HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2903.15 – Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; ethylene dichloride (ISO) (1,2-dichloroethane)
HS code 2903.15 is the 6-digit subheading for saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, ethylene dichloride (ISO) (1,2-dichloroethane). It is used for ethylene dichloride, 1,2-Dichloroethane, EDC, dichloroethane and glycol dichloride.
What HS 2903.15 covers
Ethylene dichloride (EDC), or 1,2-dichloroethane, is a cornerstone chemical in the global petrochemical industry, primarily traded as an intermediate for the production of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), which is then polymerized into polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Its trade is dominated by large chemical corporations and integrated petrochemical complexes that either produce EDC for captive use in VCM/PVC production or trade it to other manufacturers. Key things to know about EDC trade include its significant volume, as PVC is one of the most widely produced plastics globally, and its hazardous nature, requiring specialized transport and handling. The market dynamics are closely tied to the demand for PVC in construction, automotive, and packaging sectors. Importers and exporters must adhere to stringent safety regulations and environmental standards, given its toxicity and potential environmental impact. Global economic growth and infrastructure development are major drivers for EDC demand.
- Covers
- Ethylene dichloride
- 1,2-Dichloroethane
- EDC
- Dichloroethane
- Glycol dichloride
- Examples
- Dow Chemical EDC
- OxyChem EDC
- Formosa Plastics EDC
Codes often confused with 2903.15
Common mistake. This code might be confused with other chlorinated ethanes or propanes, such as 290319 (other saturated chlorinated derivatives), but 290315 is specific to 1,2-dichloroethane.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290315, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290315 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 19% 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 United States $173M 22% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $146M 18% of world exports
- 3 Germany $129M 16% of world exports
World total: $802M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $161M 19% of world imports
- 2 Egypt $123M 14% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $115M 14% of world imports
World total: $849M 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 2903.15
Brazil does not split HS 2903.15: its NCM code is 2903.15.00.
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 2903.15
What is HS code 290315?
HS code 290315 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; ethylene dichloride (ISO) (1,2-dichloroethane). Ethylene dichloride (EDC), or 1,2-dichloroethane, is a cornerstone chemical in the global petrochemical industry, primarily traded as an intermediate for the production of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), which is then polymerized into polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Its trade is dominated by large chemical corporations and integrated petrochemical complexes that either produce EDC for captive use in VCM/PVC production or trade it to other manufacturers. Key things to know about EDC trade include its significant volume, as PVC is one of the most widely produced plastics globally, and its hazardous nature, requiring specialized transport and handling. The market dynamics are closely tied to the demand for PVC in construction, automotive, and packaging sectors. Importers and exporters must adhere to stringent safety regulations and environmental standards, given its toxicity and potential environmental impact. Global economic growth and infrastructure development are major drivers for EDC demand.
What products fall under HS code 290315?
Ethylene dichloride, 1,2-Dichloroethane, EDC, Dichloroethane, Glycol dichloride
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290315?
This code might be confused with other chlorinated ethanes or propanes, such as 290319 (other saturated chlorinated derivatives), but 290315 is specific to 1,2-dichloroethane.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290315?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290315 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($173M, 22% of world exports), Belgium ($146M) and Germany ($129M). World exports came to about $802M, 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 290315?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290315 in UN Comtrade data were India ($161M, 19% of world imports), Egypt ($123M) and Thailand ($115M). World imports came to about $849M, 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 290315 structured?
HS code 290315 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 (15) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290315?
In Brazil, HS code 290315 is NCM 2903.15.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.