Product classification

HS code for Acetone: 2914.11

Ketones, acyclic, without other oxygen function, acetone.

Classification of acetone under HS 2914.11

Acetone, chemically known as propan-2-one, is classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 291411 due to its precise chemical structure and functional group. Chapter 29 of the HS nomenclature is specifically dedicated to organic chemicals, providing a framework for classifying a vast array of carbon-containing compounds. Within this chapter, Heading 2914 specifically encompasses ketones and quinones, which are organic compounds characterized by the presence of a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two carbon atoms. Subheading 2914.11 is precisely designated for "Ketones; acyclic, without other oxygen function, acetone." Acetone is the simplest and most common acyclic ketone, meaning its carbon chain is open and does not form a ring, and it lacks additional oxygen-containing functional groups beyond the ketone itself. The explicit mention of "acetone" within this subheading provides a clear and unambiguous classification for this widely used industrial solvent, ensuring consistent global trade identification based on its chemical identity.

Covers
  • Acetone (propan-2-one)
  • Dimethyl ketone
  • 2-Propanone
  • Technical grade acetone
  • Pharmaceutical grade acetone
  • High-purity acetone for laboratory use
Also under 2914.11
  • Dow Chemical Acetone
  • INEOS Acetone
  • Shell Chemicals Acetone
  • Sasol Acetone

Codes often confused with 2914.11

Common mistake. Acetone is sometimes confused with other organic solvents or related compounds, leading to potential misclassification. For instance, it might be mistakenly classified under HS 2905.11, which covers Methanol. While both are common industrial solvents, methanol is an alcohol, characterized by a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group, fundamentally different from the ketone group in acetone. Another potential misclassification could occur with other ketones, such as those found under HS 2914.21 (Camphor). Camphor is also a ketone, but its molecular structure is cyclic, meaning its carbon atoms form a ring structure, distinguishing it from the acyclic nature of acetone. Accurate classification requires careful attention to the specific functional groups and structural characteristics defined by the HS nomenclature.

2905.11Alcohols; saturated monohydric, methanol (methyl alcohol)

Top exporters and importers of HS 291411 (the code used for acetone), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291411 (the code used for acetone) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 291411, not only acetone.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $160M
  2. 2 Thailand $144M
  3. 3 Saudi Arabia $130M

World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $279M
  2. 2 Germany $113M
  3. 3 Netherlands $108M

World total: $1.2B 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 acetone

Brazil classifies acetone under NCM 2914.11.00: HS 2914.11 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about acetone

What is the HS code for Acetone?

The HS code for Acetone is 291411 (Ketones; acyclic, without other oxygen function, acetone). The Harmonized System (HS) code for Acetone is 291411. This code specifically identifies it as an acyclic ketone without other oxygen functions, directly referencing "acetone" within its description.

How do I classify Acetone for customs?

Acetone is classified under HS code 291411 — Ketones; acyclic, without other oxygen function, acetone. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What are the primary industrial uses of Acetone?

Acetone is an extensively utilized solvent across various industries. It is a key component in the production of plastics, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and synthetic fibers like rayon. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful cleaning agent, a paint thinner, and a common ingredient in nail polish removers due to its exceptional ability to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds, making it indispensable in manufacturing and consumer products.

Which countries are the top exporters of acetone (HS 291411)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291411 (the code used for acetone) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($160M, 16% of world exports), Thailand ($144M) and Saudi Arabia ($130M). World exports came to about $1.0B, 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 acetone (HS 291411)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291411 (the code used for acetone) in UN Comtrade data were China ($279M, 23% of world imports), Germany ($113M) and the Netherlands ($108M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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.

Is the HS code for Acetone the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291411 for Acetone is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.

What is the NCM code for acetone in Brazil?

In Brazil, acetone (HS 291411) is classified under NCM 2914.11.00.