What is the HS code for methanol?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-4 · Heading
2905 — Acyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives
Chapter 29: Organic chemicals
Plain-language overview
Use HS-4 2905 when importing or exporting acyclic alcohols like methanol or propan-1-ol. For example, if you're shipping a container of industrial-grade methanol, this heading is applicable. It covers both saturated and unsaturated monohydric alcohols, as well as polyhydric alcohols and their derivatives.
When deciding between subheadings, consider the specific type of alcohol. For instance, HS-6 290511 is for methanol, while HS-6 290512 includes propan-1-ol and propan-2-ol. If your product is butan-1-ol, you would use HS-6 290513. Ensure you check the specific chemical structure to select the correct code.
Another important distinction is between diols and polyhydric alcohols. If you're dealing with ethylene glycol, use HS-6 290531. However, if your product is glycerol, then HS-6 290545 is the right choice. Understanding these nuances helps avoid misclassification and potential customs issues.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-4 heading.
acyclic alcohols · methanol import · propan-1-ol export · butan-1-ol classification · glycerol customs code · ethylene glycol HS code · polyhydric alcohols · alcohol derivatives · saturated monohydric alcohols · unsaturated alcohols · diols and polyols · chemical import regulations
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-4 heading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Methanol (methyl alcohol)
- Propan-1-ol (propyl alcohol)
- Butan-1-ol (n-butyl alcohol)
- Glycerol (glycerin)
- Ethylene glycol (ethanediol)
- Pentaerythritol
- Isopropyl alcohol (propan-2-ol)
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify propan-2-ol for import?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
What are the subheadings under HS-4 2905?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Is glycerol classified under HS-4 2905?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
How do I determine the right HS code for my alcohol shipment?
Match the product to the legal wording, then verify the final pick in your country tariff schedule before filing.
What are the differences between saturated and unsaturated alcohols in HS codes?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Related topics
Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.
HS code for butan-1-ol shipments
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
importing polyhydric alcohols under HS-4 2905
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
how to classify acyclic alcohols for customs
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
propan-1-ol export regulations and HS code
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
methanol shipping classification
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
understanding HS-4 2905 for alcohol imports
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
choosing the right HS code for alcohol derivatives
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
guidelines for importing glycerol and its derivatives
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of alcohols are covered under HS-4 2905?
- HS-4 2905 covers various acyclic alcohols, including saturated and unsaturated monohydric alcohols, diols, and polyhydric alcohols.
- How do I select the correct HS-6 code for my alcohol shipment?
- Identify the specific type of alcohol you are importing or exporting, then refer to the corresponding HS-6 subheading for accurate classification.
- Is there a specific HS code for glycerol?
- Yes, glycerol is classified under **HS-6 290545** as a polyhydric alcohol.
- What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated alcohols in HS-4 2905?
- Saturated alcohols contain only single bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated alcohols have one or more double bonds. Each type has its own subheading.
- Can I use HS-4 2905 for alcohol derivatives?
- Yes, HS-4 2905 includes halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives of acyclic alcohols under specific subheadings.
- What does n.e.c. mean in the HS-6 subheadings?
- n.e.c. stands for 'not elsewhere classified,' indicating that the item does not fit into the specified categories and has its own subheading.
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HS-6 subheadings (20)
- 290511Alcohols; saturated monohydric, methanol (methyl alcohol)
- 290512Alcohols; saturated monohydric, propan-1-ol (propyl alcohol) and propan-2-ol (isopropyl alcohol)
- 290513Alcohols; saturated monohydric, butan-1-ol (n-butyl alcohol)
- 290514Alcohols; saturated monohydric, butanols excluding item no. 2905.13
- 290516Alcohols; saturated monohydric, octanol (octyl alcohol) and isomers thereof
- 290517Alcohols; saturated monohydric, dodecan-1-ol (lauryl alcohol), hexadecan-1-ol (cetyl alcohol) and octadecan-1-ol (stearyl alcohol)
- 290519Alcohols; saturated monohydric, n.e.c. in item no. 2905.1
- 290522Alcohols; unsaturated monohydric, acyclic terpene alcohols
- 290529Alcohols; acyclic, unsaturated monohydric, (other than acyclic terpene alcohols)
- 290531Alcohols; acyclic, diols; ethylene glycol (ethanediol)
- 290532Alcohols; acyclic, diols; propylene glycol (propane-1, 2-diol)
- 290539Alcohols; acyclic, diols, other than ethylene glycol (ethandiol) or propylene glycol (propane-1,2-diol)
- 290541Alcohols; polyhydric, 2-ethyl-2- (hydroxymethyl) propane-1,3-diol (trimethylolpropane)
- 290542Alcohols; polyhydric, pentaerythritol
- 290543Alcohols; polyhydric, mannitol
- 290544Alcohols; polyhydric, d-glucitol (sorbitol)
- 290545Alcohols; polyhydric, glycerol
- 290549Alcohols; polyhydric, n.e.c. in item no. 2905.4
- 290551Alcohols; acyclic; halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives thereof, ethchlorvynol (INN)
- 290559Alcohols; acyclic; halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives thereof, other than ethchlorvynol (INN)