Product classification
HS code for Naphthols: 2907.15
Monophenols, naphthols and their salts.
Classification of naphthols under HS 2907.15
Naphthols and their salts are classified under HS code 2907.15. This classification falls within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals, and specifically heading 2907, which is dedicated to phenols and phenol-alcohols. Naphthols are aromatic compounds where a hydroxyl group is attached directly to a naphthalene ring system. Subheading 2907.15 specifically identifies 1-naphthol (alpha-naphthol) and 2-naphthol (beta-naphthol), along with their respective salts. These compounds are essential intermediates in the production of synthetic dyes, pigments, and various pharmaceutical products. The classification is determined by the chemical structure of the molecule as a monophenol derived from naphthalene. According to the General Rules of Interpretation, specifically GRI 1, the heading for phenols (2907) is the most appropriate for these hydroxyl-functional aromatic hydrocarbons. The salts of naphthols, such as sodium naphtholate, are also included here as they are considered direct derivatives of the parent phenol compound within the scope of the subheading.
- Covers
- 1-Naphthol (Alpha-naphthol)
- 2-Naphthol (Beta-naphthol)
- Sodium 1-naphtholate
- Potassium 2-naphtholate
- Other metal salts of naphthols
- Technical grade naphthols used as chemical intermediates
- Also under 2907.15
- BASF (dye intermediates)
- Clariant (pigment precursors)
- Sigma-Aldrich (research chemicals)
- Merck KGaA
- TCI Chemicals
Codes often confused with 2907.15
Common mistake. Naphthols are often confused with HS code 2908, which covers halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives of phenols. If the naphthol molecule has additional functional groups like a sulfonic acid group (e.g., H-acid or J-acid), it must be classified in 2908 rather than 2907.15. Additionally, finished dyes made from naphthols are classified in heading 3204 (synthetic organic coloring matter) and should not be confused with the raw chemical intermediates classified here.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290715 (the code used for naphthols), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290715 (the code used for naphthols) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 79% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 61% 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 290715, not only naphthols.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $54M 79% of world exports
- 2 India $11M 16% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $2.0M 2.9% of world exports
World total: $68M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $48M 61% of world imports
- 2 Japan $11M 14% of world imports
- 3 United States $5.9M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $79M 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 naphthols
Brazil splits HS 2907.15 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2907.15.10beta-Naphthol and its salts
- 2907.15.90Other naphthols and their salts
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about naphthols
What is the HS code for Naphthols?
The HS code for Naphthols is 290715 (Monophenols; naphthols and their salts). The HS code for naphthols and their salts is 2907.15.
How do I classify Naphthols for customs?
Naphthols is classified under HS code 290715 — Monophenols; naphthols and their salts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are sulfonated naphthols included in this code?
No, sulfonated derivatives of naphthols are classified under HS code 2908.99, as 2907.15 is restricted to the phenols and their salts without further substitution.
Which countries are the top exporters of naphthols (HS 290715)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290715 (the code used for naphthols) in UN Comtrade data were China ($54M, 79% of world exports), India ($11M) and the Netherlands ($2.0M). World exports came to about $68M, 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 naphthols (HS 290715)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290715 (the code used for naphthols) in UN Comtrade data were India ($48M, 61% of world imports), Japan ($11M) and the United States ($5.9M). World imports came to about $79M, 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 Naphthols the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290715 for Naphthols 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 naphthols in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 290715 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for naphthols depends on the product's details: 2907.15.10 (beta-Naphthol and its salts), 2907.15.90 (Other naphthols and their salts).