Product classification
HS code for Octyl alcohol: 2905.16
Alcohols, saturated monohydric, octanol (octyl alcohol) and isomers thereof.
Classification of octyl alcohol under HS 2905.16
Octyl alcohol, also known as octanol, is classified under HS code 2905.16. This classification falls under Chapter 29, which encompasses organic chemicals, and specifically heading 2905, which covers acyclic alcohols and their derivatives. Subheading 2905.16 is dedicated to octanol and its various isomers. The classification is based on the chemical structure of the molecule: it must be a saturated monohydric alcohol with a chain of eight carbon atoms. This includes n-octanol (1-octanol) and its branched isomers, most notably 2-ethylhexanol, which is a major industrial chemical used in plasticizer production. As a separate chemically defined compound, it meets the criteria for Chapter 29, provided it is not mixed with other substances in a way that creates a prepared industrial product.
- Covers
- N-Octyl alcohol (1-Octanol)
- 2-Ethylhexanol (Isooctyl alcohol)
- 2-Octanol (Capryl alcohol)
- Isomers of saturated monohydric octanol
- High-purity octyl alcohol for laboratory use
- 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. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 3823.70, which covers industrial fatty alcohols. If the octyl alcohol is part of a mixture of fatty alcohols derived from natural fats and oils and does not meet the purity standards of a "separate chemically defined compound," it belongs in Chapter 38. Another error is using 2905.19, which is a residual category for other saturated monohydric alcohols. Since octanol has its own specific subheading (2905.16), using the "other" category is a violation of GIR 1. Additionally, if the alcohol is unsaturated, it would move to 2905.22 or 2905.29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290516 (the code used for octyl alcohol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290516 (the code used for octyl alcohol) 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 octyl alcohol.
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 octyl alcohol
Brazil classifies octyl alcohol 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 octyl alcohol
What is the HS code for Octyl alcohol?
The HS code for Octyl alcohol is 290516 (Alcohols; saturated monohydric, octanol (octyl alcohol) and isomers thereof). The specific HS code for octyl alcohol and its isomers is 2905.16.
How do I classify Octyl alcohol for customs?
Octyl alcohol is classified under HS code 290516 — Alcohols; saturated monohydric, octanol (octyl alcohol) and isomers thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is 2-ethylhexanol classified under this code?
Yes, 2-ethylhexanol is an isomer of octanol and is explicitly included under HS code 2905.16.
Which countries are the top exporters of octyl alcohol (HS 290516)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290516 (the code used for octyl alcohol) 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 octyl alcohol (HS 290516)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290516 (the code used for octyl alcohol) 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 Octyl alcohol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290516 for Octyl 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 octyl alcohol in Brazil?
In Brazil, octyl alcohol (HS 290516) is classified under NCM 2905.16.00.