Heading 2901

Acyclic hydrocarbons

13 declarable lines

Heading 2901 covers acyclic hydrocarbons, meaning hydrocarbon molecules that are not ring-shaped. It is split first by saturation: 2901.10 for saturated compounds and 2901.21 through 2901.29 for unsaturated ones. The unsaturated lines name specific chemicals such as ethylene, propene, butenes, butadiene and isoprene, with residual lines for other compounds and for products derived from petroleum, shale oil or natural gas. Every line in this heading carries a general (MFN) rate of Free.

Products in this heading

Ethane
Butane
n-Pentane
Isopentane
Ethylene
Propylene (propene)
Buta-1,3-diene
Isoprene of 95% or higher purity

How to choose the right subheading

Check whether the molecule is saturated or unsaturated; that decides between 2901.10 and 2901.21 through 2901.29.
Identify the specific compound: ethane and butane, pentane and isopentane, ethylene, propene, butenes, butadiene or isoprene each have their own line.
For butadiene and isoprene, separate buta-1,3-diene from isoprene, and for isoprene check whether purity is 95% or more by weight.
For other unsaturated hydrocarbons, check whether the product is derived in whole or in part from petroleum, shale oil or natural gas, and whether it is an unmixed linear alpha-olefin of C6 to C30.
Confirm the product is a separate chemically defined compound rather than a preparation or mixture, since mixtures are classified elsewhere.

Often confused with

Benzene and other ring-structured hydrocarbons
Cyclic hydrocarbons have a ring structure and go to heading 2902, not 2901.
Heading 2902
Ethylene dichloride (1,2-dichloroethane)
A chlorinated derivative of a hydrocarbon is classified as a halogenated derivative in 2903.
Heading 2903
Ethanol and other acyclic alcohols
Acyclic alcohols contain an oxygen function and are covered by heading 2905.
Heading 2905
Acetic acid and other acyclic monocarboxylic acids
These are acids with an oxygen function, classified in 2915, not as hydrocarbons.
Heading 2915

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for ethylene?

Ethylene is classified under 2901.21.00.00. Its general (MFN) duty rate is Free.

What is the duty on isoprene?

Isoprene with a purity of 95% or more by weight falls under 2901.24.20.00, and other isoprene falls under 2901.24.50.00. Both lines carry a general (MFN) rate of Free.

How do I classify butadiene?

Buta-1,3-diene is classified under 2901.24.10.00, with a general (MFN) rate of Free. It sits in the unsaturated group, separate from the isoprene lines.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.