HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2903.71 – Halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons containing two or more different halogens; chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22)
HS code 2903.71 is the 6-digit subheading for halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons containing two or more different halogens, chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22). It is used for chlorodifluoromethane, HCFC-22, R-22 refrigerant, freon-22 and genetron 22.
What HS 2903.71 covers
This HS code specifically covers chlorodifluoromethane, commonly known as HCFC-22 or R-22. Historically, R-22 was one of the most widely used refrigerants in residential and commercial air conditioning systems, as well as in various refrigeration applications. It also served as a crucial feedstock for the production of fluoropolymers like PTFE. However, due to its significant ozone-depleting potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP), its production and consumption are being phased out globally under the Montreal Protocol. International trade is now heavily restricted, primarily for servicing existing equipment in developing countries or as a feedstock for chemical synthesis, with strict quotas. Importers and exporters are typically chemical manufacturers, refrigerant distributors, and specialized industrial users navigating complex environmental regulations.
- Covers
- Chlorodifluoromethane
- HCFC-22
- R-22 refrigerant
- Freon-22
- Genetron 22
- Suva 22
- Examples
- DuPont Freon 22
- Honeywell Genetron 22
- Mexichem R-22
- Arkema Forane 22
Codes often confused with 2903.71
Common mistake. Can be confused with other HCFCs (e.g., 2903.73 for HCFC-141b) or HFCs (e.g., 2903.39 for HFC-134a) if not carefully identified by chemical structure and specific halogen composition.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290371, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290371 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 74% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 15% 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 $213M 74% of world exports
- 2 India $48M 17% of world exports
- 3 France $9.6M 3.3% of world exports
World total: $287M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $40M 15% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$32M 12% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Brazil $31M 11% of world imports
World total: $275M 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 2903.71
Brazil does not split HS 2903.71: its NCM code is 2903.71.00.
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 2903.71
What is HS code 290371?
HS code 290371 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons containing two or more different halogens; chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22). This HS code specifically covers chlorodifluoromethane, commonly known as HCFC-22 or R-22. Historically, R-22 was one of the most widely used refrigerants in residential and commercial air conditioning systems, as well as in various refrigeration applications. It also served as a crucial feedstock for the production of fluoropolymers like PTFE. However, due to its significant ozone-depleting potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP), its production and consumption are being phased out globally under the Montreal Protocol. International trade is now heavily restricted, primarily for servicing existing equipment in developing countries or as a feedstock for chemical synthesis, with strict quotas. Importers and exporters are typically chemical manufacturers, refrigerant distributors, and specialized industrial users navigating complex environmental regulations.
What products fall under HS code 290371?
Chlorodifluoromethane, HCFC-22, R-22 refrigerant, Freon-22, Genetron 22, Suva 22
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290371?
Can be confused with other HCFCs (e.g., 2903.73 for HCFC-141b) or HFCs (e.g., 2903.39 for HFC-134a) if not carefully identified by chemical structure and specific halogen composition.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290371?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290371 in UN Comtrade data were China ($213M, 74% of world exports), India ($48M) and France ($9.6M). World exports came to about $287M, 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 290371?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290371 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($40M, 15% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $32M) and Brazil ($31M). World imports came to about $275M, 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 290371 structured?
HS code 290371 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 (71) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290371?
In Brazil, HS code 290371 is NCM 2903.71.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.