Product classification
HS code for Trimethylolpropane: 2905.41
Alcohols, polyhydric, 2-ethyl-2- (hydroxymethyl) propane-1,3-diol (trimethylolpropane).
Classification of trimethylolpropane under HS 2905.41
Trimethylolpropane (TMP) is classified under HS code 2905.41. This classification is determined by its chemical structure as a polyhydric alcohol, specifically 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol. Within the Harmonized System, Chapter 29 covers organic chemicals, and heading 2905 is dedicated to acyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. Because TMP contains three hydroxyl groups, it is categorized as a polyhydric alcohol. Subheading 2905.41 is a specific provision for this compound due to its high volume of trade and its critical role as a building block in the chemical industry. It is primarily used in the synthesis of alkyd and polyurethane resins, synthetic lubricants, and multifunctional monomers for UV curing. To qualify for this code, the substance must be a separate chemically defined compound, typically meeting high purity standards required for industrial synthesis.
- Covers
- High-purity Trimethylolpropane (98% or greater)
- Technical grade Trimethylolpropane
- TMP flakes or molten form
- 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol
- Also under 2905.41
- Perstorp Trimethylolpropane
- BASF Trimethylolpropane
- Mitsubishi Chemical TMP
- Dow TMP
Codes often confused with 2905.41
Common mistake. Trimethylolpropane is frequently misclassified under HS code 2905.39, which covers other diols. However, because TMP is a triol (containing three hydroxyl groups), it must be classified under the polyhydric alcohol subheadings. Another common error is using HS code 3824.99 for industrial mixtures. If the TMP is blended with other polyols or additives for a specific functional use, it may move to Chapter 38, but the pure chemical remains in 2905.41.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290541 (the code used for trimethylolpropane), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290541 (the code used for trimethylolpropane) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 83% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 290541, not only trimethylolpropane.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $65M 83% of world exports
- 2 United States $4.2M 5.3% of world exports
- 3 Canada $3.2M 4.0% of world exports
World total: $79M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $40M 23% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $18M 9.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $17M 9.6% of world imports
World total: $179M 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 trimethylolpropane
Brazil classifies trimethylolpropane under NCM 2905.41.00: HS 2905.41 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about trimethylolpropane
What is the HS code for Trimethylolpropane?
The HS code for Trimethylolpropane is 290541 (Alcohols; polyhydric, 2-ethyl-2- (hydroxymethyl) propane-1,3-diol (trimethylolpropane)). The specific HS code for Trimethylolpropane is 2905.41, which refers to 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol.
How do I classify Trimethylolpropane for customs?
Trimethylolpropane is classified under HS code 290541 — Alcohols; polyhydric, 2-ethyl-2- (hydroxymethyl) propane-1,3-diol (trimethylolpropane). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is Trimethylolpropane classified differently if it is in liquid form?
No, the physical state (flakes, powder, or molten/liquid) does not change the HS code 2905.41, provided it remains a separate chemically defined compound.
Which countries are the top exporters of trimethylolpropane (HS 290541)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290541 (the code used for trimethylolpropane) in UN Comtrade data were China ($65M, 83% of world exports), the United States ($4.2M) and Canada ($3.2M). World exports came to about $79M, 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 trimethylolpropane (HS 290541)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290541 (the code used for trimethylolpropane) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($40M, 23% of world imports), South Korea ($18M) and Germany ($17M). World imports came to about $179M, 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 Trimethylolpropane the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290541 for Trimethylolpropane 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 trimethylolpropane in Brazil?
In Brazil, trimethylolpropane (HS 290541) is classified under NCM 2905.41.00.