HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 2909.43 – Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives; monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol

HS code 2909.43 is the 6-digit subheading for ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol. It is used for ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (EGMBE), butyl cellosolve, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (DEGMBE), butyl carbitol and 2-Butoxyethanol.

What HS 2909.43 covers

This HS code specifically covers monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol, and their derivatives. These compounds, commonly known as butyl cellosolve (ethylene glycol monobutyl ether) and butyl carbitol (diethylene glycol monobutyl ether), are widely recognized for their excellent solvency and coalescing properties. They are extensively used as solvents in paints, coatings, inks, and cleaning products, helping to improve flow, leveling, and drying characteristics. Their trade involves chemical manufacturers, distributors, and companies in the automotive, construction, and household product sectors. The demand for these glycol ethers is driven by the performance requirements of various industrial and consumer formulations, with environmental regulations increasingly influencing product selection and trade.

Covers: Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (EGMBE)
Butyl cellosolve
Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (DEGMBE)
Butyl carbitol
2-Butoxyethanol
2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethanol
Butoxytriglycol
Examples: Dowanol EB (Dow Chemical)
Butyl Cellosolve (Eastman Chemical)
Butyl Carbitol (Shell Chemicals)
Arkema Butyl Glycol Ether

Codes often confused with 2909.43

Common mistake. Can be confused with other monoalkyl ethers of ethylene or diethylene glycol (290944) if the specific butyl group is not identified, or with other solvents in Chapter 29 or 38.

2909.44Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives; monoalkylethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol n.e.c. in heading no. 2909

Top exporters and importers of HS code 290943, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290943 in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

1 Saudi Arabia $205M 27% of world exports
2 United States $169M 23% of world exports
3 Germany $58M 7.7% of world exports

World total: $750M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

1 China $191M 24% of world imports
2 India $70M 9.0% of world imports
3 Italy $37M 4.7% of world imports

World total: $785M 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 codes for 2909.43 2

Brazil splits HS 2909.43 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.09 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Access via API

GET /api/hs-code/290943/

{
  "code": "290943",
  "description": "Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives; monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol",
  "section": "VI",
  "parent": "2909"
}

API docs →

Questions about HS 2909.43

What is HS code 290943?

HS code 290943 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives; monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol. This HS code specifically covers monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol, and their derivatives. These compounds, commonly known as butyl cellosolve (ethylene glycol monobutyl ether) and butyl carbitol (diethylene glycol monobutyl ether), are widely recognized for their excellent solvency and coalescing properties. They are extensively used as solvents in paints, coatings, inks, and cleaning products, helping to improve flow, leveling, and drying characteristics. Their trade involves chemical manufacturers, distributors, and companies in the automotive, construction, and household product sectors. The demand for these glycol ethers is driven by the performance requirements of various industrial and consumer formulations, with environmental regulations increasingly influencing product selection and trade.

What products fall under HS code 290943?

Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (EGMBE), Butyl cellosolve, Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (DEGMBE), Butyl carbitol, 2-Butoxyethanol, 2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethanol, Butoxytriglycol

What are common misclassifications for HS code 290943?

Can be confused with other monoalkyl ethers of ethylene or diethylene glycol (290944) if the specific butyl group is not identified, or with other solvents in Chapter 29 or 38.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290943?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290943 in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($205M, 27% of world exports), the United States ($169M) and Germany ($58M). World exports came to about $750M, 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 goods under HS code 290943?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290943 in UN Comtrade data were China ($191M, 24% of world imports), India ($70M) and Italy ($37M). World imports came to about $785M, 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.

How is HS code 290943 structured?

HS code 290943 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (43) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290943?

Brazil splits HS code 290943 into 2 NCM codes: 2909.43.10 (Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether), 2909.43.20 (Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.