HS Code for Butyl glycol

Butyl glycol, specifically 2-butoxyethanol, is a prominent member of the ether-alcohol family, characterized by the presence of both an ether linkage and a hydroxyl group. Its classification under HS code 2909.43 is highly specific and accurate, as this subheading explicitly covers "monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol" within the broader category of "Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives" (2909.4X). This precise description directly aligns with the chemical structure of butyl glycol, which is derived from ethylene glycol. The compound's versatility as a solvent in a wide array of industrial and consumer products, including paints, coatings, inks, and cleaning formulations, underscores its significance as an organic chemical. Its inclusion in Chapter 29, dedicated to organic chemicals, is based on its defined chemical structure and industrial utility.

Products Included

• 2-Butoxyethanol
• Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether
• Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether
• Butyl cellosolve
• Butyl carbitol

Common Misclassification

Several other HS codes might be mistakenly considered for butyl glycol due to its dual functional groups. HS 2909.19, covering "Acyclic ethers and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives" (other than diethyl ether), could be a source of confusion if the alcohol functional group is overlooked, leading to classification purely as an ether. However, the explicit mention of "ether-alcohols" in 2909.4X, and specifically "monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol" in 2909.43, takes precedence. Similarly, codes such as HS 2905.39 for "Other diols" or HS 2905.1X for "Saturated acyclic monohydric alcohols" are inappropriate as they pertain to compounds lacking the ether linkage, which is a defining characteristic of butyl glycol. The presence of both an ether and an alcohol group necessitates its precise classification under 2909.43, distinguishing it from simpler ethers or alcohols.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Butyl glycol?

The HS code for Butyl glycol is 2909.43.

What are the primary uses of Butyl glycol?

Butyl glycol is primarily used as a solvent in paints, coatings, inks, and cleaning products due to its excellent solvency properties for both water-soluble and oil-soluble substances.