HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2903.43 – Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; fluoromethane (HFC-41), 1,2-difluoroethane (HFC-152) and 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a)
HS code 2903.43 is the 6-digit subheading for saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, fluoromethane (HFC-41), 1,2-difluoroethane (HFC-152) and 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a). It is used for HFC-152a refrigerant, HFC-41 propellant, 1,2-difluoroethane solvent, aerosol propellants and foam blowing agents.
What HS 2903.43 covers
This HS code covers specific saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, primarily hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) like HFC-41, HFC-152, and HFC-152a. These chemicals are widely utilized as refrigerants, propellants in aerosol products, and blowing agents for foams. International trade in these compounds is significant, driven by industries such as HVAC, automotive, and consumer goods manufacturing. Major chemical producers are the primary exporters, while countries with robust manufacturing sectors for refrigeration equipment and aerosol products are key importers. It's crucial to note that HFCs are potent greenhouse gases, and their trade is increasingly influenced by global environmental regulations, particularly the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which mandates a phase-down due to their Global Warming Potential (GWP). This drives a continuous search for lower-GWP alternatives.
- Covers
- HFC-152a refrigerant
- HFC-41 propellant
- 1,2-difluoroethane solvent
- Aerosol propellants
- Foam blowing agents
- Specialty refrigerants
- Industrial solvents
- Examples
- Arkema Forane 152a
- DuPont Suva 152a (legacy)
- Honeywell Solstice (alternative for context)
- Chemours Opteon (alternative for context)
Codes often confused with 2903.43
Common mistake. This code can be confused with other HFCs under 2903.4x, especially those with similar applications like 2903.45 (HFC-134a), due to their shared use as refrigerants and propellants, requiring careful chemical identification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290343, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290343 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 61% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 China $90M 61% of world exports
- 2 United States $32M 22% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $9.5M 6.4% of world exports
World total: $147M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $21M 15% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $14M 10% of world imports
- 3 India $13M 9.8% 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: $134M 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 2903.43
Brazil does not split HS 2903.43: its NCM code is 2903.43.00.
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 2903.43
What is HS code 290343?
HS code 290343 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; fluoromethane (HFC-41), 1,2-difluoroethane (HFC-152) and 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a). This HS code covers specific saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, primarily hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) like HFC-41, HFC-152, and HFC-152a. These chemicals are widely utilized as refrigerants, propellants in aerosol products, and blowing agents for foams. International trade in these compounds is significant, driven by industries such as HVAC, automotive, and consumer goods manufacturing. Major chemical producers are the primary exporters, while countries with robust manufacturing sectors for refrigeration equipment and aerosol products are key importers. It's crucial to note that HFCs are potent greenhouse gases, and their trade is increasingly influenced by global environmental regulations, particularly the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which mandates a phase-down due to their Global Warming Potential (GWP). This drives a continuous search for lower-GWP alternatives.
What products fall under HS code 290343?
HFC-152a refrigerant, HFC-41 propellant, 1,2-difluoroethane solvent, aerosol propellants, foam blowing agents, specialty refrigerants, industrial solvents
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290343?
This code can be confused with other HFCs under 2903.4x, especially those with similar applications like 2903.45 (HFC-134a), due to their shared use as refrigerants and propellants, requiring careful chemical identification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290343?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290343 in UN Comtrade data were China ($90M, 61% of world exports), the United States ($32M) and South Korea ($9.5M). World exports came to about $147M, 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 290343?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290343 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($21M, 15% of world imports), South Korea ($14M) and India ($13M). World imports came to about $134M, 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 290343 structured?
HS code 290343 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 (43) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290343?
In Brazil, HS code 290343 is NCM 2903.43.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.