Product classification
HS code for Ethylene: 2901.21
Acyclic hydrocarbons, unsaturated, ethylene.
Classification of ethylene under HS 2901.21
Ethylene is classified under HS code 2901.21 as an unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbon. Heading 2901 covers acyclic hydrocarbons, and sub-heading 2901.21 is specifically reserved for ethylene. As a gaseous alkene with the molecular formula C2H4, it is the simplest unsaturated hydrocarbon containing a carbon-carbon double bond. The classification depends on its purity and state; for inclusion in Chapter 29, it must be a separate chemically defined compound. Ethylene is a fundamental building block in the petrochemical industry, produced primarily through the steam cracking of ethane, propane, or naphtha. It is the precursor to a vast array of chemicals, including polyethylene, ethylene oxide, and various halogenated derivatives. Its classification is straightforward due to its specific mention in the nomenclature, provided it meets the purity requirements for organic chemicals (typically 95% or higher by volume for gaseous products in this chapter).
- Covers
- Polymer-grade ethylene (high purity)
- Chemical-grade ethylene
- Ethylene gas used for fruit ripening
- Ethylene used as a feedstock for ethylene dichloride
- Ethylene used in the production of ethyl alcohol via hydration
- Also under 2901.21
- Dow Chemical (producer)
- SABIC (producer)
- LyondellBasell (producer)
- INEOS (producer)
- ExxonMobil Chemical (producer)
Codes often confused with 2901.21
Common mistake. Ethylene is often confused with polyethylene, which is a polymer classified under HS code 3901.10 or 3901.20 depending on its density. While ethylene is the monomer, the plastic resin is classified in Chapter 39. Additionally, ethylene may be confused with propylene (HS code 2901.22), which is the next member of the alkene series. In some cases, refinery-grade ethylene streams that do not meet the purity standards of Chapter 29 may be classified under Chapter 27 (HS code 2711.14) as liquefied petroleum gases or other gaseous hydrocarbons.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290121 (the code used for ethylene), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290121 (the code used for ethylene) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% 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 290121, not only ethylene.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $1.6B 30% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $733M 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $540M 10% of world exports
World total: $5.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.4B 41% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $887M 15% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $495M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $5.8B 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 ethylene
Brazil classifies ethylene under NCM 2901.21.00: HS 2901.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ethylene
What is the HS code for Ethylene?
The HS code for Ethylene is 290121 (Acyclic hydrocarbons; unsaturated, ethylene). The HS code for ethylene is 2901.21, categorized under unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbons.
How do I classify Ethylene for customs?
Ethylene is classified under HS code 290121 — Acyclic hydrocarbons; unsaturated, ethylene. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the state of the ethylene (liquid vs gas) change the HS code?
No, whether ethylene is transported as a compressed gas or a cryogenic liquid, it remains classified under 2901.21, provided it is a chemically defined compound.
Which countries are the top exporters of ethylene (HS 290121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290121 (the code used for ethylene) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($1.6B, 30% of world exports), the Netherlands ($733M) and the United States ($540M). World exports came to about $5.2B, 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 ethylene (HS 290121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290121 (the code used for ethylene) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.4B, 41% of world imports), Belgium ($887M) and Indonesia ($495M). World imports came to about $5.8B, 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 Ethylene the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290121 for Ethylene 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 ethylene in Brazil?
In Brazil, ethylene (HS 290121) is classified under NCM 2901.21.00.