Product classification
HS code for Butadiene: 2901.24
Acyclic hydrocarbons, unsaturated, buta-1,3-diene and isoprene.
Classification of butadiene under HS 2901.24
Butadiene is classified under HS code 290124, which specifically covers acyclic unsaturated hydrocarbons, including buta-1,3-diene and isoprene. This classification is based on its chemical structure: it is an organic compound composed solely of hydrogen and carbon atoms (hydrocarbon), it lacks cyclic rings (acyclic), and it contains carbon-carbon double bonds (unsaturated). Buta-1,3-diene is a crucial industrial chemical, primarily used as a monomer in the production of synthetic rubbers and plastics. The specificity of this HS code highlights its importance and distinct chemical identity within the broader category of acyclic unsaturated hydrocarbons, differentiating it from other similar compounds based on its precise molecular arrangement and unsaturation.
- Covers
- Buta-1,3-diene
- 1,3-Butadiene
- Isoprene (2-methylbuta-1,3-diene)
- Also under 2901.24
- BASF (producer of butadiene)
- LyondellBasell (producer of butadiene)
- Shell (producer of isoprene)
- Goodyear (consumer)
- Michelin (consumer)
Codes often confused with 2901.24
Common mistake. Common misclassification can occur with HS code 290110, which covers "Acyclic hydrocarbons; saturated." The key distinction is that butadiene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon, possessing double bonds, whereas products under 290110, such as methane or ethane, contain only single bonds. Another potential area of confusion is HS 290129, which covers "Acyclic hydrocarbons; unsaturated, other than specified." While butadiene is an acyclic unsaturated hydrocarbon, it is specifically named in 290124, meaning other acyclic unsaturated hydrocarbons not explicitly listed in 290121 through 290123 or 290124 would fall under 290129. Furthermore, HS 2902 covers "Cyclic hydrocarbons," which are distinct from butadiene due to its acyclic (open-chain) structure.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290124 (the code used for butadiene), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290124 (the code used for butadiene) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% 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 290124, not only butadiene.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $358M 17% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $344M 16% of world exports
- 3 Germany $200M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $636M 27% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $426M 18% of world imports
- 3 United States $256M 11% of world imports
World total: $2.3B 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 butadiene
Brazil splits HS 2901.24 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2901.24.10Buta-1,3-diene
- 2901.24.20Isoprene
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about butadiene
What is the HS code for Butadiene?
The HS code for Butadiene is 290124 (Acyclic hydrocarbons; unsaturated, buta-1,3-diene and isoprene). The HS code for Butadiene, specifically buta-1,3-diene, is 290124. This code also includes isoprene, another important acyclic unsaturated hydrocarbon.
How do I classify Butadiene for customs?
Butadiene is classified under HS code 290124 — Acyclic hydrocarbons; unsaturated, buta-1,3-diene and isoprene. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is Butadiene considered an unsaturated hydrocarbon?
Butadiene is classified as an unsaturated hydrocarbon because its molecular structure contains carbon-carbon double bonds. The presence of these double bonds means that the molecule does not contain the maximum possible number of hydrogen atoms for its carbon framework, allowing for addition reactions, which is characteristic of unsaturated compounds.
Which countries are the top exporters of butadiene (HS 290124)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290124 (the code used for butadiene) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($358M, 17% of world exports), South Korea ($344M) and Germany ($200M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 butadiene (HS 290124)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290124 (the code used for butadiene) in UN Comtrade data were China ($636M, 27% of world imports), South Korea ($426M) and the United States ($256M). World imports came to about $2.3B, 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 Butadiene the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290124 for Butadiene 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 butadiene in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 290124 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for butadiene depends on the product's details: 2901.24.10 (Buta-1,3-diene), 2901.24.20 (Isoprene).