HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2914.12 – Ketones; acyclic, without other oxygen function, butanone (methyl ethyl ketone)
HS code 2914.12 is the 6-digit subheading for ketones, acyclic, without other oxygen function, butanone (methyl ethyl ketone). It is used for MEK solvent, paint and varnish remover, adhesive solvent, printing ink solvent and dewaxing agent.
What HS 2914.12 covers
Butanone, commonly known as Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), is another significant acyclic ketone, widely traded as a powerful and fast-evaporating solvent. Its excellent solvency properties make it indispensable in various industrial applications, particularly in coatings, adhesives, printing inks, and as a dewaxing agent in petroleum refining. Major importers include manufacturers of paints, varnishes, glues, and printing inks, as well as companies in the automotive and construction sectors. Exporters are typically large petrochemical producers, often co-producing MEK with other chemicals. Key trade considerations include purity specifications, packaging for bulk or smaller quantities, and strict adherence to hazardous materials transportation and storage regulations due to its flammability and volatility. Global demand for MEK is influenced by industrial manufacturing activity, particularly in the automotive, construction, and packaging industries.
- Covers
- MEK solvent
- Paint and varnish remover
- Adhesive solvent
- Printing ink solvent
- Dewaxing agent
- Chemical intermediate
- Cleaning fluid
- PVC cement solvent
- Examples
- ExxonMobil MEK
- Shell Chemicals MEK
- Sasol MEK
- INEOS MEK
Codes often confused with 2914.12
Common mistake. This code is specific to butanone (MEK); it might be confused with acetone (291411) or other acyclic ketones (291419) if not precisely identified. It could also be mistaken for other industrial solvents (Chapter 38) if its chemical identity is not prioritized.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291412, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291412 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 China $223M 36% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $93M 15% of world exports
- 3 Japan $92M 15% of world exports
World total: $624M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $109M 15% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $87M 12% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $69M 9.4% of world imports
World total: $729M 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 2914.12
Brazil does not split HS 2914.12: its NCM code is 2914.12.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.14 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2914.12
What is HS code 291412?
HS code 291412 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ketones; acyclic, without other oxygen function, butanone (methyl ethyl ketone). Butanone, commonly known as Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), is another significant acyclic ketone, widely traded as a powerful and fast-evaporating solvent. Its excellent solvency properties make it indispensable in various industrial applications, particularly in coatings, adhesives, printing inks, and as a dewaxing agent in petroleum refining. Major importers include manufacturers of paints, varnishes, glues, and printing inks, as well as companies in the automotive and construction sectors. Exporters are typically large petrochemical producers, often co-producing MEK with other chemicals. Key trade considerations include purity specifications, packaging for bulk or smaller quantities, and strict adherence to hazardous materials transportation and storage regulations due to its flammability and volatility. Global demand for MEK is influenced by industrial manufacturing activity, particularly in the automotive, construction, and packaging industries.
What products fall under HS code 291412?
MEK solvent, Paint and varnish remover, Adhesive solvent, Printing ink solvent, Dewaxing agent, Chemical intermediate, Cleaning fluid, PVC cement solvent
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291412?
This code is specific to butanone (MEK); it might be confused with acetone (291411) or other acyclic ketones (291419) if not precisely identified. It could also be mistaken for other industrial solvents (Chapter 38) if its chemical identity is not prioritized.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291412?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291412 in UN Comtrade data were China ($223M, 36% of world exports), the Netherlands ($93M) and Japan ($92M). World exports came to about $624M, 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 291412?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291412 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($109M, 15% of world imports), South Korea ($87M) and the Netherlands ($69M). World imports came to about $729M, 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 291412 structured?
HS code 291412 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (14) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291412?
In Brazil, HS code 291412 is NCM 2914.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.