HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2903.23 – Unsaturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene)
HS code 2903.23 is the 6-digit subheading for unsaturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene). It is used for tetrachloroethylene, perchloroethylene, PCE, perc and tetrachloroethene.
What HS 2903.23 covers
Tetrachloroethylene, commonly known as perchloroethylene (PCE) or "perc," is a widely traded unsaturated chlorinated hydrocarbon primarily recognized for its use as a dry cleaning solvent and in metal degreasing. Its international trade involves chemical producers, dry cleaning supply companies, and industrial manufacturers. While its use in dry cleaning has faced increasing scrutiny and regulation in many countries due to environmental and health concerns, it remains a significant solvent in some regions and is also used as a chemical intermediate in the production of fluorocarbons. Key things to know include the ongoing regulatory pressures to reduce or eliminate its use, driving demand for alternative solvents. Importers and exporters must navigate complex hazardous materials regulations for transport and storage, as well as specific national and international restrictions on its application. The market is influenced by environmental policies and the development of greener alternatives.
- Covers
- Tetrachloroethylene
- Perchloroethylene
- PCE
- Perc
- Tetrachloroethene
- Ethylene tetrachloride
- Examples
- Dow Chemical Perchloroethylene
- OxyChem Perchloroethylene
- Solvay Perchloroethylene
Codes often confused with 2903.23
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 290322 (trichloroethylene) due to similar solvent applications, but PCE contains four chlorine atoms compared to TCE's three.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290323, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290323 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% of world imports. Mexico reports $578M of its heading 2903 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $33M 27% of world exports
- 2 China $29M 24% of world exports
- 3 United States $16M 13% of world exports
World total: $120M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $18M 14% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$16M 13% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $6.6M 5.3% of world imports
Mexico reports $578M of its heading 2903 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $124M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 2903.23
Brazil does not split HS 2903.23: its NCM code is 2903.23.00.
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 2903.23
What is HS code 290323?
HS code 290323 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Unsaturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene). Tetrachloroethylene, commonly known as perchloroethylene (PCE) or "perc," is a widely traded unsaturated chlorinated hydrocarbon primarily recognized for its use as a dry cleaning solvent and in metal degreasing. Its international trade involves chemical producers, dry cleaning supply companies, and industrial manufacturers. While its use in dry cleaning has faced increasing scrutiny and regulation in many countries due to environmental and health concerns, it remains a significant solvent in some regions and is also used as a chemical intermediate in the production of fluorocarbons. Key things to know include the ongoing regulatory pressures to reduce or eliminate its use, driving demand for alternative solvents. Importers and exporters must navigate complex hazardous materials regulations for transport and storage, as well as specific national and international restrictions on its application. The market is influenced by environmental policies and the development of greener alternatives.
What products fall under HS code 290323?
Tetrachloroethylene, Perchloroethylene, PCE, Perc, Tetrachloroethene, Ethylene tetrachloride
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290323?
This code is often confused with 290322 (trichloroethylene) due to similar solvent applications, but PCE contains four chlorine atoms compared to TCE's three.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290323?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290323 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($33M, 27% of world exports), China ($29M) and the United States ($16M). World exports came to about $120M, 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 290323?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290323 in UN Comtrade data were China ($18M, 14% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $16M) and India ($6.6M). World imports came to about $124M, 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.
How is HS code 290323 structured?
HS code 290323 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 (23) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290323?
In Brazil, HS code 290323 is NCM 2903.23.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.