Product classification

HS code for Propyl alcohol: 2905.12

Alcohols, saturated monohydric, propan-1-ol (propyl alcohol) and propan-2-ol (isopropyl alcohol).

Classification of propyl alcohol under HS 2905.12

Propyl alcohol, encompassing both n-propyl alcohol (propan-1-ol) and isopropyl alcohol (propan-2-ol), is classified under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System, which covers organic chemicals. Specifically, it is categorized under Heading 2905, reserved for acyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. Subheading 2905.12 is the specific code for both isomers of propyl alcohol. The classification is determined by the chemical structure: a saturated monohydric alcohol containing three carbon atoms. According to the General Rules for Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, the classification is based on the chemical definition provided in the heading. Propyl alcohols are widely used as solvents, in the manufacture of other chemicals, and as disinfectants. Even when used as a cleaning agent or disinfectant, the product remains under 2905.12 as long as it is a separate chemically defined compound or a simple aqueous solution, rather than a complex formulated preparation.

Covers
  • Isopropanol (Isopropyl alcohol or IPA)
  • N-Propanol (n-Propyl alcohol)
  • Propan-1-ol technical grade
  • Propan-2-ol for laboratory use
Also under 2905.12
  • Purell Hand Sanitizer
  • Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
  • Dow Chemical Propanol
  • ExxonMobil Isopropanol

Codes often confused with 2905.12

Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 3808.94, which covers disinfectants. If isopropyl alcohol is prepared as a disinfectant and put up in forms or packings for retail sale, it may be classified under 3808. However, the pure chemical remains in 2905.12. Another common error is confusion with ethyl alcohol (ethanol), which is classified under Heading 2207 (undenatured) or 2208 (denatured), or with methyl alcohol (methanol) under 2905.11.

3808.94Disinfectants; other than containing goods specified in Subheading Note 1 in this Chapter; put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles38.08Insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides, anti-sprouting products, plant growth regulators, disinfectants and the like, put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles22.07Ethyl alcohol, undenatured; of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80% vol. or higher; ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured, of any strength22.08Ethyl alcohol, undenatured; of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80% volume; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages2905.11Alcohols; saturated monohydric, methanol (methyl alcohol)

Top exporters and importers of HS 290512 (the code used for propyl alcohol), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290512 (the code used for propyl alcohol) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 8.7% 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 290512, not only propyl alcohol.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $329M
  2. 2 Taiwan* ~$156M
  3. 3 China $143M

World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $136M
  2. 2 China $122M
  3. 3 India $121M

World total: $1.6B 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 codes for propyl alcohol

Brazil splits HS 2905.12 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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 propyl alcohol

What is the HS code for Propyl alcohol?

The HS code for Propyl alcohol is 290512 (Alcohols; saturated monohydric, propan-1-ol (propyl alcohol) and propan-2-ol (isopropyl alcohol)). The HS code for both n-propyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol is 2905.12.

How do I classify Propyl alcohol for customs?

Propyl alcohol is classified under HS code 290512 — Alcohols; saturated monohydric, propan-1-ol (propyl alcohol) and propan-2-ol (isopropyl alcohol). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is isopropyl alcohol classified differently than n-propyl alcohol?

No, both isomers (propan-1-ol and propan-2-ol) are grouped together under the same HS subheading 2905.12.

Which countries are the top exporters of propyl alcohol (HS 290512)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290512 (the code used for propyl alcohol) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($329M, 22% of world exports), Taiwan (about $156M) and China ($143M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 propyl alcohol (HS 290512)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 290512 (the code used for propyl alcohol) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($136M, 8.7% of world imports), China ($122M) and India ($121M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 Propyl alcohol the same in all countries?

The base HS code 290512 for Propyl 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 propyl alcohol in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 290512 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for propyl alcohol depends on the product's details: 2905.12.10 (Propyl alcohol (propan-1-ol)), 2905.12.20 (Isopropyl alcohol (propan-2-ol)).