Product classification
HS code for Pentachlorophenol: 2908.11
Phenol or phenol-alcohol derivatives containing only halogen substituents and their salts, pentachlorophenol (ISO).
Classification of pentachlorophenol under HS 2908.11
Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is classified under HS code 2908.11. This classification is determined by its chemical structure as a halogenated derivative of a phenol. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System covers organic chemicals, and heading 2908 is specifically for halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives of phenols or phenol-alcohols. Pentachlorophenol consists of a phenol ring where all five hydrogen atoms have been substituted with chlorine atoms. Under GRI 1, the specific mention of "pentachlorophenol (ISO)" in the subheading 2908.11 provides a definitive classification. This code also includes the salts of pentachlorophenol, such as sodium pentachlorophenate, which are commonly used in industrial applications. Because PCP is a highly regulated substance under the Stockholm Convention, having a dedicated HS code allows customs authorities to monitor its movement and ensure compliance with environmental safety standards. The classification applies to the chemical in its pure form or as a technical grade substance.
- Covers
- Pentachlorophenol (ISO) technical grade
- Sodium pentachlorophenate (salt of PCP)
- Potassium pentachlorophenate
- Analytical standards of pentachlorophenol
- Also under 2908.11
- Historically used by companies like Dow Chemical (production largely ceased)
- now primarily handled by environmental remediation firms.
Codes often confused with 2908.11
Common mistake. Pentachlorophenol is often misclassified under HS code 2903.93 (Pentachlorobenzene). While the names are similar, 2903 is for hydrocarbons (no oxygen), whereas 2908 is for phenols (containing a hydroxyl group). Another common error is classifying PCP-based wood preservatives under 3808.92. While PCP is used as a fungicide, the pure chemical or its salts remain in 2908.11, whereas formulated wood preservatives containing solvents and other additives belong in 3808.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290811 (the code used for pentachlorophenol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290811 (the code used for pentachlorophenol) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 90% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Sri Lanka, with 51% 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 290811, not only pentachlorophenol.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $138K 90% of world exports
- 2 Germany $11K 7.5% of world exports
- 3 Colombia $3K 2.2% of world exports
World total: $154K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Sri Lanka $316K 51% of world imports
- 2 Kenya $91K 15% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $79K 13% of world imports
World total: $620K 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 pentachlorophenol
Brazil classifies pentachlorophenol under NCM 2908.11.00: HS 2908.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about pentachlorophenol
What is the HS code for Pentachlorophenol?
The HS code for Pentachlorophenol is 290811 (Phenol or phenol-alcohol derivatives containing only halogen substituents and their salts; pentachlorophenol (ISO)). The HS code for pentachlorophenol and its salts is 2908.11.
How do I classify Pentachlorophenol for customs?
Pentachlorophenol is classified under HS code 290811 — Phenol or phenol-alcohol derivatives containing only halogen substituents and their salts; pentachlorophenol (ISO). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this HS code include wood preservatives?
No, this code is for the pure chemical or its salts. Formulated wood preservatives containing pentachlorophenol are typically classified under heading 3808.
Which countries are the top exporters of pentachlorophenol (HS 290811)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290811 (the code used for pentachlorophenol) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($138K, 90% of world exports), Germany ($11K) and Colombia ($3K). World exports came to about $154K, 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 pentachlorophenol (HS 290811)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290811 (the code used for pentachlorophenol) in UN Comtrade data were Sri Lanka ($316K, 51% of world imports), Kenya ($91K) and the Netherlands ($79K). World imports came to about $620K, 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 Pentachlorophenol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290811 for Pentachlorophenol 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 pentachlorophenol in Brazil?
In Brazil, pentachlorophenol (HS 290811) is classified under NCM 2908.11.00.