Product classification
HS code for Propylene: 2901.22
Acyclic hydrocarbons, unsaturated, propene (propylene).
Classification of propylene under HS 2901.22
Propylene, also known as propene, is classified under HS code 2901.22 because it is an unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbon. Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System covers organic chemicals, and heading 2901 specifically addresses acyclic hydrocarbons. Within this heading, the system distinguishes between saturated and unsaturated compounds. Propylene, having a double bond (C3H6), falls under the unsaturated category. For classification under 2901.22, the product must typically meet a high purity threshold, often 95% or more by volume, as defined by the General Explanatory Notes to Chapter 29. If the purity is lower, the product may be diverted to Chapter 27, specifically 2711.14, which covers liquefied propene of lower purity. This classification is critical for global trade as propylene is a fundamental building block in the petrochemical industry, used for producing polypropylene, acrylonitrile, and various oxo alcohols. The classification logic relies on the chemical structure—specifically the lack of a ring structure (acyclic) and the presence of carbon-carbon double bonds (unsaturated). Furthermore, the HS code 2901.22 is reserved for propene that is not mixed with other hydrocarbons beyond the tolerances allowed for chemically pure substances. In the context of international trade, this code ensures that the substance is treated as a chemical feedstock rather than a fuel source. The distinction is vital for tariff application and regulatory oversight, as chemical-grade propylene is subject to different safety standards than fuel-grade liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
- Covers
- High-purity propene gas
- Liquid propylene (refrigerated) for chemical synthesis
- Polymer-grade propylene
- Chemical-grade propylene (95% purity or higher)
- Also under 2901.22
- BASF (producer)
- LyondellBasell (producer)
- Sinopec (producer)
- Reliance Industries (producer)
- Braskem (producer)
Codes often confused with 2901.22
Common mistake. Propylene is frequently confused with HS code 2711.14. The distinction lies in the purity level. While 2901.22 is for chemically pure propylene (usually >95%), 2711.14 is for liquefied propene used as fuel or in lower-purity industrial applications. Misclassifying high-purity propylene under Chapter 27 can lead to issues with chemical inventory regulations.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290122 (the code used for propylene), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290122 (the code used for propylene) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 290122, not only propylene.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $1.2B 25% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $709M 14% of world exports
- 3 Germany $489M 9.7% of world exports
World total: $5.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.7B 34% of world imports
- 2 Germany $609M 12% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $363M 7.2% of world imports
World total: $5.0B 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 propylene
Brazil classifies propylene under NCM 2901.22.00: HS 2901.22 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about propylene
What is the HS code for Propylene?
The HS code for Propylene is 290122 (Acyclic hydrocarbons; unsaturated, propene (propylene)). The HS code for high-purity propylene (propene) is 2901.22.
How do I classify Propylene for customs?
Propylene is classified under HS code 290122 — Acyclic hydrocarbons; unsaturated, propene (propylene). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 2901.22 and 2711.14?
The difference is based on purity; 2901.22 is for organic chemicals of high purity, while 2711.14 is for mineral fuels and oils with lower propene concentrations.
Which countries are the top exporters of propylene (HS 290122)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290122 (the code used for propylene) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($1.2B, 25% of world exports), the Netherlands ($709M) and Germany ($489M). World exports came to about $5.1B, 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 propylene (HS 290122)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290122 (the code used for propylene) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.7B, 34% of world imports), Germany ($609M) and the Netherlands ($363M). World imports came to about $5.0B, 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 Propylene the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290122 for Propylene 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 propylene in Brazil?
In Brazil, propylene (HS 290122) is classified under NCM 2901.22.00.