HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2903.94 – Halogenated derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons; hexabromobiphenyls
HS code 2903.94 is the 6-digit subheading for halogenated derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons, hexabromobiphenyls. It is used for hexabromobiphenyl, polybrominated biphenyls (specifically hexabromo isomers) and fireMaster BP-6 components.
What HS 2903.94 covers
This HS code specifically covers hexabromobiphenyls (HBBs), a class of halogenated derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons. HBBs were historically used as brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in various consumer products, including plastics, textiles, and electronic equipment, to reduce flammability. However, due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, toxicity, and potential for long-range environmental transport, hexabromobiphenyls are classified as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention. Consequently, their production, use, and trade are globally banned or severely restricted. International trade in HBBs is now virtually non-existent for new products, primarily involving the identification, removal, and environmentally sound disposal of legacy materials containing these compounds. This often involves specialized waste management companies and government regulatory bodies.
- Covers
- Hexabromobiphenyl
- Polybrominated biphenyls (specifically hexabromo isomers)
- FireMaster BP-6 components
- Examples
- FireMaster BP-6 (historical HBB mixture used as a flame retardant).
Codes often confused with 2903.94
Common mistake. Often confused with other brominated flame retardants like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs, which fall under 2909.30 or 3824.99 depending on formulation) or other aromatic halogenated compounds (2903.99).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290394, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290394 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 63% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 33% 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 United States $18K 63% of world exports
- 2 Germany $8K 29% of world exports
- 3 Ukraine* ~$2K 5.3% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $29K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $6K 33% of world imports
- 2 Germany $4K 22% of world imports
- 3 Canada $4K 21% of world imports
World total: $19K 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 2903.94
Brazil does not split HS 2903.94: its NCM code is 2903.94.00.
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 2903.94
What is HS code 290394?
HS code 290394 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Halogenated derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons; hexabromobiphenyls. This HS code specifically covers hexabromobiphenyls (HBBs), a class of halogenated derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons. HBBs were historically used as brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in various consumer products, including plastics, textiles, and electronic equipment, to reduce flammability. However, due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, toxicity, and potential for long-range environmental transport, hexabromobiphenyls are classified as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention. Consequently, their production, use, and trade are globally banned or severely restricted. International trade in HBBs is now virtually non-existent for new products, primarily involving the identification, removal, and environmentally sound disposal of legacy materials containing these compounds. This often involves specialized waste management companies and government regulatory bodies.
What products fall under HS code 290394?
Hexabromobiphenyl, Polybrominated biphenyls (specifically hexabromo isomers), FireMaster BP-6 components
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290394?
Often confused with other brominated flame retardants like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs, which fall under 2909.30 or 3824.99 depending on formulation) or other aromatic halogenated compounds (2903.99).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290394?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290394 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($18K, 63% of world exports), Germany ($8K) and Ukraine (about $2K). World exports came to about $29K, 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 290394?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290394 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($6K, 33% of world imports), Germany ($4K) and Canada ($4K). World imports came to about $19K, 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 290394 structured?
HS code 290394 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 (94) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290394?
In Brazil, HS code 290394 is NCM 2903.94.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.