Product classification
HS code for Methyl ethyl ketone: 2914.12
Ketones, acyclic, without other oxygen function, butanone (methyl ethyl ketone).
Classification of methyl ethyl ketone under HS 2914.12
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), also known as butanone, is classified under HS code 2914.12. This classification falls within Chapter 29 for organic chemicals and heading 2914, which encompasses ketones and quinones, whether or not with other oxygen functions. Specifically, 2914.12 is dedicated to butanone. As an acyclic ketone without other oxygen functions, it meets the criteria for this specific subheading. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the MEK is used as a solvent, a chemical intermediate, or a cleaning agent, provided it remains a separate chemically defined compound of a purity level consistent with Chapter 29 requirements. It is a colorless liquid with a sharp, sweet odor, widely used in the manufacture of plastics, textiles, and paints.
- Covers
- Pure methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
- Butanone (technical or laboratory grade)
- MEK used as a solvent in industrial applications
- Ethyl methyl ketone
- MEK for use in the production of resins and lacquers
- Also under 2914.12
- ExxonMobil MEK
- Shell Chemicals MEK
- Sasol MEK
- INEOS MEK
Codes often confused with 2914.12
Common mistake. MEK is often confused with acetone, which is classified under HS code 2914.11. While both are acyclic ketones, they are distinct chemical entities. Additionally, if MEK is part of a complex blended solvent or paint thinner, it should be classified under HS code 3814.00 (organic composite solvents and thinners) rather than the pure chemical code 2914.12.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291412 (the code used for methyl ethyl ketone), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291412 (the code used for methyl ethyl ketone) 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 methyl ethyl ketone.
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 methyl ethyl ketone
Brazil classifies methyl ethyl ketone 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 methyl ethyl ketone
What is the HS code for Methyl ethyl ketone?
The HS code for Methyl ethyl ketone is 291412 (Ketones; acyclic, without other oxygen function, butanone (methyl ethyl ketone)). The HS code for methyl ethyl ketone (butanone) is 2914.12.
How do I classify Methyl ethyl ketone for customs?
Methyl ethyl ketone is classified under HS code 291412 — Ketones; acyclic, without other oxygen function, butanone (methyl ethyl ketone). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is MEK subject to specific trade regulations?
Yes, because MEK can be used as a precursor in the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs, it is often monitored under international conventions and may require specific import/export permits depending on the jurisdiction.
Which countries are the top exporters of methyl ethyl ketone (HS 291412)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291412 (the code used for methyl ethyl ketone) 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 methyl ethyl ketone (HS 291412)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291412 (the code used for methyl ethyl ketone) 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 Methyl ethyl ketone the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291412 for Methyl ethyl ketone 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 methyl ethyl ketone in Brazil?
In Brazil, methyl ethyl ketone (HS 291412) is classified under NCM 2914.12.00.