Product classification
HS code for Toluene: 2902.30
Cyclic hydrocarbons, toluene.
Classification of toluene under HS 2902.30
Toluene, a clear, water-insoluble liquid with the typical smell of paint thinners, is classified under HS code 2902.30. This code is found in Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals. Heading 2902 is dedicated to cyclic hydrocarbons. Toluene, also known as methylbenzene, is a substituted aromatic hydrocarbon. The classification 2902.30 is specific to this chemical compound. For a product to be classified here, it must generally meet specific purity standards as a separate chemically defined compound. Toluene is widely used as an industrial feedstock and a solvent. In the context of international trade, 2902.30 is used to monitor the movement of this substance, which is also subject to various environmental and safety regulations. The classification remains the same whether the toluene is used for the production of explosives, as a solvent in paints, or as an octane booster in gasoline, provided it is imported as a pure chemical substance.
- Covers
- Pure Toluene (Methylbenzene)
- Nitration grade toluene
- Industrial grade toluene (meeting Chapter 29 purity)
- Toluene used as a chemical intermediate
- Also under 2902.30
- ExxonMobil Chemical (producer)
- Shell (producer)
- BASF (producer)
- Dow Chemical (producer)
- Valero Energy (producer)
Codes often confused with 2902.30
Common mistake. Toluene can be confused with HS code 2707.20. While both codes refer to toluene, 2707.20 is used for benzole (benzene), toluole (toluene), and xylole (xylene) obtained from the distillation of high-temperature coal tar, where the weight of the aromatic constituents exceeds that of the non-aromatic constituents. If the product is a mixed solvent or a prepared thinners, it may be classified under 3814.00. The distinction between Chapter 27 and Chapter 29 often depends on the purity and the source of the chemical.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290230 (the code used for toluene), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290230 (the code used for toluene) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 21% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 7.3% of its exports here ($21M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 290230, not only toluene.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $738M 30% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $381M 16% of world exports
- 3 Germany $248M 10% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 7.3% of its exports here ($21M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $487M 21% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $435M 19% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $297M 13% of world imports
World total: $2.3B 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 toluene
Brazil classifies toluene under NCM 2902.30.00: HS 2902.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about toluene
What is the HS code for Toluene?
The HS code for Toluene is 290230 (Cyclic hydrocarbons; toluene). The HS code for pure or chemically defined toluene is 2902.30.
How do I classify Toluene for customs?
Toluene is classified under HS code 290230 — Cyclic hydrocarbons; toluene. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is toluene classified differently if used as a fuel additive?
If toluene is part of a prepared fuel blend, it may fall under Chapter 27 (e.g., 2710). However, as a pure chemical additive, it remains under 2902.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of toluene (HS 290230)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290230 (the code used for toluene) in UN Comtrade data were China ($738M, 30% of world exports), South Korea ($381M) and Germany ($248M). World exports came to about $2.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 7.3% of its exports here ($21M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of toluene (HS 290230)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290230 (the code used for toluene) in UN Comtrade data were India ($487M, 21% of world imports), South Korea ($435M) and Singapore ($297M). World imports came to about $2.3B, 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.
Is the HS code for Toluene the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290230 for Toluene 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 toluene in Brazil?
In Brazil, toluene (HS 290230) is classified under NCM 2902.30.00.