HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2903.42 – Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; difluoromethane (HFC-32)
HS code 2903.42 is the 6-digit subheading for saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, difluoromethane (HFC-32). It is used for difluoromethane, HFC-32, methylene difluoride, R-32 and freon 32.
What HS 2903.42 covers
Difluoromethane, commonly known as HFC-32, is a saturated fluorinated derivative of acyclic hydrocarbons that plays a crucial role in the modern refrigeration and air conditioning industry. It is primarily traded as a component in refrigerant blends (e.g., R-410A, R-407C) and increasingly as a pure refrigerant (R-32) due to its relatively lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to older HFCs like R-410A. Its trade involves major chemical producers, HVAC manufacturers, and refrigerant distributors. Key things to know include its growing importance as an environmentally friendlier alternative in the ongoing global phase-down of high-GWP HFCs under the Kigali Amendment. Importers and exporters must navigate evolving international and national regulations concerning HFCs, ensuring compliance with GWP reduction targets. The market is characterized by strong demand from the residential and commercial air conditioning sectors, driving innovation in refrigerant technology.
- Covers
- Difluoromethane
- HFC-32
- Methylene difluoride
- R-32
- Freon 32
- Examples
- Daikin R-32
- Chemours HFC-32
- Honeywell HFC-32
Codes often confused with 2903.42
Common mistake. This code could be confused with other HFCs or fluorinated derivatives, such as 290341 (trifluoromethane), but 290342 is specific to difluoromethane (HFC-32) with its distinct chemical structure and GWP.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290342, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290342 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 66% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, 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 China $417M 66% of world exports
- 2 India $80M 13% of world exports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$44M 7.1% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $628M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Thailand $110M 18% of world imports
- 2 United States $70M 12% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $62M 10% of world imports
World total: $609M 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 2903.42
Brazil does not split HS 2903.42: its NCM code is 2903.42.00.
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 2903.42
What is HS code 290342?
HS code 290342 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; difluoromethane (HFC-32). Difluoromethane, commonly known as HFC-32, is a saturated fluorinated derivative of acyclic hydrocarbons that plays a crucial role in the modern refrigeration and air conditioning industry. It is primarily traded as a component in refrigerant blends (e.g., R-410A, R-407C) and increasingly as a pure refrigerant (R-32) due to its relatively lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to older HFCs like R-410A. Its trade involves major chemical producers, HVAC manufacturers, and refrigerant distributors. Key things to know include its growing importance as an environmentally friendlier alternative in the ongoing global phase-down of high-GWP HFCs under the Kigali Amendment. Importers and exporters must navigate evolving international and national regulations concerning HFCs, ensuring compliance with GWP reduction targets. The market is characterized by strong demand from the residential and commercial air conditioning sectors, driving innovation in refrigerant technology.
What products fall under HS code 290342?
Difluoromethane, HFC-32, Methylene difluoride, R-32, Freon 32
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290342?
This code could be confused with other HFCs or fluorinated derivatives, such as 290341 (trifluoromethane), but 290342 is specific to difluoromethane (HFC-32) with its distinct chemical structure and GWP.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290342?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290342 in UN Comtrade data were China ($417M, 66% of world exports), India ($80M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $44M). World exports came to about $628M, 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 290342?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290342 in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($110M, 18% of world imports), the United States ($70M) and Brazil ($62M). World imports came to about $609M, 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 290342 structured?
HS code 290342 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 (42) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290342?
In Brazil, HS code 290342 is NCM 2903.42.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.