Product classification
HS code for Lauryl alcohol: 2905.17
Alcohols, saturated monohydric, dodecan-1-ol (lauryl alcohol), hexadecan-1-ol (cetyl alcohol) and octadecan-1-ol (stearyl alcohol).
Classification of lauryl alcohol under HS 2905.17
Lauryl alcohol, also known as dodecan-1-ol, is classified under HS code 290517. This classification is based on its chemical structure as a saturated monohydric alcohol. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System covers separate chemically defined organic compounds. Because lauryl alcohol is a primary alcohol with a specific 12-carbon chain (C12H26O), it is explicitly named in the subheading alongside cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. To qualify for this code, the product must be a chemically pure compound; industrial grades that are mixtures of various fatty alcohols may be classified differently depending on their purity levels and intended applications.
- Covers
- Dodecan-1-ol (pure lauryl alcohol)
- Saturated C12 monohydric alcohols
- Crystalline lauryl alcohol for laboratory use
- High-purity dodecyl alcohol
- Also under 2905.17
- Dove Body Wash (cetyl alcohol)
- L'Oréal Hair Conditioner (stearyl alcohol)
- BASF Fatty Alcohols
- Croda Fatty Alcohols
Codes often confused with 2905.17
Common mistake. Lauryl alcohol is often misclassified under HS code 382370, which covers industrial fatty alcohols. The primary difference is the level of purity and the composition. If the product is a mixture of fatty alcohols (such as a blend of C12 and C14) obtained from the distillation of coconut or palm kernel oil fatty acids, it belongs in Chapter 38. Only separate chemically defined isomers of high purity belong in 290517. It may also be confused with HS code 290519, which is a residual category for other saturated monohydric alcohols not specifically named.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290517 (the code used for lauryl alcohol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290517 (the code used for lauryl alcohol) in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% 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 290517, not only lauryl alcohol.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Malaysia $405M 47% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $167M 19% of world exports
- 3 Philippines $108M 12% of world exports
World total: $862M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $165M 24% of world imports
- 2 United States $72M 11% of world imports
- 3 Japan $67M 9.8% of world imports
World total: $687M 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 lauryl alcohol
Brazil splits HS 2905.17 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2905.17.10Lauryl alcohol (dodecan-1-ol)
- 2905.17.20Cetyl alcohol (hexadecan-1-ol)
- 2905.17.30Stearyl alcohol (octadecan-1-ol)
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 lauryl alcohol
What is the HS code for Lauryl alcohol?
The HS code for Lauryl alcohol is 290517 (Alcohols; saturated monohydric, dodecan-1-ol (lauryl alcohol), hexadecan-1-ol (cetyl alcohol) and octadecan-1-ol (stearyl alcohol)). The HS code for chemically pure lauryl alcohol (dodecan-1-ol) is 290517.
How do I classify Lauryl alcohol for customs?
Lauryl alcohol is classified under HS code 290517 — Alcohols; saturated monohydric, dodecan-1-ol (lauryl alcohol), hexadecan-1-ol (cetyl alcohol) and octadecan-1-ol (stearyl alcohol). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between HS 2905 and HS 3823?
HS 2905 is for separate, chemically defined pure alcohols, while HS 3823 is for industrial mixtures of fatty alcohols that do not meet the purity standards of Chapter 29.
Which countries are the top exporters of lauryl alcohol (HS 290517)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290517 (the code used for lauryl alcohol) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($405M, 47% of world exports), Indonesia ($167M) and the Philippines ($108M). World exports came to about $862M, 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 lauryl alcohol (HS 290517)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290517 (the code used for lauryl alcohol) in UN Comtrade data were China ($165M, 24% of world imports), the United States ($72M) and Japan ($67M). World imports came to about $687M, 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 Lauryl alcohol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290517 for Lauryl 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 lauryl alcohol in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 290517 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for lauryl alcohol depends on the product's details: 2905.17.10 (Lauryl alcohol (dodecan-1-ol)), 2905.17.20 (Cetyl alcohol (hexadecan-1-ol)), 2905.17.30 (Stearyl alcohol (octadecan-1-ol)).