Product classification

HS code for Isopropyl alcohol: 2905.12

Alcohols, saturated monohydric, propan-1-ol (propyl alcohol) and propan-2-ol (isopropyl alcohol).

Classification of isopropyl alcohol under HS 2905.12

Isopropyl alcohol, also known as isopropanol or propan-2-ol, is classified under HS code 290512. This code is situated in Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals), specifically under heading 2905, which covers acyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. Subheading 290512 specifically groups propan-1-ol (propyl alcohol) and propan-2-ol (isopropyl alcohol) together. Classification under this code is appropriate for the chemical in its pure or technical grade form. Isopropyl alcohol is a colorless, flammable chemical compound with a strong odor, widely used as a solvent and in the production of various industrial and consumer chemicals. The determination of this code relies on the molecular structure of the alcohol, being a saturated monohydric alcohol. If the alcohol is denatured or part of a specific preparation like a retail-ready disinfectant, the classification logic must account for the additives and intended use. However, for the bulk chemical trade, 290512 remains the standard designation globally.

Covers
  • Pure isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol)
  • Technical grade propan-2-ol
  • Propan-1-ol (n-propyl alcohol)
  • Acyclic monohydric propyl alcohols
Also under 2905.12
  • Purell Hand Sanitizer
  • Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
  • Dow Chemical Propanol
  • ExxonMobil Isopropanol

Codes often confused with 2905.12

Common mistake. Isopropyl alcohol is frequently misclassified under HS code 380894 when sold as a formulated disinfectant or hand sanitizer. It can also be confused with ethyl alcohol (ethanol), which is classified under HS code 2207 (denatured or undenatured). Additionally, if used in cosmetic preparations, it might be incorrectly assigned to Chapter 33.

3808.94Disinfectants; other than containing goods specified in Subheading Note 1 in this Chapter; put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles22.07Ethyl alcohol, undenatured; of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80% vol. or higher; ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured, of any strength

Top exporters and importers of HS 290512 (the code used for isopropyl alcohol), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290512 (the code used for isopropyl alcohol) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 8.7% 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 290512, not only isopropyl alcohol.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $329M
  2. 2 Taiwan* ~$156M
  3. 3 China $143M

World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $136M
  2. 2 China $122M
  3. 3 India $121M

World total: $1.6B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 isopropyl alcohol

Brazil splits HS 2905.12 into 2 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 isopropyl alcohol

What is the HS code for Isopropyl alcohol?

The HS code for Isopropyl alcohol is 290512 (Alcohols; saturated monohydric, propan-1-ol (propyl alcohol) and propan-2-ol (isopropyl alcohol)). The HS code for isopropyl alcohol (propan-2-ol) and n-propyl alcohol (propan-1-ol) is 290512.

How do I classify Isopropyl alcohol for customs?

Isopropyl alcohol is classified under HS code 290512 — Alcohols; saturated monohydric, propan-1-ol (propyl alcohol) and propan-2-ol (isopropyl alcohol). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is rubbing alcohol classified under 290512?

If the rubbing alcohol is a simple dilution of isopropyl alcohol, it may stay in 290512, but if it contains medicaments or is packaged as a retail disinfectant, it may move to 380894 or 3004.

Which countries are the top exporters of isopropyl alcohol (HS 290512)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290512 (the code used for isopropyl alcohol) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($329M, 22% of world exports), Taiwan (about $156M) and China ($143M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 isopropyl alcohol (HS 290512)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 290512 (the code used for isopropyl alcohol) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($136M, 8.7% of world imports), China ($122M) and India ($121M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 Isopropyl alcohol the same in all countries?

The base HS code 290512 for Isopropyl 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 isopropyl alcohol in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 290512 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for isopropyl alcohol depends on the product's details: 2905.12.10 (Propyl alcohol (propan-1-ol)), 2905.12.20 (Isopropyl alcohol (propan-2-ol)).