Product classification

HS code for Methyl alcohol: 2905.11

Alcohols, saturated monohydric, methanol (methyl alcohol).

Classification of methyl alcohol under HS 2905.11

Methyl alcohol, commonly known as methanol, is classified under HS code 2905.11. This code is designated for saturated monohydric alcohols, specifically methanol. Under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System, which deals with organic chemicals, acyclic alcohols and their derivatives are organized by their saturation and the number of hydroxyl groups. Methanol is the simplest alcohol, consisting of a methyl group linked to a hydroxyl group. Because it is a separate chemically defined compound, it falls under heading 2905. The classification is straightforward for pure methanol or methanol containing standard impurities, provided it has not been mixed with other substances to form a preparation or a fuel blend that would trigger classification elsewhere. The purity of the alcohol is a primary factor; industrial-grade methanol and high-purity laboratory methanol both fall under this code. It is a critical industrial chemical used as a solvent, fuel, and raw material for the production of formaldehyde and acetic acid.

Covers
  • Pure methanol (methyl alcohol)
  • Industrial grade methyl alcohol
  • Methanol for laboratory analysis
  • Wood alcohol (crude methanol)
  • Anhydrous methyl alcohol
Also under 2905.11
  • BASF Methanol
  • SABIC Methanol
  • OCI Methanol
  • Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Methanol

Codes often confused with 2905.11

Common mistake. Methyl alcohol is often misclassified under HS code 2207, which is reserved for ethyl alcohol (ethanol). While both are alcohols, Chapter 22 is for beverages and spirits, whereas Chapter 29 is for pure chemicals. Another common error is classification under HS code 3814, which covers organic composite solvents. If methanol is mixed with other solvents, it moves to Chapter 38, but pure methanol must remain in 2905.11. It is also sometimes confused with HS code 3811 for anti-knock preparations.

22.07Ethyl alcohol, undenatured; of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80% vol. or higher; ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured, of any strength38.14Organic composite solvents and thinners, not elsewhere specified or included; prepared paint or varnish removers38.11Anti-knock preparations, oxidation and gum inhibitors, viscosity improvers, anti-corrosive preparations and the like, for mineral oils (including gasoline) or other liquids used for the same purposes

Top exporters and importers of HS 290511 (the code used for methyl alcohol), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290511 (the code used for methyl alcohol) 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 methyl alcohol.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $1.5B
  2. 2 Saudi Arabia $1.2B
  3. 3 Trinidad and Tobago $1.2B

World total: $10.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $3.9B
  2. 2 India $1.0B
  3. 3 Netherlands $1.0B

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 methyl alcohol

Brazil classifies methyl alcohol 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 methyl alcohol

What is the HS code for Methyl alcohol?

The HS code for Methyl alcohol is 290511 (Alcohols; saturated monohydric, methanol (methyl alcohol)). The HS code for Methyl alcohol (methanol) is 2905.11.

How do I classify Methyl alcohol for customs?

Methyl alcohol is classified under HS code 290511 — Alcohols; saturated monohydric, methanol (methyl alcohol). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is methanol used as fuel classified here?

Pure methanol used as fuel is classified under 2905.11. However, if it is blended with gasoline or other additives to create a motor fuel, it may be classified under heading 2710 or 3826 depending on the composition.

Which countries are the top exporters of methyl alcohol (HS 290511)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290511 (the code used for methyl alcohol) 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 methyl alcohol (HS 290511)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 290511 (the code used for methyl alcohol) 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 Methyl alcohol the same in all countries?

The base HS code 290511 for Methyl 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 methyl alcohol in Brazil?

In Brazil, methyl alcohol (HS 290511) is classified under NCM 2905.11.00.