How to Source 2-Methyl-2,4-Pentanediol
Supplier Guide, Packaging & Export from China
Everything procurement teams need to know about buying hexylene glycol (CAS 107-41-5) from China - supplier qualification, documentation, packaging, Incoterms, HS codes, and quality verification.
📋 Table of Contents
- Global Supply Landscape for Hexylene Glycol
- Why Source from China?
- How to Evaluate and Qualify a Supplier
- Available Grades & Specifications
- Packaging Options & MOQ
- Incoterms & Shipping Options
- HS Code & Customs Classification
- Lead Times & Order Process
- Documentation Checklist
- Quality Verification on Arrival
- Frequently Asked Questions
1 🌍 Global Supply Landscape for Hexylene Glycol
The global production of 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol (hexylene glycol, CAS 107-41-5) is concentrated among a relatively small number of large-scale chemical producers. Major production capacity exists in China, the United States, Germany, and Japan, with China accounting for a rapidly growing share of global export volumes over the past decade.
The compound is manufactured via a two-step process: aldol condensation of acetone with acetaldehyde produces 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone (diacetone alcohol), which is then hydrogenated over a metal catalyst to give the final diol product. Both steps are well-established industrial processes with mature engineering at commercial scale.
🇨🇳
China
Largest export hub; most competitive pricing; multiple producers
🇺🇸
United States
Established producers; higher cost base; local supply for Americas
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Germany
Premium-grade production; strong EU regulatory standing
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Japan
Specialty / high-purity grades; serves Asia-Pacific premium market
For buyers in Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South America, Chinese suppliers typically offer the best combination of price, volume availability, and export experience. The maturation of Chinese chemical export infrastructure - with ISO-certified producers, international freight expertise, and multilingual documentation - has made China the default first-choice source for many global procurement teams.
2 🏭 Why Source from China?
💰 Competitive Pricing
Chinese producers operate at lower manufacturing costs due to domestic raw material availability (acetone, acetaldehyde), competitive energy pricing, and large-scale production. Ex-works prices from China are typically 20–40% lower than comparable Western European or US supplier pricing on equivalent-grade material.
📦 Flexible Volume & MOQ
Chinese exporters accommodate orders from a single 200 kg drum (for trial/qualification) to full ISO tank containers (20+ metric tonnes) for bulk industrial supply. This flexibility makes China-sourced MPD accessible to both small formulators and large manufacturers.
📋 Full Documentation Package
Established Chinese exporters provide the complete documentation set required for international trade: COA, SDS/MSDS, REACH LoA, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and customs invoice - reducing buyer compliance burden significantly.
🌐 Export Experience
Sinolook Chemical has exported hexylene glycol to customers in 50+ countries across Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas - with established freight forwarding networks, preferred carrier relationships, and experience navigating customs in diverse markets.
✅ Multiple Purity Grades
Both industrial grade (≥98.0%) and cosmetic/pharma grade (≥99.5%) are available from China, often from the same supplier - simplifying vendor management for companies requiring both grades for different product lines.
⚡ Fast Response & Stock Availability
Leading Chinese suppliers maintain warehouse stock of common grades, enabling quote-to-shipment times of 3–7 days for standard drum and IBC orders - faster than many Western producers who operate on longer order-to-production cycles.
3 🔍 How to Evaluate and Qualify a Supplier
Not all Chinese chemical exporters offer the same level of quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and reliability. A structured qualification process protects your supply chain and ensures the material you receive meets your formulation requirements.
| Qualification Step | What to Request / Check | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Business registration | Chinese business licence (营业执照); export licence; verify registered address | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Quality certifications | ISO 9001 certificate; GMP for cosmetic grade; current validity dates | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Product specification sheet | Published spec with purity, RI, density, colour, water content, acidity limits | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sample COA (recent batch) | Certificate of Analysis from actual production batch with QC seal and date | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| SDS / MSDS | GHS-compliant 16-section SDS in your required language | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| REACH documentation (EU buyers) | REACH registration confirmation letter or Letter of Access (LoA) from an Only Representative | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Free sample request | Request 0.5–1 kg sample before placing first commercial order; verify against your QC methods | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Trade references | Request 2–3 customer references in your region; check export history via trade databases | ⭐⭐ |
| Factory audit (large accounts) | On-site or third-party audit (SGS, BV, Intertek) for annual volumes >50 tonnes | ⭐⭐ |
💡 Red flag checklist: Be cautious of suppliers who: cannot provide a signed, dated COA on company letterhead; refuse to send a sample before a commercial order; have no traceable REACH documentation for EU-destined goods; quote significantly below market price without explanation; or cannot provide a GHS-compliant SDS in English.
4 🔬 Available Grades & Specifications
Sinolook Chemical supplies 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol in three standard grades, each with defined quality parameters to match different end-use requirements.
| Parameter | Industrial Grade | High-Purity Industrial | Cosmetic / Pharma Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity (GC, min.) | 98.0% | 99.0% | 99.5% |
| Refractive Index (nD²⁰) | 1.420–1.425 | 1.421–1.424 | 1.4215–1.4235 |
| Density (g/cm³, 20°C) | 0.918–0.924 | 0.919–0.923 | 0.919–0.923 |
| Colour (APHA, max.) | 20 | 15 | 10 |
| Water content (Karl Fischer, max.) | 0.3% | 0.15% | 0.10% |
| Acidity (as acetic acid, max.) | 0.05% | 0.03% | 0.02% |
| Heavy metals (ppm, max.) | Not specified | 20 ppm | 10 ppm |
| Typical applications | Coatings, inks, hydraulic fluids, cleaners | Chemical synthesis, polyurethane polyols | Cosmetics, personal care, sensitive formulations |
For full physicochemical data: Boiling Point, Vapor Pressure & Key Physical Properties of MPD →
5 📦 Packaging Options & MOQ
🛢️
200 kg Steel Drum
Net weight: 200 kg
Per 20' FCL: ~80 drums (~16 mt)
MOQ: 1 drum (trial orders)
✅ Best for: Small/medium buyers, trials, cosmetic grade
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1,000 kg IBC Tote
Net weight: 1,000 kg
Per 20' FCL: ~16–18 IBCs (~16–18 mt)
MOQ: 1 IBC
✅ Best for: Mid-volume buyers, easier bulk handling
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ISO Tank Container
Capacity: ~20–22 mt per tank
MOQ: 1 ISO tank
Lead time: 15–25 days
✅ Best for: Large-volume industrial buyers, lowest per-kg cost
🧴
25 kg Jerrycan / Drum
Net weight: 25 kg
MOQ: 10 × 25 kg (250 kg)
Available for: Cosmetic grade only
✅ Best for: Small cosmetic formulators, R&D labs
📦 Packaging Specifications
🔹 Steel drums: UN-approved, lined mild steel or stainless steel. UN mark: UN 1A1/X1.4/200. Sealed with bung or ring-lock lid.
🔹 IBC totes: UN-approved composite IBC with HDPE liner and steel outer cage. UN mark on label. Food-grade HDPE lining available for cosmetic grade.
🔹 ISO tanks: Stainless steel 316L inner vessel, suitable for ADR/IMDG Class 3 materials. Bottom discharge valve. Customer-supplied or depot-return options available.
6 🚢 Incoterms & Shipping Options
| Incoterm | Seller Covers | Buyer Covers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOB (Free on Board) | Export clearance + delivery to vessel at named port | Ocean freight + insurance + import clearance | Buyers with own freight arrangements; most common for chemicals |
| CFR (Cost & Freight) | Export clearance + ocean freight to destination port | Insurance + import clearance + inland delivery | Buyers wanting freight included but managing own insurance |
| CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) | Export clearance + freight + basic marine insurance | Import clearance + inland delivery | Most common all-inclusive option for first-time importers |
| EXW (Ex Works) | Making goods available at factory/warehouse | All costs from factory gate including export clearance | Buyers with China-based freight forwarders or agents |
| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | Everything including import duties and delivery to buyer's door | Nothing - full delivered price | Small orders, buyers new to chemical importing |
💡 Recommended Incoterm for most buyers: FOB Tianjin/Shanghai/Qingdao - gives you control of the freight booking and insurance while keeping the export documentation and China-side logistics with the supplier. Our team can recommend trusted freight forwarders for your specific destination port on request.
7 🏷️ HS Code & Customs Classification
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance and accurate duty calculation. The following codes apply to 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol (hexylene glycol, CAS 107-41-5) in major importing markets.
| Market / Jurisdiction | HS Code | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| China (Export) | 2905.19 | Acyclic diols, other | Standard export classification; no export licence required |
| European Union | 2905 19 00 | Diols, other acyclic | MFN duty: 0% from most origins; REACH registration required for >1t/yr |
| United States | 2905.19.9000 | Acyclic diols, other | Section 301 tariffs may apply on China-origin goods - confirm with customs broker |
| United Kingdom | 2905 19 00 | Diols, other acyclic | UK REACH compliance required post-Brexit for UK importers |
| India | 29051900 | Diols, other | Basic customs duty + GST; BIS registration not required for this product |
| ASEAN (general) | 2905.19 | Acyclic diols, other | ACFTA preferential rate may apply with Form E CO from China |
⚠️ US Section 301 Tariff Note: China-origin chemicals under HS 2905 may be subject to additional Section 301 tariffs in the United States. US buyers should confirm the current tariff rate with a licensed US customs broker before finalising sourcing decisions. Sinolook Chemical can provide the required documentation to support your customs entry.
8 ⏱️ Lead Times & Order Process
| Order Type | Typical Lead Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free sample (0.5–1 kg) | 3–5 business days | Express courier (DHL/FedEx); buyer pays courier cost or free for qualified customers |
| Trial order (1–5 drums / 200–1,000 kg) | 7–12 business days | Stock items; sea freight LCL or air freight options |
| Full FCL (drums or IBCs, ~16 mt) | 10–18 business days | From order confirmation to vessel loading; transit time additional 15–35 days depending on destination |
| ISO tank (20–22 mt) | 15–25 business days | Subject to tank availability; coordinate 2–3 weeks ahead for best scheduling |
| Custom specification / special grade | 20–30 business days | Non-standard purity, packaging, or labelling requirements |
🔹 Typical order process: Inquiry → quotation (same day) → sample dispatch (if requested) → purchase order → production/packing → QC inspection → COA issued → booking and shipment → document release → arrival and clearance → goods receipt.
9 📋 Documentation Checklist
The following documentation is provided by Sinolook Chemical with every commercial shipment of hexylene glycol. Check the applicable boxes for your regulatory jurisdiction before placing your order.
📄 Standard (All Shipments)
✅ Commercial invoice
✅ Packing list
✅ Bill of lading / Airway bill
✅ Certificate of Analysis (COA)
✅ Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)
✅ Dangerous goods declaration (IMDG/IATA)
🌍 Regulatory / Origin (On Request)
✅ Certificate of Origin (Form E for ASEAN; CO for others)
✅ REACH Letter of Access (LoA) for EU importers
✅ TSCA Certification (for US importers)
✅ China IECSC listing confirmation
✅ Fumigation certificate (if required by destination)
🌸 Cosmetic Grade Additional
✅ Heavy metals test report (ICP-MS)
✅ Microbial test report (on request)
✅ BSE/TSE statement (animal-origin free)
✅ GMO-free declaration
✅ Halal / Kosher certificate (on request)
✅ COSMOS-approved statement (on request)
10 🔍 Quality Verification on Arrival
Even with a trusted supplier, a documented incoming quality control procedure protects your formulation quality and provides traceability in case of a downstream quality issue. The following protocol is recommended for all incoming MPD shipments.
| Test | Method | Time Required | Accept / Reject Criterion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual appearance | Visual check in clear vial | 1 min | Clear, colourless to pale yellow; no turbidity or particles |
| Refractive index | Refractometer, 20 °C | 5 min | 1.420–1.425 (industrial); 1.4215–1.4235 (cosmetic) |
| Density | Pycnometer or density meter, 20 °C | 10 min | 0.918–0.924 g/cm³ |
| Colour (APHA) | APHA colour comparator or spectrophotometer | 15 min | ≤20 APHA (industrial); ≤10 APHA (cosmetic) |
| Water content | Karl Fischer titration | 20 min | ≤0.3% (industrial); ≤0.10% (cosmetic) |
| GC purity | GC-FID, area normalisation | 45–60 min | ≥98.0% (industrial); ≥99.5% (cosmetic) |
💡 Practical tip: For routine incoming QC, the combination of refractive index + visual check takes less than 10 minutes and will identify most quality deviations before the material enters production. Full GC analysis should be conducted on every new batch when onboarding a new supplier, and then periodically (e.g. every 5th batch) for established suppliers with a clean track record.
11 ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the minimum order quantity for hexylene glycol from Sinolook Chemical?
A: We accept orders from a single 200 kg drum for trial or qualification purposes. For regular commercial supply, a full pallet (4 × 200 kg = 800 kg) or a single 1,000 kg IBC is the most cost-effective starting point. Full container loads (FCL, ~16 mt in drums or ~18 mt in IBCs) deliver the lowest per-kg cost. Contact us for a tiered pricing schedule. Request a quote →
Q: Do you provide REACH Letter of Access (LoA) for EU importers?
A: Yes. Sinolook Chemical provides REACH registration documentation support for EU-destined shipments. Depending on your import volume and registration arrangement, we can provide either a direct REACH Letter of Access or connect you with an EU-based Only Representative (OR) service. EU buyers importing above 1 tonne per year must ensure REACH registration is in place before importation - contact us to arrange the appropriate documentation.
Q: Can I get a free sample before placing a commercial order?
A: Yes. We provide free samples of 0.5–1 kg for qualified buyers, shipped by DHL or FedEx. The sample will be accompanied by a COA and SDS. Sample shipping cost is covered by us for buyers who provide a valid business address in their industry sector. Contact our sales team by WhatsApp, WeChat, or email to arrange a sample.
Q: What payment terms do you offer?
A: For new customers, we typically work on 30% deposit + 70% before shipment (T/T bank transfer) or 100% prepayment for small trial orders. For established customers with a payment track record, we can discuss net-30 or net-60 terms with appropriate credit references. We also accept L/C (Letter of Credit) for larger orders on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Is Chinese-origin hexylene glycol quality equivalent to European-made product?
A: For most industrial and cosmetic applications, yes. The manufacturing chemistry (aldol condensation + hydrogenation) is identical regardless of production location. Key quality parameters - GC purity, refractive index, APHA colour, water content - are equivalent between qualified Chinese producers and European counterparts at matching grade specifications. The main due diligence requirement is supplier qualification (COA verification, reference checks, and sample testing) rather than any inherent quality limitation by geography of production.
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🚢 Ready to Source Hexylene Glycol from China?
Sinolook Chemical exports industrial and cosmetic-grade 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol (CAS 107-41-5) to 50+ countries. Get a quote, request a free sample, or ask for our full documentation package today.
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