Product classification

HS code for MIBK: 2914.13

Ketones, acyclic, without other oxygen function, 4-methylpentan-2-one (methyl isobutyl ketone).

Classification of MIBK under HS 2914.13

Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK), chemically known as 4-methylpentan-2-one, is classified under HS code 2914.13. As an organic chemical compound, it resides in Chapter 29. Heading 2914 is dedicated to ketones and quinones. MIBK is an acyclic ketone, and like MEK, it has its own specific subheading due to its industrial importance as a solvent for gums, resins, and nitrocellulose. The classification is strictly based on the molecular structure of the compound. MIBK is produced industrially from acetone via a multi-step process involving diacetone alcohol and mesityl oxide. For customs purposes, the product must be a separate chemically defined compound. If the MIBK is denatured or mixed with other substances to create a specific industrial thinner, the classification would move to Chapter 38. However, in its pure form, the chemical identity as 4-methylpentan-2-one dictates the use of 2914.13.

Covers
  • Pure Methyl Isobutyl Ketone
  • 4-Methylpentan-2-one
  • Isopropylacetone
  • MIBK solvent (high purity)
  • Hexone
Also under 2914.13
  • Dow MIBK
  • Shell MIBK
  • Eastman MIBK
  • Arkema MIBK

Codes often confused with 2914.13

Common mistake. MIBK is often misclassified with its 'sibling' ketones, such as Acetone (2914.11) or Methyl Ethyl Ketone (2914.12). Because these chemicals are often used interchangeably in industrial processes, documentation errors are common. It is also sometimes misclassified under 3814.00 if the importer views it primarily as a 'thinner' rather than a specific chemical compound.

2914.11Ketones; acyclic, without other oxygen function, acetone2914.12Ketones; acyclic, without other oxygen function, butanone (methyl ethyl ketone)3814.00Solvents and thinners; organic composite solvents and thinners, n.e.c. or included, prepared paint or varnish removers

Top exporters and importers of HS 291413 (the code used for MIBK), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 291413 (the code used for MIBK) 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 MIBK.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 South Africa $47M
  2. 2 South Korea $39M
  3. 3 Japan $19M

World total: $152M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 India $58M
  2. 2 Thailand $16M
  3. 3 Germany $13M

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 MIBK

Brazil classifies MIBK 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 MIBK

What is the HS code for MIBK?

The HS code for MIBK is 291413 (Ketones; acyclic, without other oxygen function, 4-methylpentan-2-one (methyl isobutyl ketone)). The HS code for Methyl Isobutyl Ketone is 2914.13.

How do I classify MIBK for customs?

MIBK 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.

Is MIBK classified differently if used for laboratory research?

No, the HS code remains 2914.13 regardless of the end use, provided the chemical remains a pure, separate chemically defined compound as per the Chapter 29 notes.

Which countries are the top exporters of MIBK (HS 291413)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 291413 (the code used for MIBK) 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 MIBK (HS 291413)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 291413 (the code used for MIBK) 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 MIBK the same in all countries?

The base HS code 291413 for MIBK 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 MIBK in Brazil?

In Brazil, MIBK (HS 291413) is classified under NCM 2914.13.00.