Product classification
HS code for MEK: 2914.12
Ketones, acyclic, without other oxygen function, butanone (methyl ethyl ketone).
Classification of MEK under HS 2914.12
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), also known as butanone, is classified under HS code 2914.12. This code is situated within Chapter 29, which encompasses organic chemicals. Heading 2914 specifically covers ketones and quinones, whether or not with other oxygen functions, and their derivatives. MEK is an acyclic ketone without other oxygen functions, and because of its high volume in global trade, it is granted its own specific subheading. The classification is based on the chemical structure of the molecule, which consists of a four-carbon chain with a carbonyl group. As a pure chemical compound, it must not be mixed with other solvents to remain in this heading. If MEK is part of a complex solvent blend, the classification logic changes entirely, moving from a specific chemical chapter to a functional preparation chapter. Proper identification requires a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) to confirm that the substance is indeed pure butanone.
- Covers
- Pure Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)
- 2-Butanone
- Ethyl methyl ketone
- Methyl acetone (commercial name for MEK)
- Reagent grade butanone
- Also under 2914.12
- ExxonMobil MEK
- Shell Chemicals MEK
- Sasol MEK
- INEOS MEK
Codes often confused with 2914.12
Common mistake. MEK is often misclassified under HS code 2914.11, which is the code for Acetone, due to their similar solvent properties and chemical family. Another common error is using HS code 3814.00, which covers organic composite solvents and thinners. If the product is 100% MEK, it must be in 2914.12; code 3814.00 is only for mixtures of two or more organic solvents.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291412 (the code used for MEK), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291412 (the code used for MEK) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 291412, not only MEK.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $223M 36% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $93M 15% of world exports
- 3 Japan $92M 15% of world exports
World total: $624M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $109M 15% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $87M 12% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $69M 9.4% of world imports
World total: $729M 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 MEK
Brazil classifies MEK under NCM 2914.12.00: HS 2914.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about MEK
What is the HS code for MEK?
The HS code for MEK is 291412 (Ketones; acyclic, without other oxygen function, butanone (methyl ethyl ketone)). The specific HS code for Methyl Ethyl Ketone is 2914.12.
How do I classify MEK for customs?
MEK is classified under HS code 291412 — Ketones; acyclic, without other oxygen function, butanone (methyl ethyl ketone). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can MEK be classified under Chapter 38?
Only if it is part of a mixture. If it is a pure chemical compound, it is legally required to be classified in Chapter 29 under code 2914.12.
Which countries are the top exporters of MEK (HS 291412)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291412 (the code used for MEK) in UN Comtrade data were China ($223M, 36% of world exports), the Netherlands ($93M) and Japan ($92M). World exports came to about $624M, 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 MEK (HS 291412)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291412 (the code used for MEK) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($109M, 15% of world imports), South Korea ($87M) and the Netherlands ($69M). World imports came to about $729M, 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 MEK the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291412 for MEK 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 MEK in Brazil?
In Brazil, MEK (HS 291412) is classified under NCM 2914.12.00.