Product classification

HS code for Dimethyl ether: 2909.19

Ethers, acyclic, and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, other than diethyl ether.

Classification of dimethyl ether under HS 2909.19

Dimethyl ether (DME) is classified under HS code 2909.19. This classification follows the structure of Chapter 29, which encompasses separate chemically defined organic compounds. Heading 2909 covers ethers, ether-alcohols, ether-phenols, and their halogenated, sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. Dimethyl ether is an acyclic ether. While diethyl ether has its own specific subheading (2909.11), dimethyl ether falls into the "other" acyclic ethers category under 2909.19. The classification is straightforward for pure dimethyl ether (typically 99% purity or higher). If the product is presented as a liquefied gas mixture intended for use as a fuel, it might be subject to classification in Chapter 27; however, as a pure chemical intermediate or propellant, it remains firmly within 2909.19.

Covers
  • Pure Dimethyl ether (DME)
  • Methoxymethane
  • Wood ether
  • Dimethyl oxide
  • DME used as an aerosol propellant
Also under 2909.19
  • LyondellBasell MTBE
  • Mitsubishi Gas Chemical DME
  • BASF Isopropyl Ether
  • Dow Chemical Dibutyl Ether

Codes often confused with 2909.19

Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 2909.11, which is exclusively for diethyl ether. Importers often select the first available acyclic ether code without verifying the alkyl groups. Additionally, dimethyl ether is sometimes incorrectly classified under 2711.19 (liquefied petroleum gases) when used as a fuel additive. However, according to the Chapter 29 legal notes, chemically pure compounds are excluded from Chapter 27. Another error involves 2909.19 being confused with 2905.11 (methanol), which is the primary feedstock for DME production but represents a different functional group (alcohol vs. ether).

2909.11Ethers; acyclic, and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, diethyl ether2711.19Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons; liquefied, n.e.c. in heading no. 27112905.11Alcohols; saturated monohydric, methanol (methyl alcohol)

Top exporters and importers of HS 290919 (the code used for dimethyl ether), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290919 (the code used for dimethyl ether) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, 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 290919, not only dimethyl ether.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $3.6B
  2. 2 United States $2.9B
  3. 3 Netherlands $1.1B

World total: $11.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Mexico $1.6B
  2. 2 Singapore $1.5B
  3. 3 Japan $1.4B

World total: $10.9B 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 dimethyl ether

Brazil splits HS 2909.19 into 3 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 dimethyl ether

What is the HS code for Dimethyl ether?

The HS code for Dimethyl ether is 290919 (Ethers; acyclic, and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, other than diethyl ether). The HS code for Dimethyl ether is 2909.19.

How do I classify Dimethyl ether for customs?

Dimethyl ether is classified under HS code 290919 — Ethers; acyclic, and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, other than diethyl ether. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does the purity of Dimethyl ether affect its HS code?

Yes, to be classified under 2909.19, the dimethyl ether must be a separate chemically defined compound. If it is mixed with other hydrocarbons for use as a fuel, it may be classified under Chapter 27 (Heading 2711).

Which countries are the top exporters of dimethyl ether (HS 290919)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290919 (the code used for dimethyl ether) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.6B, 32% of world exports), the United States ($2.9B) and the Netherlands ($1.1B). World exports came to about $11.2B, 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 dimethyl ether (HS 290919)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 290919 (the code used for dimethyl ether) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($1.6B, 15% of world imports), Singapore ($1.5B) and Japan ($1.4B). World imports came to about $10.9B, 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 Dimethyl ether the same in all countries?

The base HS code 290919 for Dimethyl 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 dimethyl ether in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 290919 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for dimethyl ether depends on the product's details: 2909.19.10 (Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)), 2909.19.20 (Sevoflurane), 2909.19.90 (Other acyclic ethers).