HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2903.21 – Unsaturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; vinyl chloride (chloroethylene)
HS code 2903.21 is the 6-digit subheading for unsaturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, vinyl chloride (chloroethylene). It is used for vinyl chloride monomer, chloroethylene, VCM, monochloroethylene and chloroethene.
What HS 2903.21 covers
Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), or chloroethylene, is a critically important chemical in global trade, almost exclusively used as the primary building block for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Its trade is dominated by large petrochemical companies that produce VCM and then polymerize it into PVC, or supply it to other PVC manufacturers. Key things to know about VCM trade include its highly volatile and flammable nature, requiring specialized and secure transportation and storage. The market for VCM is directly linked to the demand for PVC, which is extensively used in construction (pipes, window frames), automotive parts, medical devices, and packaging. Importers and exporters must adhere to stringent safety regulations, environmental controls, and industrial standards due to its hazardous properties and carcinogenic classification. Global infrastructure development and consumer goods demand are major drivers for VCM production and trade.
- Covers
- Vinyl chloride monomer
- Chloroethylene
- VCM
- Monochloroethylene
- Chloroethene
- Examples
- Shin-Etsu VCM
- Westlake Chemical VCM
- Formosa Plastics VCM
Codes often confused with 2903.21
Common mistake. This code is distinct from its saturated counterpart, 290315 (ethylene dichloride), which is a precursor to VCM, and should not be confused with other unsaturated chlorinated derivatives like 290322 (trichloroethylene).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290321, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290321 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% 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 $831M 35% of world exports
- 2 Japan $394M 17% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $308M 13% of world exports
World total: $2.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $371M 18% of world imports
- 2 India $337M 16% of world imports
- 3 Colombia $274M 13% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 2903.21
Brazil does not split HS 2903.21: its NCM code is 2903.21.00.
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 2903.21
What is HS code 290321?
HS code 290321 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Unsaturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; vinyl chloride (chloroethylene). Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), or chloroethylene, is a critically important chemical in global trade, almost exclusively used as the primary building block for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Its trade is dominated by large petrochemical companies that produce VCM and then polymerize it into PVC, or supply it to other PVC manufacturers. Key things to know about VCM trade include its highly volatile and flammable nature, requiring specialized and secure transportation and storage. The market for VCM is directly linked to the demand for PVC, which is extensively used in construction (pipes, window frames), automotive parts, medical devices, and packaging. Importers and exporters must adhere to stringent safety regulations, environmental controls, and industrial standards due to its hazardous properties and carcinogenic classification. Global infrastructure development and consumer goods demand are major drivers for VCM production and trade.
What products fall under HS code 290321?
Vinyl chloride monomer, Chloroethylene, VCM, Monochloroethylene, Chloroethene
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290321?
This code is distinct from its saturated counterpart, 290315 (ethylene dichloride), which is a precursor to VCM, and should not be confused with other unsaturated chlorinated derivatives like 290322 (trichloroethylene).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290321?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290321 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($831M, 35% of world exports), Japan ($394M) and Belgium ($308M). World exports came to about $2.4B, 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 290321?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290321 in UN Comtrade data were China ($371M, 18% of world imports), India ($337M) and Colombia ($274M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 290321 structured?
HS code 290321 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 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290321?
In Brazil, HS code 290321 is NCM 2903.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.