HS Code 29.01 – Acyclic hydrocarbons

HS code 2901 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acyclic hydrocarbons. Heading 2901 encompasses acyclic hydrocarbons, which are organic compounds composed solely of hydrogen and carbon atoms arranged in open chains, whether straight or branched. This includes both saturated (alkanes) and unsaturated (alkenes, alkynes) forms. These compounds are fundamental building blocks in the petrochemical industry, serving as crucial feedstocks for a vast array of downstream chemical products, including plastics, synthetic rubbers, and fibers. The scope of this classification is broad, covering everything from simple methane to complex long-chain paraffins and olefins, provided they maintain their acyclic hydrocarbon structure without additional functional groups. It excludes petroleum gases that are not pure individual hydrocarbons (which fall under Chapter 27) and specific hydrocarbon mixtures that are further processed into fuels. Proper classification under 2901 is critical for trade compliance as these chemicals often face varying tariffs, import restrictions, and regulatory requirements depending on their purity, specific chemical identity, and intended use. Historically, the trade in acyclic hydrocarbons has been a cornerstone of global energy and chemical markets, with major producing regions supplying industrial hubs worldwide. This heading is a foundational element within Chapter 29, 'Organic Chemicals,' establishing the basic hydrocarbon structures from which more complex organic compounds are derived.

Methane, Ethane, Propane, Butane, Pentane, Hexane, Heptane, Octane, Nonane, Decane, Ethylene, Propylene, Butylene, Isobutylene, Butadiene, Acetylene, Isoprene, n-Paraffins, Alpha-olefins, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) components (pure), Natural Gas components (pure), C5-C12 hydrocarbon fractions (pure), 1-Hexene, 1-Octene, Polyalphaolefins (PAO) (specific molecular weight ranges).

Common misclassifications for 2901 often involve distinguishing pure acyclic hydrocarbons from mixtures or less pure forms. Products like Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) or Natural Gas, when not consisting of pure, separate hydrocarbons, are often incorrectly classified here instead of under heading 2711 (Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons), which covers them in their mixed or crude forms. Another common error is confusing specific hydrocarbon fractions intended as fuels with chemical feedstocks; fuel-grade products often belong to 2710 (Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, other than crude). Additionally, complex mixtures that serve specific industrial functions might fall under 3824 (Prepared binders for foundry moulds; chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries), if they are not specifically defined elsewhere.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2901 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($9.3B, 38% of world exports), South Korea ($3.3B) and the Netherlands ($2.0B). World exports came to about $24.7B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2901 in UN Comtrade data were China ($8.1B, 32% of world imports), Belgium ($1.4B) and the United States ($1.4B). World imports came to about $25.2B, 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.

HS code 2901 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (01) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.