HS 291412 Butanone (methyl ethyl ketone)
Quick Answer: HS code 291412 specifically covers Butanone, commonly known as Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK). This organic compound is a colorless liquid primarily used as a solvent in various industries, including paints, coatings, adhesives, and printing inks, as well as in the production of plastics and synthetic resins. For importers and exporters, understanding the duty rates is crucial. The UK applies a 4.00% ad valorem duty rate, while the EU TARIC system shows a 5.50% ad valorem rate. In the United States, the general Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 3.1% ad valorem. However, significant preferential duty treatment is available, with a "Free" rate for goods originating from numerous countries under various trade agreements (e.g., A*, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). A higher Column 2 rate of 20% applies to goods from non-MFN countries. Importers should verify origin to leverage potential duty savings.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2914120000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2914120000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2914120000 | 3.1% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
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.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 2914.12?
Imports of Butanone (methyl ethyl ketone) may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 291412 cover?
This subheading covers butanone, also systematically known as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), which is an organic chemical compound with the formula CH₃C(O)CH₂CH₃. As defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature and reflected in national tariffs such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC, this specific four-carbon ketone is classified here when presented in its pure form or as a commercial product containing butanone as the principal constituent. It is a colorless, volatile liquid with a sharp, sweet odor, widely used as a solvent in industrial applications.
What falls outside HS 291412?
The following products are excluded from HS 291412: mixtures where butanone is not the principal constituent, which would typically be classified under other headings based on their primary chemical composition or function, often in Chapter 38 if they are prepared solvents not elsewhere specified or included. For instance, prepared paint or varnish removers containing MEK but formulated as a blend for a specific application would generally fall under HS 3814. Similarly, other ketones like acetone (propanone) or methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) are classified under their respective specific subheadings within Heading 2914, such as 291411 for acetone or 291413 for butan-2-one and pentan-2-one.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 291412?
A common error is misclassifying mixtures containing butanone. Importers sometimes incorrectly classify a prepared solvent blend under HS 291412 even when butanone is not the predominant component by weight or when the product has been formulated for a specific end-use that dictates classification elsewhere. This often violates General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(b), which prioritizes the material or component that gives the goods their essential character. Another mistake involves confusing butanone with other ketones, leading to incorrect subheading assignment within Heading 2914, such as classifying methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) here instead of its correct subheading, 291413.
How should importers classify products under HS 291412?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 291412 involves first confirming the chemical identity of the substance as butanone (methyl ethyl ketone) through chemical analysis or supplier specifications, ensuring it meets the purity requirements for a single chemical compound. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the product is not a mixture where butanone is a minor component or a prepared solvent blend. Reference to the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2914 is crucial to understand the scope of "ketones" and their derivatives. If the product is indeed pure butanone, or a commercial grade where butanone is the principal constituent, then HS 291412 is the appropriate classification. Always retain detailed product specifications, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and certificates of analysis to support the classification.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for Butanone (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) under HS code 2914.12?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for Butanone (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) under HS 2914.12 can vary significantly by importing country. For instance, the United States generally applies an MFN duty rate of 4.0% ad valorem, while the European Union's TARIC database may show a rate of 5.5% ad valorem for imports from non-preferential countries. Other countries might have rates such as 3.1% or even 20% ad valorem. Importers should always consult the official customs tariff of the destination country, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff, to determine the precise applicable duty rate.
Are there any preferential duty rates or free trade agreements that apply to HS 2914.12?
Yes, Butanone (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) under HS 2914.12 is eligible for preferential duty treatment under various free trade agreements (FTAs) and special programs, provided the goods meet the specific rules of origin. For example, imports into the United States may be 'Free' (0% ad valorem) if originating from countries such as Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), Singapore (SG), among others, under agreements like the KORUS FTA, CAFTA-DR, or USMCA. Importers must ensure they have the correct documentation, such as a certificate of origin, to claim these preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria for Butanone (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) under HS 2914.12?
HS code 2914.12 specifically covers 'Butanone (methyl ethyl ketone)'. The primary classification criterion is the chemical identity of the product. It falls under Chapter 29, which covers 'Organic chemicals', and specifically under heading 2914 for 'Ketones and quinones, whether or not with other oxygen function, and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives'. Subheading 2914.12 precisely identifies Butanone. Importers must ensure that the product's chemical composition matches this description. Laboratory analysis reports (e.g., Certificate of Analysis) are often crucial documentation to support this classification, confirming the purity and chemical structure of the imported substance.
What documentation is typically required for importing Butanone (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) under HS 2914.12?
Standard import documentation for Butanone (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) under HS 2914.12 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin if preferential duty rates are being claimed. Additionally, due to the chemical nature of the product, a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is almost always required for hazard communication and regulatory compliance. Depending on the importing country's specific regulations, permits or licenses from environmental or chemical control agencies may also be necessary. Customs brokers should verify all required documentation with the importer well in advance of shipment.