Product classification
HS code for Methyl isobutyl ketone: 2914.13
Ketones, acyclic, without other oxygen function, 4-methylpentan-2-one (methyl isobutyl ketone).
Classification of methyl isobutyl ketone under HS 2914.13
Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), chemically known as 4-methylpentan-2-one, is classified under HS code 2914.13. This classification is situated within Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals) and heading 2914 (Ketones and quinones). Subheading 2914.13 is specifically assigned to 4-methylpentan-2-one. MIBK is an acyclic ketone that does not contain other oxygen functions. It is primarily produced from acetone and is valued for its ability to dissolve resins, oils, and nitrocellulose. The classification is determined by its chemical structure as a saturated acyclic monoketone. For customs purposes, the product must be a separate chemically defined compound; if it is mixed with other solvents to create a proprietary blend, the classification would shift to Chapter 38.
- Covers
- Pure methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK)
- 4-methylpentan-2-one
- Isopropylacetone
- MIBK used as an extraction agent in mineral processing
- Technical grade methyl isobutyl ketone
- Also under 2914.13
- Dow MIBK
- Shell MIBK
- Eastman MIBK
- Arkema MIBK
Codes often confused with 2914.13
Common mistake. MIBK is frequently misclassified under HS code 2914.11 (acetone) or 2914.12 (butanone) due to their similar industrial uses as solvents. It may also be confused with mesityl oxide (2914.19), which is an unsaturated acyclic ketone. Furthermore, if MIBK is imported as a component of a prepared solvent mixture, it should be classified under 3814.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 291413 (the code used for methyl isobutyl ketone), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291413 (the code used for methyl isobutyl ketone) in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 34% 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 291413, not only methyl isobutyl ketone.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Africa $47M 31% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $39M 26% of world exports
- 3 Japan $19M 12% of world exports
World total: $152M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $58M 34% of world imports
- 2 Thailand $16M 9.2% of world imports
- 3 Germany $13M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $169M 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 isobutyl ketone
Brazil classifies methyl isobutyl ketone under NCM 2914.13.00: HS 2914.13 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about methyl isobutyl ketone
What is the HS code for Methyl isobutyl ketone?
The HS code for Methyl isobutyl ketone is 291413 (Ketones; acyclic, without other oxygen function, 4-methylpentan-2-one (methyl isobutyl ketone)). The HS code for methyl isobutyl ketone (4-methylpentan-2-one) is 2914.13.
How do I classify Methyl isobutyl ketone for customs?
Methyl isobutyl ketone is classified under HS code 291413 — Ketones; acyclic, without other oxygen function, 4-methylpentan-2-one (methyl isobutyl ketone). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What are the primary industrial uses for MIBK?
MIBK is primarily used as a high-boiling solvent for paints, coatings, and adhesives, and as an extracting agent in the production of antibiotics and the processing of metals.
Which countries are the top exporters of methyl isobutyl ketone (HS 291413)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291413 (the code used for methyl isobutyl ketone) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($47M, 31% of world exports), South Korea ($39M) and Japan ($19M). World exports came to about $152M, 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 isobutyl ketone (HS 291413)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 291413 (the code used for methyl isobutyl ketone) in UN Comtrade data were India ($58M, 34% of world imports), Thailand ($16M) and Germany ($13M). World imports came to about $169M, 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 isobutyl ketone the same in all countries?
The base HS code 291413 for Methyl isobutyl 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 isobutyl ketone in Brazil?
In Brazil, methyl isobutyl ketone (HS 291413) is classified under NCM 2914.13.00.