Acyclic hydrocarbons; unsaturated, ethylene

HS v2022 Code: 290121

About acyclic hydrocarbons; unsaturated, ethylene

HS code 290121 covers the classification of acyclic unsaturated hydrocarbons, specifically ethylene. Ethylene is a vital chemical building block with a wide range of industrial applications, making it a crucial component of the global chemical industry. As a fundamental raw material, ethylene is used in the production of numerous other chemicals, plastics, and consumer goods, contributing significantly to the broader economy.

Production process

Ethylene is primarily produced through the process of steam cracking, where hydrocarbon feedstocks such as natural gas liquids or naphtha are heated to high temperatures, causing the molecules to break apart and form smaller, unsaturated hydrocarbons like ethylene. The cracked gas stream is then cooled, compressed, and purified to isolate the ethylene, which is then stored and transported for further processing.

Production inputs

The main inputs required for the production of ethylene under HS code 290121 include hydrocarbon feedstocks, such as 271011 natural gas liquids or 271012 naphtha, as well as energy sources, specialized equipment, and skilled labor. The steam cracking process also requires significant infrastructure, including furnaces, heat exchangers, compressors, and distillation columns.

Production outputs

Ethylene produced under HS code 290121 is a versatile chemical that serves as a feedstock for a wide range of downstream industries. It is a key input for the production of 390110 polyethylene, 390210 polypropylene, and other important plastics and polymers. Ethylene is also used in the manufacture of various chemicals, including 290311 ethylene chloride, 290321 vinyl chloride, and 290511 methanol.

Revisions to 290121

Classification codes are adjusted frequently. The code may have been revised or replaced between system versions. The table below shows the history (newest to oldest) of the code 290121. The most recent 1 version of this code (290121) is in the HS v2022 system (this version):

This page shows the most recent version of code 290121.

Family tree for acyclic hydrocarbons; unsaturated, ethylene

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/29'>29: Organic chemicals</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2901'>2901: Acyclic hydrocarbons</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/290121'>290121: Acyclic hydrocarbons; unsaturated, ethylene</a>"]

    B --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/290110'>290110: Acyclic hydrocarbons; saturated</a>"]
B --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/290122'>290122: Acyclic hydrocarbons; unsaturated, propene (propylene)</a>"]
B --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/290123'>290123: Acyclic hydrocarbons; unsaturated, butene (butylene) and isomers thereof</a>"]
B --> G["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/290124'>290124: Acyclic hydrocarbons; unsaturated, buta-1,3-diene and isoprene</a>"]
B --> H["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/290129'>290129: Acyclic hydrocarbons; unsaturated, n.e.c. in heading no. 2901</a>"]

    

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