Product classification
HS code for Diethyl ether: 2909.11
Ethers, acyclic, and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, diethyl ether.
Classification of diethyl ether under HS 2909.11
Diethyl ether is classified under HS code 2909.11. As an organic compound, it falls under Chapter 29. Heading 2909 covers ethers, ether-alcohols, ether-phenols, ether-alcohol-phenols, alcohol peroxides, ether peroxides, ketone peroxides, and their derivatives. Subheading 2909.11 is specifically allocated to diethyl ether, which is an acyclic ether. The classification is straightforward because diethyl ether is a primary example of a simple symmetric acyclic ether where two ethyl groups are linked by an oxygen atom. The purity of the ether does not generally change the four-digit heading, though extremely high purity for laboratory use or stabilized versions containing antioxidants still remain within this code. It is important to distinguish this from other ethers like dimethyl ether or methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE). Diethyl ether is often used as a solvent or an anesthetic, but regardless of its end-use, the chemical structure dictates its placement in 2909.11. Importers should be aware that this substance is often subject to additional controls due to its volatility and its status as a precursor chemical. The Harmonized System treats acyclic ethers in the 2909.1 series, and diethyl ether is the first specific sub-item mentioned due to its historical and industrial significance. Even when used in medical settings, unless it is put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale as a medicament (which is rare for bulk ether), it remains under 2909.11.
- Covers
- Diethyl ether (pure or technical)
- Ethyl ether
- Sulfuric ether
- Anesthetic grade diethyl ether
- Stabilized diethyl ether
- Also under 2909.11
- Sigma-Aldrich Diethyl Ether
- Fisher Scientific Ethyl Ether
- Merck KGaA Diethyl Ether
- Honeywell Fluka Diethyl Ether
Codes often confused with 2909.11
Common mistake. Common misclassifications include HS code 2909.19, which is the "other" category for acyclic ethers like dimethyl ether or dipropyl ether. Another potential error is HS code 3004, which covers medicaments; however, diethyl ether is generally classified as a chemical substance in Chapter 29 rather than a finished pharmaceutical product unless specifically prepared as such.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290911 (the code used for diethyl ether), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290911 (the code used for diethyl ether) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% 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 290911, not only diethyl ether.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $11M 33% of world exports
- 2 India $7.5M 23% of world exports
- 3 United States $4.7M 14% of world exports
World total: $33M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $8.9M 21% of world imports
- 2 Canada $4.8M 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $3.1M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $43M 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 diethyl ether
Brazil classifies diethyl ether under NCM 2909.11.00: HS 2909.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about diethyl ether
What is the HS code for Diethyl ether?
The HS code for Diethyl ether is 290911 (Ethers; acyclic, and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, diethyl ether). The HS code for diethyl ether is 2909.11.
How do I classify Diethyl ether for customs?
Diethyl ether is classified under HS code 290911 — Ethers; acyclic, and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, diethyl ether. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is diethyl ether considered a controlled substance?
While not a narcotic, it is frequently listed as a Table II precursor under the 1988 UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs because it is used in the processing of cocaine.
Which countries are the top exporters of diethyl ether (HS 290911)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290911 (the code used for diethyl ether) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($11M, 33% of world exports), India ($7.5M) and the United States ($4.7M). World exports came to about $33M, 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 diethyl ether (HS 290911)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290911 (the code used for diethyl ether) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($8.9M, 21% of world imports), Canada ($4.8M) and Germany ($3.1M). World imports came to about $43M, 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 Diethyl ether the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290911 for Diethyl ether 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 diethyl ether in Brazil?
In Brazil, diethyl ether (HS 290911) is classified under NCM 2909.11.00.