Product classification
HS code for Butanone: 2914.12
Ketones, acyclic, without other oxygen function, butanone (methyl ethyl ketone).
Classification of butanone under HS 2914.12
Butanone, also widely known as Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), is classified under HS code 2914.12. This classification is governed by the structure of the molecule as an acyclic ketone without other oxygen functions. Heading 2914 covers ketones and quinones, whether or not with other oxygen functions, and their derivatives. Subheading 2914.12 is a specific, named entry for butanone. As a separate chemically defined compound with the formula CH3COCH2CH3, it fits perfectly into the criteria for Chapter 29. Butanone is a colorless liquid with a sharp, sweet odor and is primarily used as an industrial solvent. Because it is a specifically named chemical in the HS nomenclature, the classification is straightforward under GRI 1, provided the product is not mixed with other substances in a way that would characterize it as a prepared solvent or paint stripper.
- Covers
- Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)
- 2-Butanone
- Ethyl Methyl Ketone
- Chemically pure butanone for industrial use
- Butanone used as a laboratory reagent
- Also under 2914.12
- ExxonMobil MEK
- Shell Chemicals MEK
- Sasol MEK
- INEOS MEK
Codes often confused with 2914.12
Common mistake. Butanone is often confused with Acetone, which is classified under 2914.11. While both are acyclic ketones, they are distinct chemical entities with different carbon counts. Another common misclassification occurs when butanone is part of a blended solvent or thinner; in such cases, it should be classified under 3814.00 (organic composite solvents and thinners). Additionally, if butanone is presented as a retail-packaged nail polish remover, it may be classified under 3304.30. It is also important to distinguish it from methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), which is classified under 2914.13.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291412 (the code used for butanone), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291412 (the code used for butanone) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 291412, not only butanone.
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 butanone
Brazil classifies butanone under NCM 2914.12.00: HS 2914.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about butanone
What is the HS code for Butanone?
The HS code for Butanone is 291412 (Ketones; acyclic, without other oxygen function, butanone (methyl ethyl ketone)). The specific HS code for butanone (methyl ethyl ketone) is 2914.12.
How do I classify Butanone for customs?
Butanone is classified under HS code 291412 — Ketones; acyclic, without other oxygen function, butanone (methyl ethyl ketone). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is MEK the same as Butanone for customs purposes?
Yes, Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is the common commercial name for the chemical butanone, and both are classified under 2914.12.
Which countries are the top exporters of butanone (HS 291412)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291412 (the code used for butanone) 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 butanone (HS 291412)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291412 (the code used for butanone) 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.
Is the HS code for Butanone the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291412 for Butanone 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 butanone in Brazil?
In Brazil, butanone (HS 291412) is classified under NCM 2914.12.00.