Product classification
HS code for Pentaerythritol: 2905.42
Alcohols, polyhydric, pentaerythritol.
Classification of pentaerythritol under HS 2905.42
Pentaerythritol is classified under HS code 2905.42. It is a polyhydric alcohol, specifically a tetrol, meaning it contains four hydroxyl groups attached to a five-carbon backbone. Chapter 29 covers organic chemicals, and heading 2905 is designated for acyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. Within this heading, the subheadings are organized by the number of hydroxyl groups and the specific identity of the alcohol. Subheading 2905.42 is the specific code for pentaerythritol. This classification is based on GRI 1 and GRI 6, as the substance is a separate chemically defined organic compound. Pentaerythritol is widely used in the production of alkyd resins, synthetic lubricants, and explosives (PETN). Even when the product is of "technical grade," which may contain small amounts of dipentaerythritol or tripentaerythritol as natural byproducts of the manufacturing process, it remains classified under 2905.42 as long as it retains the character of the primary compound.
- Covers
- Monopentaerythritol (95% or 98% purity)
- Technical grade pentaerythritol
- Pentaerythritol crystals or powder
- Nitration grade pentaerythritol
- Also under 2905.42
- Perstorp Pentaerythritol
- BASF Pentaerythritol
- Mitsui Chemicals Pentaerythritol
- Ercros Pentaerythritol
Codes often confused with 2905.42
Common mistake. Pentaerythritol is sometimes misclassified under 2905.43 (Mannitol) or 2905.44 (Sorbitol) because these are also polyhydric alcohols. However, the molecular structure of pentaerythritol is distinct. It may also be confused with its derivative, pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), which is an explosive classified under 2920.90 or Chapter 36. Importers must ensure that the chemical has not been nitrated or otherwise modified into a derivative that would fall under a different heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290542 (the code used for pentaerythritol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290542 (the code used for pentaerythritol) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 290542, not only pentaerythritol.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $98M 41% of world exports
- 2 Germany $61M 25% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$39M 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $239M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $48M 13% of world imports
- 2 Italy $31M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 India $28M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $369M 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 pentaerythritol
Brazil classifies pentaerythritol under NCM 2905.42.00: HS 2905.42 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 pentaerythritol
What is the HS code for Pentaerythritol?
The HS code for Pentaerythritol is 290542 (Alcohols; polyhydric, pentaerythritol). The HS code for pentaerythritol is 2905.42, which is the specific subheading for this polyhydric alcohol.
How do I classify Pentaerythritol for customs?
Pentaerythritol is classified under HS code 290542 — Alcohols; polyhydric, pentaerythritol. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is dipentaerythritol classified under the same code?
No, dipentaerythritol is typically classified under 2909.49 as an ether-alcohol, although technical grades of pentaerythritol containing minor amounts of dipentaerythritol stay in 2905.42.
Which countries are the top exporters of pentaerythritol (HS 290542)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290542 (the code used for pentaerythritol) in UN Comtrade data were China ($98M, 41% of world exports), Germany ($61M) and Taiwan (about $39M). World exports came to about $239M, 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 pentaerythritol (HS 290542)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290542 (the code used for pentaerythritol) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($48M, 13% of world imports), Italy ($31M) and India ($28M). World imports came to about $369M, 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 Pentaerythritol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290542 for Pentaerythritol 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 pentaerythritol in Brazil?
In Brazil, pentaerythritol (HS 290542) is classified under NCM 2905.42.00.