Product classification

HS code for Butyl carbitol: 2909.43

Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol.

Classification of butyl carbitol under HS 2909.43

Butyl carbitol, known chemically as diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, is classified under HS code 2909.43. This classification is based on its identity as an ether-alcohol. Heading 2909 covers ethers, ether-alcohols, and their derivatives. The subheading 2909.43 is specifically designated for the monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol. As a separate chemically defined organic compound, it falls under Chapter 29. The molecule contains both an ether functional group and a hydroxyl (alcohol) group, which defines its placement within the ether-alcohol sub-category. This chemical is a clear, high-boiling liquid used extensively as a solvent in the paint and printing ink industries. The HS system requires precise chemical nomenclature for these substances to ensure they are not confused with simpler alcohols or complex mixtures.

Covers
  • Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether
  • 2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethanol
  • Butyl diglycol
  • High-purity monobutyl ether of diethylene glycol
  • Commercially pure Butyl Carbitol solvent
Also under 2909.43
  • Dowanol EB (Dow Chemical)
  • Butyl Cellosolve (Eastman Chemical)
  • Butyl Carbitol (Shell Chemicals)
  • Arkema Butyl Glycol Ether

Codes often confused with 2909.43

Common mistake. Butyl carbitol is frequently confused with HS code 2909.41 (2,2'-Oxydiethanol) or 2909.44 (Other monoalkylethers of ethylene glycol). The distinction is based on the specific alkyl group attached to the glycol; 2909.43 is strictly for the monobutyl version. Furthermore, if the product is sold as a prepared mixture of various solvents rather than a pure chemical, it may be misclassified here instead of under HS code 3814.00, which covers organic composite solvents and thinners.

2909.41Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives; 2,2-oxydiethanol (diethylene glycol, digol)2909.44Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives; monoalkylethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol n.e.c. in heading no. 29093814.00Solvents and thinners; organic composite solvents and thinners, n.e.c. or included, prepared paint or varnish removers

Top exporters and importers of HS 290943 (the code used for butyl carbitol), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290943 (the code used for butyl carbitol) in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% 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 290943, not only butyl carbitol.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Saudi Arabia $205M
  2. 2 United States $169M
  3. 3 Germany $58M

World total: $750M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $191M
  2. 2 India $70M
  3. 3 Italy $37M

World total: $785M 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 butyl carbitol

Brazil splits HS 2909.43 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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

Questions about butyl carbitol

What is the HS code for Butyl carbitol?

The HS code for Butyl carbitol is 290943 (Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives; monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol). The HS code for Butyl Carbitol (diethylene glycol monobutyl ether) is 2909.43.

How do I classify Butyl carbitol for customs?

Butyl carbitol is classified under HS code 290943 — Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives; monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is Butyl Carbitol classified as a simple alcohol?

No, because it contains an ether linkage in addition to a hydroxyl group, it is classified as an ether-alcohol under heading 2909.

Which countries are the top exporters of butyl carbitol (HS 290943)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290943 (the code used for butyl carbitol) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($205M, 27% of world exports), the United States ($169M) and Germany ($58M). World exports came to about $750M, 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 butyl carbitol (HS 290943)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 290943 (the code used for butyl carbitol) in UN Comtrade data were China ($191M, 24% of world imports), India ($70M) and Italy ($37M). World imports came to about $785M, 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 Butyl carbitol the same in all countries?

The base HS code 290943 for Butyl carbitol 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 butyl carbitol in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 290943 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for butyl carbitol depends on the product's details: 2909.43.10 (Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether), 2909.43.20 (Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether).