Product classification

HS code for Methylionones: 2914.23

Ketones, cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic, without other oxygen function, ionones and methylionones.

Classification of methylionones under HS 2914.23

Methylionones are classified under HS code 2914.23. These substances are organic chemical compounds that fall under the category of cyclanic, cyclenic, or cycloterpenic ketones without other oxygen functions. Methylionones are vital components in the fragrance and flavor industry, known for their violet-like and woody aromas. The classification is based on the chemical structure of the ionone skeleton with an additional methyl group. Under the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), specifically defined organic compounds like methylionones are classified in Chapter 29, even if they are intended for use as perfumery molecules, provided they are not yet mixed with other substances.

Covers
  • Alpha-Methylionone
  • Beta-Methylionone
  • Gamma-Methylionone (Isomethylionone)
  • Delta-Methylionone
  • Commercial mixtures of methylionone isomers
Also under 2914.23
  • Givaudan Ionones
  • Firmenich Ionones
  • Symrise Ionones
  • IFF Ionones

Codes often confused with 2914.23

Common mistake. Methylionones are frequently misclassified under HS code 3302.90, which covers mixtures of odoriferous substances used as raw materials in industry. While methylionones are used in perfumery, a pure chemical isomer or a mixture of isomers of the same chemical compound remains in Chapter 29. Another common error is confusing them with Ionones (unmethylated), which are classified under the same sub-heading 2914.23 but must be distinguished in laboratory analysis. They should also not be confused with acyclic ketones found in 2914.19.

3302.90Odoriferous substances and mixtures; used as raw materials in industries other than the food or drink industries2914.19Ketones; acyclic, without other oxygen function, n.e.c. in item no. 2914.1

Top exporters and importers of HS 291423 (the code used for methylionones), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291423 (the code used for methylionones) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 291423, not only methylionones.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $52M
  2. 2 Germany $43M
  3. 3 Switzerland $35M

World total: $169M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $31M
  2. 2 India $21M
  3. 3 Singapore $17M

World total: $192M 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 methylionones

Brazil splits HS 2914.23 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about methylionones

What is the HS code for Methylionones?

The HS code for Methylionones is 291423 (Ketones; cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic, without other oxygen function, ionones and methylionones). Methylionones are classified under HS code 2914.23, which also includes standard ionones.

How do I classify Methylionones for customs?

Methylionones is classified under HS code 291423 — Ketones; cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic, without other oxygen function, ionones and methylionones. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are Methylionones considered essential oils?

No, methylionones are synthetic or isolated aromatic ketones and are classified as organic chemicals in Chapter 29, not as essential oils in Chapter 33.

Which countries are the top exporters of methylionones (HS 291423)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291423 (the code used for methylionones) in UN Comtrade data were China ($52M, 31% of world exports), Germany ($43M) and Switzerland ($35M). World exports 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.

Which countries are the top importers of methylionones (HS 291423)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291423 (the code used for methylionones) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($31M, 16% of world imports), India ($21M) and Singapore ($17M). World imports came to about $192M, 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 Methylionones the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291423 for Methylionones 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 methylionones in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 291423 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for methylionones depends on the product's details: 2914.23.10 (Ionones), 2914.23.20 (Methylionones).