function as polyols. Although inositol is frequently referred to in nutritional contexts as "Vitamin B8," it does not meet the chemical definition of a vitamin under heading 2936. Instead, its chemical structure as a cyclanic alcohol necessitates its placement in heading 2906. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the inositol is derived from natural sources like corn steep liquor or produced synthetically, provided it remains a separate chemically defined organic compound. This code covers the various isomers of inositol, the most common being myo-inositol.
- Covers
- Myo-inositol
- D-chiro-inositol
- Scyllo-inositol
- Meso-inositol
- Synthetic inositol powder (pure)
- Also under 2906.13
- ADM Phytosterols
- BASF Sterols
- DSM Inositol
- Merck KGaA (various sterols)
- Cargill CoroWise
Codes often confused with 2906.13
Common mistake. Inositols are frequently misclassified under 2936.29, which covers other vitamins and their derivatives, due to the common "Vitamin B8" moniker. They may also be incorrectly placed in 2106.90 as food preparations if they are mixed with excipients or marketed as supplements. However, pure inositol must be classified in Chapter 29. Another potential error is 2905, which covers acyclic alcohols, but inositol is cyclic and belongs in 2906.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290613 (the code used for inositols), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290613 (the code used for inositols) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Ecuador, with 19% 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 290613, not only inositols.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $114M 41% of world exports
- 2 United States $40M 14% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $31M 11% of world exports
World total: $279M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Ecuador $53M 19% of world imports
- 2 China $28M 10% of world imports
- 3 United States $21M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $271M 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 inositols
Brazil classifies inositols under NCM 2906.13.00: HS 2906.13 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about inositols
What is the HS code for Inositols?
The HS code for Inositols is 290613 (Alcohols; cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic and derivatives, sterols and inositols). The specific HS code for inositols is 2906.13.
How do I classify Inositols for customs?
Inositols is classified under HS code 290613 — Alcohols; cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic and derivatives, sterols and inositols. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is inositol classified as a sugar or an alcohol?
In the Harmonized System, inositol is classified as a cyclic alcohol under heading 2906, despite its structural similarity to sugars.
Which countries are the top exporters of inositols (HS 290613)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290613 (the code used for inositols) in UN Comtrade data were China ($114M, 41% of world exports), the United States ($40M) and the Netherlands ($31M). World exports came to about $279M, 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 inositols (HS 290613)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290613 (the code used for inositols) in UN Comtrade data were Ecuador ($53M, 19% of world imports), China ($28M) and the United States ($21M). World imports came to about $271M, 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 Inositols the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290613 for Inositols 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 inositols in Brazil?
In Brazil, inositols (HS 290613) is classified under NCM 2906.13.00.