Product classification
HS code for Butyl glycol: 2909.43
Ether-alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, monobutyl ethers of ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol.
Classification of butyl glycol under HS 2909.43
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.
- Covers
- 2-Butoxyethanol
- Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether
- Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether
- Butyl cellosolve
- Butyl carbitol
- 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. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290943 (the code used for butyl glycol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290943 (the code used for butyl glycol) 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 glycol.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $205M 27% of world exports
- 2 United States $169M 23% of world exports
- 3 Germany $58M 7.7% of world exports
World total: $750M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $191M 24% of world imports
- 2 India $70M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 Italy $37M 4.7% of world imports
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 glycol
Brazil splits HS 2909.43 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2909.43.10Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether
- 2909.43.20Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about butyl glycol
What is the HS code for Butyl glycol?
The HS code for Butyl glycol 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 glycol is 2909.43.
How do I classify Butyl glycol for customs?
Butyl glycol 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.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of butyl glycol (HS 290943)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290943 (the code used for butyl glycol) 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 glycol (HS 290943)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290943 (the code used for butyl glycol) 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 glycol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290943 for Butyl glycol 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 glycol in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 290943 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for butyl glycol depends on the product's details: 2909.43.10 (Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether), 2909.43.20 (Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether).