HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2914.31 – Ketones; aromatic, (without other oxygen function), phenylacetone (phenylpropan-2-one)
HS code 2914.31 is the 6-digit subheading for ketones, aromatic, (without other oxygen function), phenylacetone (phenylpropan-2-one). It is used for phenylacetone, phenylpropan-2-one, benzyl methyl ketone and P2P.
What HS 2914.31 covers
Phenylacetone, also known as phenylpropan-2-one (P2P), is an aromatic ketone with significant industrial applications, primarily as a chemical intermediate. However, its trade is heavily scrutinized and regulated due to its notorious use as a precursor in the illicit manufacture of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS). Legitimate trade involves specialized chemical companies supplying to pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries for the synthesis of specific compounds, often under strict licensing and monitoring. Importers are typically highly regulated pharmaceutical manufacturers or research institutions. Key aspects for traders include navigating stringent international drug precursor controls (e.g., UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, EU regulations, US DEA regulations). The market is characterized by low legitimate volumes, high security, and extensive documentation requirements to prevent diversion.
- Covers
- Phenylacetone
- Phenylpropan-2-one
- Benzyl methyl ketone
- P2P
- Examples
- Merck Phenylacetone (for lab use)
- Sigma-Aldrich Phenylacetone (for lab use)
- specialized fine chemical suppliers
Codes often confused with 2914.31
Common mistake. This code is highly specific. Misclassification could occur if it's incorrectly grouped with other aromatic ketones under 291439, or if it's disguised as a different chemical to evade precursor controls, leading to severe legal consequences.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 291431, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 291431 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 98% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 90% 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 India $3.6M 98% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $48K 1.3% of world exports
- 3 United States $10K 0.3% of world exports
World total: $3.7M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $3.5M 90% of world imports
- 2 Denmark $199K 5.0% of world imports
- 3 Germany $147K 3.7% of world imports
World total: $4.0M 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 2914.31
Brazil does not split HS 2914.31: its NCM code is 2914.31.00.
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 2914.31
What is HS code 291431?
HS code 291431 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ketones; aromatic, (without other oxygen function), phenylacetone (phenylpropan-2-one). Phenylacetone, also known as phenylpropan-2-one (P2P), is an aromatic ketone with significant industrial applications, primarily as a chemical intermediate. However, its trade is heavily scrutinized and regulated due to its notorious use as a precursor in the illicit manufacture of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS). Legitimate trade involves specialized chemical companies supplying to pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries for the synthesis of specific compounds, often under strict licensing and monitoring. Importers are typically highly regulated pharmaceutical manufacturers or research institutions. Key aspects for traders include navigating stringent international drug precursor controls (e.g., UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, EU regulations, US DEA regulations). The market is characterized by low legitimate volumes, high security, and extensive documentation requirements to prevent diversion.
What products fall under HS code 291431?
Phenylacetone, Phenylpropan-2-one, Benzyl methyl ketone, P2P
What are common misclassifications for HS code 291431?
This code is highly specific. Misclassification could occur if it's incorrectly grouped with other aromatic ketones under 291439, or if it's disguised as a different chemical to evade precursor controls, leading to severe legal consequences.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 291431?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 291431 in UN Comtrade data were India ($3.6M, 98% of world exports), the Netherlands ($48K) and the United States ($10K). World exports came to about $3.7M, 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 291431?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 291431 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($3.5M, 90% of world imports), Denmark ($199K) and Germany ($147K). World imports came to about $4.0M, 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 291431 structured?
HS code 291431 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 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 291431?
In Brazil, HS code 291431 is NCM 2914.31.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.