Product classification
HS code for N-butyl alcohol: 2905.13
Alcohols, saturated monohydric, butan-1-ol (n-butyl alcohol).
Classification of N-butyl alcohol under HS 2905.13
N-butyl alcohol, also known as butan-1-ol, is classified under HS code 2905.13. This classification is based on its chemical structure as a saturated monohydric acyclic alcohol. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to organic chemicals, and heading 2905 specifically covers acyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. Within this heading, the system distinguishes between saturated and unsaturated alcohols. As a saturated monohydric alcohol with four carbon atoms in a straight chain, n-butyl alcohol is explicitly assigned to subheading 2905.13. For classification to remain in this chapter, the substance must be a separate chemically defined compound, typically meeting specific purity standards. If the product is mixed with other solvents or prepared as a finished paint thinner, the classification would shift to Chapter 38.
- Covers
- Butan-1-ol (n-butyl alcohol)
- Normal butyl alcohol
- Butyl hydroxide
- 1-Butanol
- Propylcarbinol
- Also under 2905.13
- BASF n-Butanol
- Eastman n-Butanol
- Dow Chemical Butanol
- LyondellBasell Butanol
Codes often confused with 2905.13
Common mistake. This chemical is often confused with its isomers, such as isobutyl alcohol or sec-butyl alcohol, which are classified under HS code 2905.14. While they share the same molecular formula (C4H10O), their structural arrangement differs, leading to different HS subheadings. Additionally, if n-butyl alcohol is imported as part of a composite organic solvent, it may be misclassified under 3814.00. It is vital to check the purity and the presence of other additives to ensure it belongs in 2905.13.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290513 (the code used for N-butyl alcohol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290513 (the code used for N-butyl alcohol) in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% 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 290513, not only N-butyl alcohol.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Africa $95M 27% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$78M 22% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $54M 15% of world exports
World total: $350M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $70M 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $67M 14% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $56M 12% of world imports
World total: $477M 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 code for N-butyl alcohol
Brazil classifies N-butyl alcohol under NCM 2905.13.00: HS 2905.13 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 N-butyl alcohol
What is the HS code for N-butyl alcohol?
The HS code for N-butyl alcohol is 290513 (Alcohols; saturated monohydric, butan-1-ol (n-butyl alcohol)). The HS code for N-butyl alcohol (butan-1-ol) is 2905.13, which is specific to this saturated monohydric alcohol.
How do I classify N-butyl alcohol for customs?
N-butyl alcohol is classified under HS code 290513 — Alcohols; saturated monohydric, butan-1-ol (n-butyl alcohol). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the purity of the alcohol affect its HS code?
Yes, to be classified under 2905.13, it must be a separate chemically defined compound; impure mixtures or prepared solvents are classified in Chapter 38.
Which countries are the top exporters of N-butyl alcohol (HS 290513)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290513 (the code used for N-butyl alcohol) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($95M, 27% of world exports), Taiwan (about $78M) and Germany ($54M). World exports came to about $350M, 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 N-butyl alcohol (HS 290513)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290513 (the code used for N-butyl alcohol) in UN Comtrade data were China ($70M, 15% of world imports), Germany ($67M) and South Korea ($56M). World imports came to about $477M, 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 N-butyl alcohol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290513 for N-butyl 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 N-butyl alcohol in Brazil?
In Brazil, N-butyl alcohol (HS 290513) is classified under NCM 2905.13.00.