Product classification
HS code for Isoprene: 2901.24
Acyclic hydrocarbons, unsaturated, buta-1,3-diene and isoprene.
Classification of isoprene under HS 2901.24
Isoprene, chemically known as 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene, is a critical organic compound used extensively in the synthetic rubber industry. Under the Harmonized System, it is classified within Chapter 29, which encompasses organic chemicals. Specifically, it falls under heading 2901, which covers acyclic hydrocarbons. Within this heading, subheading 2901.24 is reserved for buta-1,3-diene and isoprene. These two compounds are grouped together because they are both unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbons with two double bonds (dienes), making them essential monomers for producing elastomers like polyisoprene and styrene-butadiene rubber. The classification is strictly based on the chemical structure of the molecule. If the isoprene is part of a crude petroleum mixture, it might be classified in Chapter 27, but as a chemically defined isolated compound, 2901.24 is the mandatory code. The HS system prioritizes the chemical purity and definition of the substance over its industrial application when determining the correct heading in Chapter 29.
- Covers
- High-purity isoprene monomer
- 2-methylbuta-1,3-diene
- Isoprene for synthetic rubber production
- Polymerization grade isoprene
- Also under 2901.24
- BASF (producer of butadiene)
- LyondellBasell (producer of butadiene)
- Shell (producer of isoprene)
- Goodyear (consumer)
- Michelin (consumer)
Codes often confused with 2901.24
Common mistake. Isoprene is often misclassified under HS code 2711, which covers petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons, especially when it is a byproduct of cracking. However, as a pure chemical, it belongs in 2901.24. It is also sometimes confused with 4002, which is the code for synthetic rubber (the polymer), rather than the monomer.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290124 (the code used for isoprene), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290124 (the code used for isoprene) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% 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 290124, not only isoprene.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $358M 17% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $344M 16% of world exports
- 3 Germany $200M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $636M 27% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $426M 18% of world imports
- 3 United States $256M 11% of world imports
World total: $2.3B 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 isoprene
Brazil splits HS 2901.24 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2901.24.10Buta-1,3-diene
- 2901.24.20Isoprene
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about isoprene
What is the HS code for Isoprene?
The HS code for Isoprene is 290124 (Acyclic hydrocarbons; unsaturated, buta-1,3-diene and isoprene). The HS code for isoprene is 2901.24, specifically for buta-1,3-diene and isoprene.
How do I classify Isoprene for customs?
Isoprene is classified under HS code 290124 — Acyclic hydrocarbons; unsaturated, buta-1,3-diene and isoprene. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the primary industrial use of isoprene?
It is primarily used as a monomer for the production of polyisoprene rubber, which mimics the properties of natural rubber, and in the production of various block copolymers.
Which countries are the top exporters of isoprene (HS 290124)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290124 (the code used for isoprene) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($358M, 17% of world exports), South Korea ($344M) and Germany ($200M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 isoprene (HS 290124)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290124 (the code used for isoprene) in UN Comtrade data were China ($636M, 27% of world imports), South Korea ($426M) and the United States ($256M). World imports came to about $2.3B, 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 Isoprene the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290124 for Isoprene 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 isoprene in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 290124 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for isoprene depends on the product's details: 2901.24.10 (Buta-1,3-diene), 2901.24.20 (Isoprene).