HS Code for Phenol

Phenol, also known as hydroxybenzene (C6H5OH), is classified under HS code 2907.11. This classification is determined by the Harmonized System's structure for organic chemicals in Chapter 29. Specifically, Heading 2907 covers phenols and phenol-alcohols. Phenol is the simplest member of the monophenols group, which are compounds containing one hydroxyl group attached to a benzene ring. Because it is a separate chemically defined organic compound and fits the specific description of a monophenol without other functional groups, it is placed in the first subheading of 2907. The classification also includes the salts of phenol, such as sodium phenoxide, which are treated as the parent compound under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI). Customs authorities require precise identification because phenol is a high-volume industrial chemical used in the production of plastics, resins, and pharmaceuticals. The purity of the substance is a key factor; while technical grade phenol is included here, mixtures containing less than 90% phenol by weight derived from coal tar may be classified in Chapter 27.

Products Included

• Pure phenol (hydroxybenzene)
• Phenol salts (e.g., sodium phenate, potassium phenate)
• Technical grade phenol (meeting Chapter 29 purity standards)
• Phenol crystals and liquefied phenol

Common Misclassification

Phenol is frequently confused with coal tar oils classified under HS code 2707.99. While phenol can be derived from coal tar, Chapter 29 is reserved for separate chemically defined compounds. If the product is a crude mixture of phenols where hydroxybenzene does not predominate by weight, it belongs in Chapter 27. Another common error is confusing it with cresols (2907.12) or xylenols (2907.13), which are substituted monophenols with different chemical structures.

FAQ

What is the HS code for phenol?

The HS code for phenol (hydroxybenzene) and its salts is 2907.11.

Does this code include phenolic resins?

No, phenolic resins are polymers and are classified in Chapter 39 under HS code 3909.40, as they are no longer separate chemically defined monophenols.