Product classification

HS code for Butane: 2901.10

Acyclic hydrocarbons, saturated.

Classification of butane under HS 2901.10

Butane is classified under HS code 2901.10 when it is presented as a separate chemically defined organic compound. Heading 2901 covers acyclic hydrocarbons, and subheading 2901.10 specifically addresses saturated acyclic hydrocarbons (alkanes). For a product to be classified here, it must meet high purity standards, typically exceeding 95% by volume, as defined in the Chapter 29 notes. This classification includes both n-butane and isobutane (2-methylpropane). The distinction is critical because butane is also a major component of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), but when it is refined to a high degree of purity for use as a chemical feedstock or laboratory reagent, it moves from the mineral fuels of Chapter 27 to the organic chemicals of Chapter 29. The molecular formula C4H10 defines this substance, and its saturated nature (single bonds only) dictates its placement in the 2901.10 category.

Covers
  • Pure n-Butane (95% or higher purity)
  • Pure Isobutane
  • Chemically defined butane for laboratory use
  • Saturated acyclic hydrocarbons with four carbon atoms
Also under 2901.10
  • Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
  • Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
  • N-Heptane (solvent)
  • Isooctane (fuel standard)
  • ExxonMobil (producer)

Codes often confused with 2901.10

Common mistake. Butane is most commonly misclassified under 2711.13. HS code 2711.13 is intended for liquefied butane that is used as fuel or is of lower purity (commercial grade). If the butane is part of a mixture of liquefied petroleum gases, it belongs in 2711.19. Another common error is 3606.10, which is reserved for butane specifically packaged in small containers (under 300 cm3) for refilling lighters. Classification in Chapter 29 requires the substance to be a separate chemically defined compound, not a crude fuel mixture.

2711.13Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons; liquefied, butanes2711.19Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons; liquefied, n.e.c. in heading no. 27113606.10Fuels; liquid or liquefied-gas, in containers, of a kind used for filling or refilling cigarette or similar lighters and of a capacity not exceeding 300cm3

Top exporters and importers of HS 290110 (the code used for butane), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290110 (the code used for butane) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 79% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% 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 290110, not only butane.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $7.1B
  2. 2 Canada $788M
  3. 3 Russia* ~$231M

World total: $8.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $3.1B
  2. 2 United States $826M
  3. 3 India $723M

World total: $8.6B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 butane

Brazil classifies butane under NCM 2901.10.00: HS 2901.10 with 00 added.

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

Questions about butane

What is the HS code for Butane?

The HS code for Butane is 290110 (Acyclic hydrocarbons; saturated). For high-purity, chemically defined butane, the HS code is 2901.10. For fuel-grade butane, it is 2711.13.

How do I classify Butane for customs?

Butane is classified under HS code 290110 — Acyclic hydrocarbons; saturated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is isobutane classified under the same code?

Yes, isobutane is an isomer of butane and is classified as a saturated acyclic hydrocarbon under 2901.10.

Which countries are the top exporters of butane (HS 290110)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290110 (the code used for butane) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($7.1B, 79% of world exports), Canada ($788M) and Russia (about $231M). World exports came to about $8.9B, 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 butane (HS 290110)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 290110 (the code used for butane) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.1B, 36% of world imports), the United States ($826M) and India ($723M). World imports came to about $8.6B, 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 Butane the same in all countries?

The base HS code 290110 for Butane 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 butane in Brazil?

In Brazil, butane (HS 290110) is classified under NCM 2901.10.00.