HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2903.11 – Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; chloromethane (methyl chloride) and chloroethane (ethyl chloride)
HS code 2903.11 is the 6-digit subheading for saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, chloromethane (methyl chloride) and chloroethane (ethyl chloride). It is used for chloromethane, methyl chloride, chloroethane, ethyl chloride and silicone precursor.
What HS 2903.11 covers
This HS code covers two important saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons: chloromethane (methyl chloride) and chloroethane (ethyl chloride). Chloromethane is primarily used in the production of silicones, as a solvent, and as a chemical intermediate for other methylating agents. Chloroethane finds applications in the production of ethyl cellulose, as a solvent, and in the manufacture of tetraethyllead (though its use has declined due to environmental regulations). These chemicals are traded globally as bulk commodities, often by major chemical producers and distributors. Importers and exporters cater to industries ranging from silicone manufacturing to pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals. Key considerations for traders include stringent safety regulations for handling and transport due to their flammability and toxicity, as well as market demand from downstream industries. Their trade is influenced by feedstock costs (methane/ethane and chlorine) and environmental policies.
- Covers
- Chloromethane
- Methyl chloride
- Chloroethane
- Ethyl chloride
- Silicone precursor
- Methylating agent
- Ethyl cellulose raw material
- Solvent for resins
- Examples
- Dow Chemical chloromethane
- Shin-Etsu Chemical chloromethane
- Solvay chloroethane
- Arkema chloroethane
Codes often confused with 2903.11
Common mistake. This code can be confused with other chlorinated derivatives like dichloromethane (290312) or chloroform (290313) due to their similar chemical class, but the specific compounds listed here are distinct.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290311, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290311 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 85% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 26% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $98M 85% of world exports
- 2 China $5.5M 4.8% of world exports
- 3 France $4.3M 3.7% of world exports
World total: $116M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $29M 26% of world imports
- 2 United States $22M 20% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $18M 16% of world imports
World total: $114M 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 codes for 2903.11 2
Brazil splits HS 2903.11 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2903.11.10 Chloromethane (methyl chloride)Clorometano (cloreto de metila)
- 2903.11.20 Chloroethane (ethyl chloride)Cloroetano (cloreto de etila)
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.03 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2903.11
What is HS code 290311?
HS code 290311 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; chloromethane (methyl chloride) and chloroethane (ethyl chloride). This HS code covers two important saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons: chloromethane (methyl chloride) and chloroethane (ethyl chloride). Chloromethane is primarily used in the production of silicones, as a solvent, and as a chemical intermediate for other methylating agents. Chloroethane finds applications in the production of ethyl cellulose, as a solvent, and in the manufacture of tetraethyllead (though its use has declined due to environmental regulations). These chemicals are traded globally as bulk commodities, often by major chemical producers and distributors. Importers and exporters cater to industries ranging from silicone manufacturing to pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals. Key considerations for traders include stringent safety regulations for handling and transport due to their flammability and toxicity, as well as market demand from downstream industries. Their trade is influenced by feedstock costs (methane/ethane and chlorine) and environmental policies.
What products fall under HS code 290311?
Chloromethane, Methyl chloride, Chloroethane, Ethyl chloride, Silicone precursor, Methylating agent, Ethyl cellulose raw material, Solvent for resins
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290311?
This code can be confused with other chlorinated derivatives like dichloromethane (290312) or chloroform (290313) due to their similar chemical class, but the specific compounds listed here are distinct.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290311?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290311 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($98M, 85% of world exports), China ($5.5M) and France ($4.3M). World exports came to about $116M, 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 goods under HS code 290311?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290311 in UN Comtrade data were France ($29M, 26% of world imports), the United States ($22M) and the United Kingdom ($18M). World imports came to about $114M, 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.
How is HS code 290311 structured?
HS code 290311 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290311?
Brazil splits HS code 290311 into 2 NCM codes: 2903.11.10 (Chloromethane (methyl chloride)), 2903.11.20 (Chloroethane (ethyl chloride)). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.