Product classification
HS code for Propylene glycol: 2905.32
Alcohols, acyclic, diols, propylene glycol (propane-1, 2-diol).
Classification of propylene glycol under HS 2905.32
Propylene glycol, chemically known as propane-1,2-diol, is classified under HS code 2905.32. This classification is determined by its status as an acyclic diol. Heading 2905 covers acyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. Subheading 2905.32 is specifically reserved for propylene glycol. The classification is based on the molecular structure, which consists of a three-carbon chain with two hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to adjacent carbon atoms. Because it is a chemically defined organic compound, it remains in Chapter 29 regardless of whether it is intended for food, pharmaceutical, or industrial use, provided it is not mixed with other substances in a way that creates a new preparation. Its versatility as a humectant, solvent, and preservative makes it a high-volume trade item, and correct classification ensures compliance with safety and environmental regulations. The Harmonized System treats diols (alcohols with two hydroxyl groups) as a specific subgroup within the acyclic alcohol heading. Propylene glycol is distinct from other diols like ethylene glycol due to its specific carbon chain length and the positioning of its functional groups. This specificity allows customs authorities to track the movement of this substance, which is widely used in everything from aircraft de-icing fluids to food-grade additives and cosmetic formulations.
- Covers
- Propane-1,2-diol
- USP grade propylene glycol
- Industrial grade propylene glycol
- 1,2-Dihydroxypropane
- Also under 2905.32
- Dow PuraGuard Propylene Glycol USP/EP
- LyondellBasell Propylene Glycol
- BASF Propylene Glycol
- Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Propylene Glycol
Codes often confused with 2905.32
Common mistake. Propylene glycol is often misclassified under HS code 3820.00 when it is part of an antifreeze preparation. While pure propylene glycol is 2905.32, once it is mixed with inhibitors or other chemicals to function as an antifreeze, it moves to Chapter 38. It is also sometimes confused with ethylene glycol (2905.31).
Top exporters and importers of HS 290532 (the code used for propylene glycol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290532 (the code used for propylene glycol) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 6.5% 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 290532, not only propylene glycol.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $266M 18% of world exports
- 2 Germany $236M 16% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $169M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $94M 6.5% of world imports
- 2 France $90M 6.2% of world imports
- 3 Italy $70M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 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 propylene glycol
Brazil classifies propylene glycol under NCM 2905.32.00: HS 2905.32 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 propylene glycol
What is the HS code for Propylene glycol?
The HS code for Propylene glycol is 290532 (Alcohols; acyclic, diols; propylene glycol (propane-1, 2-diol)). The HS code for pure propylene glycol is 2905.32.
How do I classify Propylene glycol for customs?
Propylene glycol is classified under HS code 290532 — Alcohols; acyclic, diols; propylene glycol (propane-1, 2-diol). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is food-grade propylene glycol classified differently?
No, as long as it is a pure chemical substance, both industrial and food-grade propylene glycol are classified under 2905.32.
Which countries are the top exporters of propylene glycol (HS 290532)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290532 (the code used for propylene glycol) in UN Comtrade data were China ($266M, 18% of world exports), Germany ($236M) and Thailand ($169M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of propylene glycol (HS 290532)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290532 (the code used for propylene glycol) in UN Comtrade data were India ($94M, 6.5% of world imports), France ($90M) and Italy ($70M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 Propylene glycol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290532 for Propylene glycol 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 propylene glycol in Brazil?
In Brazil, propylene glycol (HS 290532) is classified under NCM 2905.32.00.