Product classification
HS code for Metaxylene: 2902.42
Cyclic hydrocarbons, m-xylene.
Classification of metaxylene under HS 2902.42
Metaxylene, also known as m-xylene, is classified under HS code 2902.42. This classification falls within Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals), specifically under the heading for cyclic hydrocarbons (2902). The xylenes are a group of three benzene derivatives with two methyl substituents. To be classified under 2902.42, the metaxylene must be a separate chemically defined isomer with a purity level typically exceeding 95% by weight. The Harmonized System distinguishes between specific isomers of xylene (ortho-, meta-, and para-) to facilitate precise trade monitoring and tariff application. Metaxylene is primarily used as a chemical intermediate in the production of isophthalic acid, which is a precursor for various resins and polymers. The classification logic is based on the chemical identity of the hydrocarbon and its high degree of purity, which excludes it from the petroleum oil classifications of Chapter 27.
- Covers
- Pure m-Xylene (Metaxylene)
- Metaxylene with a purity of 95% or more
- M-Xylene containing small amounts of ethylbenzene or other xylene isomers as impurities
- Also under 2902.42
- Shell Chemicals m-xylene
- TotalEnergies m-xylene
- Formosa Plastics m-xylene
- LG Chem m-xylene
Codes often confused with 2902.42
Common mistake. Metaxylene is most commonly misclassified under HS code 2902.44, which is the code for "Mixed xylene isomers." This occurs when the product is a blend of ortho, meta, and para isomers rather than a purified single isomer. It is also sometimes confused with HS code 2707.30 (Xylols/Xylenes), which applies to lower-purity aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures derived from the distillation of coal tar or petroleum where the xylene content is less than 95%.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290242 (the code used for metaxylene), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290242 (the code used for metaxylene) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 66% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 65% 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 290242, not only metaxylene.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $45M 66% of world exports
- 2 India $10M 15% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $8.0M 12% of world exports
World total: $69M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $122M 65% of world imports
- 2 China $33M 18% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$17M 9.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $186M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 metaxylene
Brazil classifies metaxylene under NCM 2902.42.00: HS 2902.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about metaxylene
What is the HS code for Metaxylene?
The HS code for Metaxylene is 290242 (Cyclic hydrocarbons; m-xylene). The HS code for high-purity metaxylene (m-xylene) is 2902.42.
How do I classify Metaxylene for customs?
Metaxylene is classified under HS code 290242 — Cyclic hydrocarbons; m-xylene. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the purity requirement for Chapter 29 xylenes?
Generally, for a specific xylene isomer to be classified in 2902.41, 2902.42, or 2902.43, it must have a purity of 95% or more by weight. Lower purity mixtures are classified in Chapter 27 or under 2902.44.
Which countries are the top exporters of metaxylene (HS 290242)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290242 (the code used for metaxylene) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($45M, 66% of world exports), India ($10M) and the Netherlands ($8.0M). World exports came to about $69M, 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 metaxylene (HS 290242)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290242 (the code used for metaxylene) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($122M, 65% of world imports), China ($33M) and Taiwan (about $17M). World imports came to about $186M, 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 Metaxylene the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290242 for Metaxylene 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 metaxylene in Brazil?
In Brazil, metaxylene (HS 290242) is classified under NCM 2902.42.00.