Product classification
HS code for Propylene oxide: 2910.20
Epoxides, epoxyalcohols, epoxyphenols and epoxyethers, with a three-membered ring and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, methyloxirane (propylene oxide).
Classification of propylene oxide under HS 2910.20
Propylene oxide, or methyloxirane, is classified under HS code 2910.20. This code falls under Heading 2910, which encompasses epoxides, epoxyalcohols, epoxyphenols, and epoxyethers with a three-membered ring. Propylene oxide is a cyclic ether with a three-atom ring consisting of two carbon atoms and one oxygen atom. The classification is straightforward because 2910.20 is the specific subheading for methyloxirane. The Harmonized System prioritizes the epoxide functional group for this substance. It is a highly reactive flammable liquid used primarily as an intermediate in the production of polyether polyols for polyurethane plastics. Accurate classification is essential due to the hazardous nature of the chemical, which triggers specific shipping and handling requirements under international maritime and aviation codes. The chemical structure of propylene oxide makes it a chiral molecule, though the racemic mixture is the standard commercial product. In the HS nomenclature, the presence of the three-membered epoxy ring is the defining characteristic that excludes it from the general ether category (Heading 2909) and places it into Heading 2910. This distinction is vital for regulatory monitoring, as epoxides are often subject to stricter environmental and health safety controls than simple acyclic ethers.
- Covers
- Methyloxirane
- 1,2-Epoxypropane
- Propylene epoxide
- Racemic propylene oxide
- Also under 2910.20
- LyondellBasell Propylene Oxide
- Dow Propylene Oxide
- SKC Propylene Oxide
Codes often confused with 2910.20
Common mistake. Propylene oxide is sometimes misclassified under 2910.10, which is the code for ethylene oxide. While they are both epoxides, the HS system provides specific subheadings for each. It may also be confused with propylene glycol (2905.32), which is a downstream derivative but lacks the epoxy ring structure.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291020 (the code used for propylene oxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291020 (the code used for propylene oxide) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 33% 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 291020, not only propylene oxide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $359M 29% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $220M 18% of world exports
- 3 Germany $182M 14% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $516M 33% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $318M 20% of world imports
- 3 Germany $275M 17% of world imports
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 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 oxide
Brazil classifies propylene oxide under NCM 2910.20.00: HS 2910.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about propylene oxide
What is the HS code for Propylene oxide?
The HS code for Propylene oxide is 291020 (Epoxides, epoxyalcohols, epoxyphenols and epoxyethers; with a three-membered ring and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, methyloxirane (propylene oxide)). The HS code for propylene oxide is 2910.20.
How do I classify Propylene oxide for customs?
Propylene oxide is classified under HS code 291020 — Epoxides, epoxyalcohols, epoxyphenols and epoxyethers; with a three-membered ring and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, methyloxirane (propylene oxide). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is it not classified as a regular ether?
Because it contains a three-membered ring (epoxide), the HS system requires it to be classified under Heading 2910 rather than the general ether heading 2909.
Which countries are the top exporters of propylene oxide (HS 291020)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291020 (the code used for propylene oxide) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($359M, 29% of world exports), the Netherlands ($220M) and Germany ($182M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 oxide (HS 291020)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291020 (the code used for propylene oxide) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($516M, 33% of world imports), Belgium ($318M) and Germany ($275M). 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 Propylene oxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291020 for Propylene oxide 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 oxide in Brazil?
In Brazil, propylene oxide (HS 291020) is classified under NCM 2910.20.00.