HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2903.13 – Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; chloroform (trichloromethane)
HS code 2903.13 is the 6-digit subheading for saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, chloroform (trichloromethane). It is used for chloroform, trichloromethane, methyl trichloride, freon 20 and R-20.
What HS 2903.13 covers
Chloroform, or trichloromethane, is a significant chemical in international trade, primarily used as a solvent and in the production of refrigerants and fluorocarbon polymers. Its trade involves chemical manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and industrial users who require it for various synthesis processes or as a laboratory reagent. Key things to know include its historical use as an anesthetic, now largely discontinued due to toxicity, and its current role as a precursor in the synthesis of other chemicals like chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22). Environmental regulations, particularly concerning its potential as a greenhouse gas and ozone-depleting substance, heavily influence its production, transport, and use. Importers and exporters must navigate strict safety protocols and international conventions like the Montreal Protocol, even though chloroform itself is not a direct ODS, it's a feedstock for them. Its market is driven by industrial demand for solvents and intermediates, with a focus on safe handling and environmentally responsible practices.
- Covers
- Chloroform
- Trichloromethane
- Methyl trichloride
- Freon 20
- R-20
- Examples
- Sigma-Aldrich Chloroform
- Fisher Scientific Chloroform
- Merck KGaA Chloroform
Codes often confused with 2903.13
Common mistake. This code might be confused with 290314 (carbon tetrachloride) or 290315 (ethylene dichloride) due to their similar chemical class as saturated chlorinated acyclic hydrocarbons, but 290313 specifically covers chloroform.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290313, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290313 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 23% 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 $27M 41% of world exports
- 2 France $17M 26% of world exports
- 3 United States $5.6M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $64M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $15M 23% of world imports
- 2 United States $11M 17% of world imports
- 3 Italy $6.2M 9.4% of world imports
World total: $66M 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 2903.13
Brazil does not split HS 2903.13: its NCM code is 2903.13.00.
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 2903.13
What is HS code 290313?
HS code 290313 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; chloroform (trichloromethane). Chloroform, or trichloromethane, is a significant chemical in international trade, primarily used as a solvent and in the production of refrigerants and fluorocarbon polymers. Its trade involves chemical manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and industrial users who require it for various synthesis processes or as a laboratory reagent. Key things to know include its historical use as an anesthetic, now largely discontinued due to toxicity, and its current role as a precursor in the synthesis of other chemicals like chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22). Environmental regulations, particularly concerning its potential as a greenhouse gas and ozone-depleting substance, heavily influence its production, transport, and use. Importers and exporters must navigate strict safety protocols and international conventions like the Montreal Protocol, even though chloroform itself is not a direct ODS, it's a feedstock for them. Its market is driven by industrial demand for solvents and intermediates, with a focus on safe handling and environmentally responsible practices.
What products fall under HS code 290313?
Chloroform, Trichloromethane, Methyl trichloride, Freon 20, R-20
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290313?
This code might be confused with 290314 (carbon tetrachloride) or 290315 (ethylene dichloride) due to their similar chemical class as saturated chlorinated acyclic hydrocarbons, but 290313 specifically covers chloroform.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290313?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290313 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($27M, 41% of world exports), France ($17M) and the United States ($5.6M). World exports came to about $64M, 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 290313?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290313 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($15M, 23% of world imports), the United States ($11M) and Italy ($6.2M). World imports came to about $66M, 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 290313 structured?
HS code 290313 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 (13) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290313?
In Brazil, HS code 290313 is NCM 2903.13.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.