Product classification
HS code for Octanol: 2905.16
Alcohols, saturated monohydric, octanol (octyl alcohol) and isomers thereof.
Classification of octanol under HS 2905.16
Octanol, specifically 1-octanol and its various isomers such as 2-ethylhexanol, is classified under HS code 2905.16. This classification is determined by the chemical structure of the substance as a saturated monohydric acyclic alcohol. Under the Harmonized System, Chapter 29 covers organic chemicals, and heading 2905 is dedicated to acyclic alcohols and their derivatives. The sub-heading 2905.16 specifically identifies octanol and its isomers because they contain eight carbon atoms in a saturated chain with a single hydroxyl group. Classification follows General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. For octanol to remain in this category, it must be a separate chemically defined compound. If the product is a mixture of fatty alcohols derived from natural fats and oils where no single isomer predominates, it might be classified under Chapter 38. However, high-purity industrial octanol used in the production of plasticizers, perfumes, and flavorings is strictly assigned to 2905.16.
- Covers
- 1-Octanol (n-octanol)
- 2-Octanol (capryl alcohol)
- 2-Ethylhexanol (often the most commercially significant isomer)
- 3-Octanol and 4-Octanol
- Isooctyl alcohol isomers
- Also under 2905.16
- BASF 1-Octanol
- P&G (in cosmetic formulations)
- Firmenich (in fragrances)
- Sasol Octanol
Codes often confused with 2905.16
Common mistake. Octanol is frequently confused with HS code 2905.19, which is a residual category for other saturated monohydric alcohols not specifically named. Another common error is misclassifying it under 3823.70, which covers industrial fatty alcohols. The distinction lies in the chemical purity and whether the product is a single isomer or a complex mixture of various chain lengths. Additionally, if the octanol is part of a prepared fragrance or flavor mixture, it may fall under 3302.10 or 3302.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290516 (the code used for octanol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290516 (the code used for octanol) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% 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 290516, not only octanol.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $187M 21% of world exports
- 2 Germany $128M 14% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $126M 14% of world exports
World total: $900M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $193M 17% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $143M 12% of world imports
- 3 India $89M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 octanol
Brazil classifies octanol under NCM 2905.16.00: HS 2905.16 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 octanol
What is the HS code for Octanol?
The HS code for Octanol is 290516 (Alcohols; saturated monohydric, octanol (octyl alcohol) and isomers thereof). The HS code for Octanol and its isomers is 2905.16.
How do I classify Octanol for customs?
Octanol is classified under HS code 290516 — Alcohols; saturated monohydric, octanol (octyl alcohol) and isomers thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include 2-ethylhexanol?
Yes, 2-ethylhexanol is an isomer of octanol and is specifically included under HS code 2905.16 for international trade purposes.
Which countries are the top exporters of octanol (HS 290516)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290516 (the code used for octanol) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($187M, 21% of world exports), Germany ($128M) and Indonesia ($126M). World exports came to about $900M, 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 octanol (HS 290516)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290516 (the code used for octanol) in UN Comtrade data were China ($193M, 17% of world imports), Türkiye ($143M) and India ($89M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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.
Is the HS code for Octanol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290516 for Octanol 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 octanol in Brazil?
In Brazil, octanol (HS 290516) is classified under NCM 2905.16.00.