Product classification
HS code for Menthol: 2906.11
Alcohols, cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic and derivatives, menthol.
Classification of menthol under HS 2906.11
Menthol is classified under HS code 2906.11. This classification falls within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals. Specifically, heading 2906 refers to cyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. Menthol (2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol) is a cyclanic alcohol, which places it in the first part of this heading. The subheading 2906.11 is specifically reserved for menthol. This classification applies to menthol regardless of whether it is natural (extracted from peppermint or other mint oils) or synthetic, provided it is a separate chemically defined compound of high purity. According to the Chapter 29 notes, products must generally be individual elements or chemically defined compounds to stay within this chapter. Menthol is widely used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries for its cooling sensation and aromatic properties, but its classification remains strictly based on its chemical structure as a cyclanic alcohol.
- Covers
- Natural L-menthol crystals
- Synthetic DL-menthol
- Isolated menthol of pharmaceutical grade
- Menthol flakes for industrial use
- Pure menthol powder
- Also under 2906.11
- Vicks VapoRub
- Halls cough drops
- Wrigley's Spearmint gum
- Carmex lip balm
- Tiger Balm
Codes often confused with 2906.11
Common mistake. Menthol is frequently misclassified under 3301.25 (peppermint oil) or 3301.24 (Spearmint oil). While menthol is a component of these oils, the pure isolated chemical belongs in Chapter 29. Another common error is classification under 3004 as a medicament; however, unless the menthol is put up in measured doses for therapeutic use or in forms for retail sale as a medicine, it remains under 2906.11. Finally, mixtures of menthol with other substances for flavoring may fall under 3302.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290611 (the code used for menthol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290611 (the code used for menthol) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 22% 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 290611, not only menthol.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $191M 30% of world exports
- 2 Germany $143M 22% of world exports
- 3 India $122M 19% of world exports
World total: $641M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $143M 22% of world imports
- 2 China $103M 16% of world imports
- 3 United States $69M 10% of world imports
World total: $663M 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 menthol
Brazil classifies menthol under NCM 2906.11.00: HS 2906.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about menthol
What is the HS code for Menthol?
The HS code for Menthol is 290611 (Alcohols; cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic and derivatives, menthol). The specific HS code for menthol, as a chemically defined cyclanic alcohol, is 2906.11.
How do I classify Menthol for customs?
Menthol is classified under HS code 290611 — Alcohols; cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic and derivatives, menthol. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is peppermint oil classified under the same code?
No, peppermint oil is an essential oil and is classified under 3301.25. Only the isolated, pure menthol compound is classified under 2906.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of menthol (HS 290611)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290611 (the code used for menthol) in UN Comtrade data were China ($191M, 30% of world exports), Germany ($143M) and India ($122M). World exports came to about $641M, 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 menthol (HS 290611)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290611 (the code used for menthol) in UN Comtrade data were India ($143M, 22% of world imports), China ($103M) and the United States ($69M). World imports came to about $663M, 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 Menthol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290611 for Menthol 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 menthol in Brazil?
In Brazil, menthol (HS 290611) is classified under NCM 2906.11.00.