HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 2903.45 – Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134)

HS code 2903.45 is the 6-digit subheading for saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134). It is used for HFC-134a refrigerant, automotive AC refrigerant, medical aerosol propellant, foam blowing agent and industrial solvent.

What HS 2903.45 covers

This HS code specifically covers 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134), with HFC-134a being the predominant compound traded globally. HFC-134a is a cornerstone refrigerant used extensively in automotive air conditioning, domestic refrigerators, and various commercial refrigeration systems. Its applications also extend to propellants in pharmaceutical metered-dose inhalers, blowing agents for foams, and industrial solvents. Major chemical companies are the primary exporters, while countries with significant automotive manufacturing, appliance production, and pharmaceutical industries are key importers. Despite its widespread utility, HFC-134a is a potent greenhouse gas, and its trade is increasingly regulated by international agreements like the Kigali Amendment, leading to a global phase-down and a significant shift towards lower-GWP alternatives, particularly in new equipment and vehicles.

Covers
  • HFC-134a refrigerant
  • Automotive AC refrigerant
  • Medical aerosol propellant
  • Foam blowing agent
  • Industrial solvent
  • Domestic refrigerator refrigerant
  • Chiller refrigerant
Examples
  • Chemours Freon 134a
  • Honeywell Genetron 134a
  • Arkema Forane 134a
  • DuPont Suva 134a

Codes often confused with 2903.45

Common mistake. Frequently confused with other HFCs in 2903.4x, such as HFC-125 (2903.44) or HFC-152a (2903.43), due to their similar applications as refrigerants, requiring careful chemical analysis for correct classification.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 290345, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290345 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 7.7% 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. 1 China $751M
  2. 2 United Kingdom $111M
  3. 3 Netherlands $94M

World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$93M
  2. 2 Brazil $83M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $68M

Mexico reports $578M of its heading 2903 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.

World total: $1.2B 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 codes for 2903.45 2

Brazil splits HS 2903.45 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 2903.45.10 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a)1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroetano (HFC-134a)
  2. 2903.45.20 1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134)1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroetano (HFC-134)

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 2903.45

What is HS code 290345?

HS code 290345 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134). This HS code specifically covers 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134), with HFC-134a being the predominant compound traded globally. HFC-134a is a cornerstone refrigerant used extensively in automotive air conditioning, domestic refrigerators, and various commercial refrigeration systems. Its applications also extend to propellants in pharmaceutical metered-dose inhalers, blowing agents for foams, and industrial solvents. Major chemical companies are the primary exporters, while countries with significant automotive manufacturing, appliance production, and pharmaceutical industries are key importers. Despite its widespread utility, HFC-134a is a potent greenhouse gas, and its trade is increasingly regulated by international agreements like the Kigali Amendment, leading to a global phase-down and a significant shift towards lower-GWP alternatives, particularly in new equipment and vehicles.

What products fall under HS code 290345?

HFC-134a refrigerant, automotive AC refrigerant, medical aerosol propellant, foam blowing agent, industrial solvent, domestic refrigerator refrigerant, chiller refrigerant

What are common misclassifications for HS code 290345?

Frequently confused with other HFCs in 2903.4x, such as HFC-125 (2903.44) or HFC-152a (2903.43), due to their similar applications as refrigerants, requiring careful chemical analysis for correct classification.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290345?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290345 in UN Comtrade data were China ($751M, 58% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($111M) and the Netherlands ($94M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 290345?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290345 in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $93M, 7.7% of world imports), Brazil ($83M) and the United Kingdom ($68M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 290345 structured?

HS code 290345 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 (45) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290345?

Brazil splits HS code 290345 into 2 NCM codes: 2903.45.10 (1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a)), 2903.45.20 (1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134)). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.