HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2903.81 – Halogenated derivatives of cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic hydrocarbons; 1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH (ISO)), including lindane (ISO, INN)
HS code 2903.81 is the 6-digit subheading for halogenated derivatives of cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic hydrocarbons, 1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH (ISO)), including lindane (ISO, INN). It is used for lindane, gamma-HCH, alpha-HCH, beta-HCH and delta-HCH.
What HS 2903.81 covers
This HS code specifically identifies 1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), including its gamma isomer, lindane (ISO, INN). These compounds were historically used as potent insecticides, particularly in agriculture and for treating ectoparasites in humans and animals. However, due to their persistence in the environment, bioaccumulation, and toxicity, HCH isomers, especially lindane, are classified as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention. Consequently, their production, use, and trade are severely restricted or banned globally. Any current trade is highly regulated, primarily involving the management and destruction of existing stockpiles or for very limited, specific public health applications where no suitable alternatives exist, under strict international oversight. Importers and exporters are typically government agencies or specialized waste management companies.
- Covers
- Lindane
- Gamma-HCH
- Alpha-HCH
- Beta-HCH
- Delta-HCH
- Hexachlorocyclohexane isomers
- Examples
- Kwell (historical pharmaceutical)
- Gammexane (historical insecticide)
- Scabene (historical topical treatment)
Codes often confused with 2903.81
Common mistake. This code can be confused with other cyclanic halogenated derivatives (2903.89) or other organochlorine pesticides like aldrin or chlordane (2903.82) due to similar chemical class and regulatory status.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290381, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290381 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 50% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 44% 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 Germany $452K 50% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $208K 23% of world exports
- 3 India $91K 10% of world exports
World total: $895K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Austria $334K 44% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $131K 17% of world imports
- 3 Pakistan $69K 9.1% of world imports
World total: $753K 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 codes for 2903.81 4
Brazil splits HS 2903.81 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2903.81.10 Lindane (gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane)Lindano (gama-hexaclorocicloexano)
- 2903.81.20 alpha-Hexachlorocyclohexanealfa-Hexaclorocicloexano
- 2903.81.30 beta-Hexachlorocyclohexanebeta-Hexaclorocicloexano
- 2903.81.90 Other hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH)Outros
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 2903.81
What is HS code 290381?
HS code 290381 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Halogenated derivatives of cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic hydrocarbons; 1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH (ISO)), including lindane (ISO, INN). This HS code specifically identifies 1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), including its gamma isomer, lindane (ISO, INN). These compounds were historically used as potent insecticides, particularly in agriculture and for treating ectoparasites in humans and animals. However, due to their persistence in the environment, bioaccumulation, and toxicity, HCH isomers, especially lindane, are classified as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention. Consequently, their production, use, and trade are severely restricted or banned globally. Any current trade is highly regulated, primarily involving the management and destruction of existing stockpiles or for very limited, specific public health applications where no suitable alternatives exist, under strict international oversight. Importers and exporters are typically government agencies or specialized waste management companies.
What products fall under HS code 290381?
Lindane, Gamma-HCH, Alpha-HCH, Beta-HCH, Delta-HCH, Hexachlorocyclohexane isomers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290381?
This code can be confused with other cyclanic halogenated derivatives (2903.89) or other organochlorine pesticides like aldrin or chlordane (2903.82) due to similar chemical class and regulatory status.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290381?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290381 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($452K, 50% of world exports), Belgium ($208K) and India ($91K). World exports came to about $895K, 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 290381?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290381 in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($334K, 44% of world imports), Belgium ($131K) and Pakistan ($69K). World imports came to about $753K, 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 290381 structured?
HS code 290381 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 (81) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290381?
Brazil splits HS code 290381 into 4 NCM codes: 2903.81.10 (Lindane (gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane)), 2903.81.20 (alpha-Hexachlorocyclohexane), 2903.81.30 (beta-Hexachlorocyclohexane), 2903.81.90 (Other hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH)). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.