Product classification
HS code for Methanol: 2905.11
Alcohols, saturated monohydric, methanol (methyl alcohol).
Classification of methanol under HS 2905.11
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, is classified under HS code 2905.11. This classification is determined by its chemical identity as a saturated monohydric alcohol. Heading 2905 of the Harmonized System covers acyclic alcohols and their various derivatives. Methanol is the simplest alcohol, containing a single carbon atom and one hydroxyl group (-OH). The subheading 2905.11 is a specific, named entry for methanol, making its classification relatively straightforward compared to other organic compounds. To qualify for this code, the methanol must be a separate chemically defined compound. It is widely used as a solvent, a fuel component, and a feedstock for the production of formaldehyde and acetic acid. The HS system places it here to distinguish it from polyhydric alcohols or unsaturated alcohols, ensuring that trade statistics and tariff applications are specific to this high-volume industrial chemical.
- Covers
- Pure methyl alcohol
- Wood alcohol (crude or refined)
- Methanol for chemical synthesis
- Reagent grade methanol
- Anhydrous methanol
- Also under 2905.11
- BASF Methanol
- SABIC Methanol
- OCI Methanol
- Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Methanol
Codes often confused with 2905.11
Common mistake. Methanol is sometimes misclassified under HS code 2207.10, which is the code for undenatured ethyl alcohol (ethanol). While both are monohydric alcohols, the HS system separates them because ethanol is often subject to excise taxes related to beverage consumption, whereas methanol is a toxic industrial chemical. Another common error is using 3820.00, which covers anti-freezing preparations. If methanol is sold as a pure chemical, it belongs in 2905.11; if it is part of a formulated antifreeze mixture, it moves to Chapter 38.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290511 (the code used for methanol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290511 (the code used for methanol) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 290511, not only methanol.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.5B 15% of world exports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $1.2B 12% of world exports
- 3 Trinidad and Tobago $1.2B 12% of world exports
World total: $10.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $3.9B 31% of world imports
- 2 India $1.0B 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $1.0B 8.0% of world imports
World total: $12.9B 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 methanol
Brazil classifies methanol under NCM 2905.11.00: HS 2905.11 with 00 added.
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 methanol
What is the HS code for Methanol?
The HS code for Methanol is 290511 (Alcohols; saturated monohydric, methanol (methyl alcohol)). The specific HS code for methanol (methyl alcohol) is 2905.11, located within the chapter for organic chemicals.
How do I classify Methanol for customs?
Methanol is classified under HS code 290511 — Alcohols; saturated monohydric, methanol (methyl alcohol). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 2905.11 include methanol-based fuels?
If the product is pure methanol intended for use as fuel, it remains in 2905.11. However, if it is blended with gasoline or other additives, it may be classified under 3824 or 2710.
Which countries are the top exporters of methanol (HS 290511)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290511 (the code used for methanol) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 15% of world exports), Saudi Arabia ($1.2B) and Trinidad and Tobago ($1.2B). World exports came to about $10.2B, 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 methanol (HS 290511)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290511 (the code used for methanol) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.9B, 31% of world imports), India ($1.0B) and the Netherlands ($1.0B). World imports came to about $12.9B, 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 Methanol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290511 for Methanol 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 methanol in Brazil?
In Brazil, methanol (HS 290511) is classified under NCM 2905.11.00.