Product classification
HS code for Paraxylene: 2902.43
Cyclic hydrocarbons, p-xylene.
Classification of paraxylene under HS 2902.43
Paraxylene (p-xylene) is classified under HS code 2902.43. It falls under Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals, and specifically heading 2902, which is dedicated to cyclic hydrocarbons. Within this heading, xylenes are grouped together, but p-xylene is given its own subheading (2902.43) due to its industrial importance as a precursor for terephthalic acid and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The classification is based on the chemical purity of the isomer. For a product to be classified under 2902.43, it must be a separate chemically defined compound, typically with a purity exceeding 95% by weight. If the product were a mixture of xylene isomers where no single isomer predominated to the level of a pure chemical, it might be classified differently, but standard commercial paraxylene is typically high purity. This code excludes xylene mixtures obtained from coal tar distillation that do not meet the purity requirements of Chapter 29, which would instead fall under Chapter 27. The classification logic follows GRI 1 and 6, focusing on the aromatic hydrocarbon structure. Paraxylene is an isomer of dimethylbenzene, and its specific para-substitution (1,4-dimethylbenzene) is the defining characteristic for this subheading. In global trade, this chemical is a high-volume commodity, and its classification is critical for monitoring the supply chain of synthetic fibers and plastic bottles.
- Covers
- Pure p-Xylene (1,4-dimethylbenzene)
- High-purity paraxylene (95%+)
- Technical grade paraxylene
- Isolated paraxylene isomers
- Also under 2902.43
- Indorama Ventures p-xylene
- Sinopec p-xylene
- Reliance Industries p-xylene
- BP p-xylene
- SK Global Chemical p-xylene
Codes often confused with 2902.43
Common mistake. Paraxylene is often confused with 2707.30 (Xylols/Xylenes from coal tar) or 2902.44 (Mixed xylene isomers). If the purity is low or it is a crude distillation product, Chapter 27 is appropriate. If it is a mixture of ortho, meta, and para isomers, 2902.44 is used instead of 2902.43.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290243 (the code used for paraxylene), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290243 (the code used for paraxylene) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 65% 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 290243, not only paraxylene.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $4.0B 37% of world exports
- 2 Japan $1.7B 16% of world exports
- 3 Brunei $1.2B 11% of world exports
World total: $11.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $8.0B 65% of world imports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$814M 6.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $767M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $12.4B 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 paraxylene
Brazil classifies paraxylene under NCM 2902.43.00: HS 2902.43 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about paraxylene
What is the HS code for Paraxylene?
The HS code for Paraxylene is 290243 (Cyclic hydrocarbons; p-xylene). The HS code for Paraxylene is 2902.43.
How do I classify Paraxylene for customs?
Paraxylene is classified under HS code 290243 — Cyclic hydrocarbons; p-xylene. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 2902.43 and 2902.44?
2902.43 is specifically for the isolated para-isomer of xylene, while 2902.44 is for mixtures containing multiple xylene isomers (ortho, meta, and para).
Which countries are the top exporters of paraxylene (HS 290243)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290243 (the code used for paraxylene) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($4.0B, 37% of world exports), Japan ($1.7B) and Brunei ($1.2B). World exports came to about $11.0B, 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 paraxylene (HS 290243)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290243 (the code used for paraxylene) in UN Comtrade data were China ($8.0B, 65% of world imports), Taiwan (about $814M) and India ($767M). World imports came to about $12.4B, 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 Paraxylene the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290243 for Paraxylene 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 paraxylene in Brazil?
In Brazil, paraxylene (HS 290243) is classified under NCM 2902.43.00.