HS 290124 Buta-1,3-diene and isoprene
Quick Answer: HS code 290124 covers acyclic hydrocarbons, specifically buta-1,3-diene and isoprene. These are fundamental chemical building blocks, primarily used in the production of synthetic rubber, plastics, and various polymers. Buta-1,3-diene is crucial for styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and polybutadiene rubber (PBR), while isoprene is key for polyisoprene rubber. For importers and exporters, duty rates are consistently favorable across major markets. The UK and EU apply a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate. In the United States, all four tariff lines under 290124 are classified as "Free." This widespread duty-free treatment reflects their status as essential industrial intermediates, minimizing tariff-related costs for manufacturers globally.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2901240000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2901240000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2901241000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 2901245000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 290124 | — | — | — |
| 2901242000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 290124 cover?
This subheading covers two specific acyclic hydrocarbons: buta-1,3-diene and isoprene. Buta-1,3-diene, also known as 1,3-butadiene, is a conjugated diene with the chemical formula C4H6, primarily used in the production of synthetic rubber and plastics. Isoprene, or 2-methylbuta-1,3-diene, has the chemical formula C5H8 and is a common building block in nature, also vital for synthetic rubber manufacturing. Both are unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbons, falling under Heading 2901 as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature and reflected in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and EU TARIC system.
What falls outside HS 290124?
The following products are excluded from HS 290124: other acyclic hydrocarbons, even if they are dienes or polyenes, such as pentenes (e.g., 1-pentene, 2-pentene) which would fall under HS 2901.29. Saturated acyclic hydrocarbons like butane (C4H10) or pentane (C5H12) are classified under HS 2901.10. Cyclic hydrocarbons, such as cyclopentadiene, are specifically excluded from Heading 2901 entirely and are classified under Heading 2902. Mixtures containing buta-1,3-diene or isoprene, where these are not the predominant components or are not in their pure form, may also be classified elsewhere, potentially under mixtures of hydrocarbons in Chapter 27 if not chemically defined.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 290124?
A common error is misclassifying other acyclic dienes or polyenes as buta-1,3-diene or isoprene, simply because they are also unsaturated. For instance, 1,4-pentadiene, while an acyclic diene, is not buta-1,3-diene or isoprene and would correctly be classified under HS 2901.29. Another mistake involves classifying mixtures where buta-1,3-diene or isoprene are present but not isolated or pure, potentially leading to classification under Chapter 27 if they are petroleum gases or other hydrocarbon mixtures. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates classification by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial to avoid such errors.
How should importers classify products under HS 290124?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 290124 requires precise identification of the chemical compound. Importers and customs brokers must ensure that the product is definitively either buta-1,3-diene or isoprene, typically confirmed through chemical analysis, product specifications, or Certificates of Analysis (COA). Verify the chemical name, CAS number, and molecular structure. Consult the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2901 to confirm the scope. If there is any doubt, especially with mixtures or isomers, seek a binding ruling from the relevant customs authority (e.g., CBP in the US, national customs authorities in the EU) to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties or delays.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS 2901.24 (Buta-1,3-diene and isoprene) in major trading blocs?
For HS 2901.24, 'Buta-1,3-diene and isoprene,' the MFN duty rates are generally 'Free' or '0.00% ad valorem' in many major economies. Specifically, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) lists the MFN (General) duty rate as 'Free'. Similarly, the EU TARIC database and the UK Global Tariff also indicate a '0.00%' duty rate for imports of this heading. This reflects the status of these chemicals as fundamental building blocks for various industries, often subject to minimal or no import tariffs globally under MFN treatment.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for Buta-1,3-diene and isoprene under HS 2901.24, and how can importers claim them?
Yes, preferential duty rates, typically 'Free,' are widely available for HS 2901.24 under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and preferential trade programs. For instance, imports into the U.S. from countries with which the U.S. has an FTA (e.g., USMCA, CAFTA-DR, KORUS) would generally qualify for a 'Free' preferential rate, provided the goods meet the specific Rules of Origin (ROO) of that agreement. Similarly, the EU and UK offer preferential rates under their respective FTAs (e.g., EU-Japan EPA, UK-Australia FTA) and Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes. To claim preferential rates, importers must ensure the goods originate in a beneficiary country and possess valid proof of origin, such as a certificate of origin (e.g., Form A for GSP, or specific FTA certificates) or an origin declaration, which must be presented to customs at the time of import.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing Buta-1,3-diene and isoprene under HS 2901.24 from other acyclic hydrocarbons?
HS 2901.24 specifically covers 'Buta-1,3-diene and isoprene,' which are acyclic hydrocarbons with specific chemical structures. The primary classification criteria revolve around their precise chemical identity and molecular structure. Buta-1,3-diene (CAS No. 106-99-0) is a conjugated diene with four carbon atoms and two double bonds. Isoprene (2-methylbuta-1,3-diene, CAS No. 78-79-5) is also a conjugated diene but with five carbon atoms and a methyl group. Importers and customs brokers must ensure that the chemical name, CAS number, and molecular formula precisely match these definitions. Misclassification could occur if similar acyclic hydrocarbons, such as other butenes or pentenes, are incorrectly identified. Laboratory analysis reports (e.g., Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, NMR) and Certificates of Analysis (CoA) are crucial documents to confirm the exact chemical composition and ensure accurate classification under this subheading, as per WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29.
Are there any specific documentation requirements or regulatory considerations for importing Buta-1,3-diene and isoprene under HS 2901.24, beyond standard customs paperwork?
Beyond standard customs documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/air waybill), importers of Buta-1,3-diene and isoprene (HS 2901.24) should be aware of potential chemical-specific regulations. These substances are flammable and may be subject to hazardous materials regulations for transport and storage. In the U.S., this includes compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for hazardous materials. Importers may also need to comply with environmental regulations such as the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for reporting and record-keeping, ensuring the substance is on the TSCA inventory or subject to an exemption. In the EU, REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations require substances to be registered, and importers must ensure their suppliers have complied or undertake registration themselves. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a mandatory document that provides critical information on hazards, safe handling, and regulatory status, and should always accompany shipments of these chemicals.