Product classification
HS code for Styrene: 2902.50
Cyclic hydrocarbons, styrene.
Classification of styrene under HS 2902.50
Styrene, also known as vinylbenzene or phenylethylene, is classified under HS code 2902.50 because it is a cyclic hydrocarbon. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System covers organic chemicals, and heading 2902 specifically addresses hydrocarbons in their chemically pure or commercially pure forms. Styrene is an aromatic hydrocarbon consisting of a benzene ring with a vinyl group attachment. Because it is a fundamental building block in the petrochemical industry, primarily used for the production of polymers, it is categorized as a separate chemical entity. The classification under 2902.50 is straightforward for the monomeric form of the substance. It is essential to distinguish this from its polymerized versions, as the HS nomenclature separates monomers (Chapter 29) from polymers (Chapter 39). The purity of the styrene is a key factor; while commercial grades often contain inhibitors like TBC (4-tert-Butylcatechol) to prevent premature polymerization during transport, they remain classified here as long as they meet the criteria for 'chemically defined' organic compounds. The chemical formula C8H8 defines its position within the aromatic hydrocarbons. This classification is critical for global trade as styrene is a high-volume commodity used in the manufacture of polystyrene, ABS, and synthetic rubber. Customs authorities look for the CAS number 100-42-5 to verify the identity of the product against the declared HS code.
- Covers
- Monomeric styrene
- Vinylbenzene
- Phenylethylene
- Cinnamene
- Styrolene
- Also under 2902.50
- LyondellBasell styrene
- Trinseo styrene
- INEOS Styrolution styrene
- LG Chem styrene
- SABIC styrene
Codes often confused with 2902.50
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 3903.11 or 3903.19, which are for polystyrene (the polymer). Styrene is the liquid monomer, whereas polystyrene is the solid plastic. Another error involves HS code 2902.90, which is a 'basket' category for other cyclic hydrocarbons; however, since styrene has its own specific subheading (2902.50), the use of the general code is incorrect under GRI 1.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290250 (the code used for styrene), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290250 (the code used for styrene) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 18% 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 290250, not only styrene.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.6B 22% of world exports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $1.5B 20% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $1.0B 14% of world exports
World total: $7.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $1.2B 18% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $738M 11% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $607M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $6.6B 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 styrene
Brazil classifies styrene under NCM 2902.50.00: HS 2902.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about styrene
What is the HS code for Styrene?
The HS code for Styrene is 290250 (Cyclic hydrocarbons; styrene). The HS code for styrene monomer is 2902.50.
How do I classify Styrene for customs?
Styrene is classified under HS code 290250 — Cyclic hydrocarbons; styrene. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is styrene classified as a plastic?
No, styrene is a chemical monomer classified in Chapter 29. Only its polymerized form, polystyrene, is classified as a plastic in Chapter 39.
Which countries are the top exporters of styrene (HS 290250)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290250 (the code used for styrene) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.6B, 22% of world exports), Saudi Arabia ($1.5B) and the Netherlands ($1.0B). World exports came to about $7.4B, 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 styrene (HS 290250)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290250 (the code used for styrene) in UN Comtrade data were India ($1.2B, 18% of world imports), Türkiye ($738M) and the Netherlands ($607M). World imports came to about $6.6B, 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 Styrene the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290250 for Styrene 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 styrene in Brazil?
In Brazil, styrene (HS 290250) is classified under NCM 2902.50.00.