Product classification
HS code for Sterols: 2906.13
Alcohols, cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic and derivatives, sterols and inositols.
Classification of sterols under HS 2906.13
Sterols are classified under HS code 2906.13 because they are defined as cyclic alcohols within the organic chemistry chapter of the Harmonized System. Specifically, Chapter 29 covers organic chemicals, and heading 2906 is reserved for cyclanic, cyclenic, or cycloterpenic alcohols and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. Subheading 2906.13 is the specific international designation for sterols and inositols. These compounds are characterized by their steroid nucleus and a hydroxyl group, making them chemically distinct from other alcohols. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the sterols are derived from animal fats (zoosterols) or plant sources (phytosterols), provided they remain in their chemically pure or isolated form as defined by the General Rules of Interpretation for Chapter 29.
- Covers
- Cholesterol (the primary animal sterol)
- Sitosterol (plant-derived sterol)
- Stigmasterol
- Campesterol
- Ergosterol (found in fungi)
- Inositols (cyclitols related to sterols)
- Also under 2906.13
- ADM Phytosterols
- BASF Sterols
- DSM Inositol
- Merck KGaA (various sterols)
- Cargill CoroWise
Codes often confused with 2906.13
Common mistake. Sterols are frequently misclassified under HS code 3823.70, which covers industrial fatty alcohols; however, sterols are cyclic, not acyclic, and belong in Chapter 29. Another common error involves HS code 2915, which covers esters of sterols. If the sterol has been esterified, it moves to the heading corresponding to the acid component. Furthermore, if sterols are prepared as vitamins (such as Vitamin D3 precursors), they may be classified under HS code 2936.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290613 (the code used for sterols), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290613 (the code used for sterols) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Ecuador, 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 290613, not only sterols.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $114M 41% of world exports
- 2 United States $40M 14% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $31M 11% of world exports
World total: $279M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Ecuador $53M 19% of world imports
- 2 China $28M 10% of world imports
- 3 United States $21M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $271M 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 sterols
Brazil classifies sterols under NCM 2906.13.00: HS 2906.13 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sterols
What is the HS code for Sterols?
The HS code for Sterols is 290613 (Alcohols; cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic and derivatives, sterols and inositols). The primary HS code for sterols and inositols is 2906.13.
How do I classify Sterols for customs?
Sterols is classified under HS code 290613 — Alcohols; cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic and derivatives, sterols and inositols. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are plant sterols classified differently than animal sterols?
No, both phytosterols and zoosterols are classified under 2906.13 as long as they meet the chemical purity requirements of Chapter 29.
Which countries are the top exporters of sterols (HS 290613)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290613 (the code used for sterols) in UN Comtrade data were China ($114M, 41% of world exports), the United States ($40M) and the Netherlands ($31M). World exports came to about $279M, 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 sterols (HS 290613)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290613 (the code used for sterols) in UN Comtrade data were Ecuador ($53M, 19% of world imports), China ($28M) and the United States ($21M). World imports came to about $271M, 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 Sterols the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290613 for Sterols 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 sterols in Brazil?
In Brazil, sterols (HS 290613) is classified under NCM 2906.13.00.