Product classification
HS code for Ether: 2909.11
Ethers, acyclic, and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, diethyl ether.
Classification of ether under HS 2909.11
Diethyl ether is classified under HS code 2909.11, which falls within Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System, dedicated to organic chemicals. Heading 2909 specifically covers ethers, ether-alcohols, ether-phenols, and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives. Within this heading, the code 2909.11 is reserved for diethyl ether, an acyclic ether. The classification is determined by the chemical structure of the substance. As a pure chemical compound or a technically pure product, it must be classified in Chapter 29 rather than as a prepared solvent or a medicament, unless it meets very specific criteria for those chapters. Diethyl ether is a highly volatile and flammable liquid used extensively as a solvent in laboratories and industrial processes. Its classification remains consistent regardless of the intended end-use, provided it is not mixed with other substances in a way that changes its essential character to a preparation of Chapter 38 or a medicament of Chapter 30.
- Covers
- Diethyl ether (reagent grade)
- Industrial grade diethyl ether
- Anesthetic grade diethyl ether (pure form)
- Ethyl ether (synonym for diethyl ether)
- Solvent grade 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. Diethyl ether is often confused with other acyclic ethers classified under 2909.19, such as methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) or dimethyl ether. It may also be misclassified under 3814.00 if it is part of a complex organic composite solvent mixture. Furthermore, while diethyl ether has medical uses, it is rarely classified under 3004 (medicaments) unless it is put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale for therapeutic use. Another potential error is 2909.20, which is reserved for cyclanic, cyclenic, or cycloterpenic ethers, whereas diethyl ether is acyclic.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290911 (the code used for ether), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290911 (the code used for 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 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 ether
Brazil classifies 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 ether
What is the HS code for Ether?
The HS code for 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 Ether for customs?
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 regulated for transport?
Yes, while the HS code identifies the chemical for customs, it is also subject to strict hazardous materials regulations (UN1155) due to its high flammability and tendency to form explosive peroxides.
Which countries are the top exporters of ether (HS 290911)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290911 (the code used for 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 ether (HS 290911)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290911 (the code used for 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 Ether the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290911 for 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 ether in Brazil?
In Brazil, ether (HS 290911) is classified under NCM 2909.11.00.