Product classification
HS code for Resorcinol: 2907.21
Polyphenols, resorcinol and its salts.
Classification of resorcinol under HS 2907.21
Resorcinol is classified under HS code 2907.21 because it is a dihydric phenol, specifically identified as m-dihydroxybenzene. Within the Harmonized System, Chapter 29 covers organic chemicals, and heading 2907 is dedicated to phenols and phenol-alcohols. The classification logic follows the chemical structure of the molecule; since resorcinol contains two hydroxyl groups attached to a benzene ring in the meta position, it is categorized as a polyphenol. Subheading 2907.21 is a specific provision for resorcinol and its salts. To remain in this classification, the product must be a separate chemically defined compound. If the resorcinol is part of a prepared adhesive or a complex chemical mixture, it may be reclassified under Chapter 35 or 38. However, in its pure form or as a salt, it remains strictly within this code, adhering to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6.
- Covers
- Pure resorcinol (m-dihydroxybenzene)
- Resorcinol flakes or crystals
- Resorcinol salts
- Technical grade resorcinol
- USP grade resorcinol for pharmaceutical compounding
- Also under 2907.21
- Indspec Chemical Corporation (resorcinol)
- Sumitomo Chemical (resorcinol)
- Mitsui Chemicals (resorcinol)
- Arkema (resorcinol derivatives)
Codes often confused with 2907.21
Common mistake. Resorcinol is frequently confused with HS code 2907.11, which is reserved for phenol (hydroxybenzene) and its salts, or HS code 2907.22, which covers hydroquinone (p-dihydroxybenzene). The distinction lies in the number and position of the hydroxyl groups. Additionally, if resorcinol is prepared as a hair dye, it is classified under 3305.90, and if it is prepared as a medicinal ointment for retail sale, it falls under 3004.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290721 (the code used for resorcinol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290721 (the code used for resorcinol) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 290721, not only resorcinol.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $34M 45% of world exports
- 2 India $18M 24% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $14M 19% of world exports
World total: $76M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $30M 19% of world imports
- 2 India $27M 17% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $16M 10% of world imports
World total: $162M 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 resorcinol
Brazil classifies resorcinol under NCM 2907.21.00: HS 2907.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about resorcinol
What is the HS code for Resorcinol?
The HS code for Resorcinol is 290721 (Polyphenols; resorcinol and its salts). The HS code for Resorcinol and its salts is 2907.21.
How do I classify Resorcinol for customs?
Resorcinol is classified under HS code 290721 — Polyphenols; resorcinol and its salts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is resorcinol classified differently if it is used in rubber adhesives?
Yes, if resorcinol is pre-mixed with other resins or chemicals to form a prepared adhesive, it is typically classified under heading 3506 or 3824, rather than the pure chemical code 2907.21.
Which countries are the top exporters of resorcinol (HS 290721)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290721 (the code used for resorcinol) in UN Comtrade data were China ($34M, 45% of world exports), India ($18M) and Belgium ($14M). World exports came to about $76M, 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 resorcinol (HS 290721)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290721 (the code used for resorcinol) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($30M, 19% of world imports), India ($27M) and South Korea ($16M). World imports came to about $162M, 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 Resorcinol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290721 for Resorcinol 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 resorcinol in Brazil?
In Brazil, resorcinol (HS 290721) is classified under NCM 2907.21.00.