HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2903.12 – Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; dichloromethane (methylene chloride)
HS code 2903.12 is the 6-digit subheading for saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, dichloromethane (methylene chloride). It is used for dichloromethane, methylene chloride, paint stripper, degreaser and aerosol propellant.
What HS 2903.12 covers
Dichloromethane, also known as methylene chloride, is a saturated chlorinated derivative of acyclic hydrocarbons widely used as a solvent due to its high solvency power and low boiling point. Its primary applications include paint stripping, degreasing, aerosol propellants, and as a process solvent in the pharmaceutical and food industries (e.g., decaffeination). Despite its effectiveness, its use has faced increasing scrutiny and regulation due to environmental and health concerns. Major chemical manufacturers and distributors are key players in its international trade. Importers and exporters serve diverse industries, from automotive and construction to pharmaceuticals. Traders must navigate strict regulatory frameworks regarding its production, handling, and use, which vary significantly by country. The market is influenced by environmental policies, demand for alternative solvents, and feedstock costs (methane/methanol and chlorine). Its versatility as a solvent ensures its continued, albeit regulated, presence in global trade.
- Covers
- Dichloromethane
- Methylene chloride
- Paint stripper
- Degreaser
- Aerosol propellant
- Pharmaceutical process solvent
- Decaffeination solvent
- Foam blowing agent
- Examples
- Dow Chemical dichloromethane
- Shin-Etsu Chemical dichloromethane
- Solvay dichloromethane
- BASF dichloromethane
Codes often confused with 2903.12
Common mistake. This code is often confused with other chlorinated methanes like chloromethane (290311) or chloroform (290313) due to their similar chemical family, but its specific two chlorine atoms distinguish it.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290312, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290312 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 8.9% of world imports. Mexico reports $578M of its heading 2903 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 29% of its imports here ($3.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $83M 35% of world exports
- 2 Germany $49M 21% of world exports
- 3 France $23M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $236M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $23M 8.9% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $14M 5.4% of world imports
- 3 United States $12M 4.5% of world imports
Mexico reports $578M of its heading 2903 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 29% of its imports here ($3.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $260M 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 code for 2903.12
Brazil does not split HS 2903.12: its NCM code is 2903.12.00.
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 2903.12
What is HS code 290312?
HS code 290312 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; dichloromethane (methylene chloride). Dichloromethane, also known as methylene chloride, is a saturated chlorinated derivative of acyclic hydrocarbons widely used as a solvent due to its high solvency power and low boiling point. Its primary applications include paint stripping, degreasing, aerosol propellants, and as a process solvent in the pharmaceutical and food industries (e.g., decaffeination). Despite its effectiveness, its use has faced increasing scrutiny and regulation due to environmental and health concerns. Major chemical manufacturers and distributors are key players in its international trade. Importers and exporters serve diverse industries, from automotive and construction to pharmaceuticals. Traders must navigate strict regulatory frameworks regarding its production, handling, and use, which vary significantly by country. The market is influenced by environmental policies, demand for alternative solvents, and feedstock costs (methane/methanol and chlorine). Its versatility as a solvent ensures its continued, albeit regulated, presence in global trade.
What products fall under HS code 290312?
Dichloromethane, Methylene chloride, Paint stripper, Degreaser, Aerosol propellant, Pharmaceutical process solvent, Decaffeination solvent, Foam blowing agent
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290312?
This code is often confused with other chlorinated methanes like chloromethane (290311) or chloroform (290313) due to their similar chemical family, but its specific two chlorine atoms distinguish it.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290312?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290312 in UN Comtrade data were China ($83M, 35% of world exports), Germany ($49M) and France ($23M). World exports came to about $236M, 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 290312?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290312 in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($23M, 8.9% of world imports), Brazil ($14M) and the United States ($12M). World imports came to about $260M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $578M of its heading 2903 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 29% of its imports here ($3.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 290312 structured?
HS code 290312 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 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290312?
In Brazil, HS code 290312 is NCM 2903.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.