HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2904.32 – Derivatives of hydrocarbons; ammonium perfluorooctane sulphonate, whether or not halogenated
HS code 2904.32 is the 6-digit subheading for derivatives of hydrocarbons, ammonium perfluorooctane sulphonate, whether or not halogenated. It is used for ammonium perfluorooctane sulfonate, APFOS-containing fire suppression agents, APFOS-based wetting agents, APFOS for specialized industrial coatings and APFOS in photographic emulsions.
What HS 2904.32 covers
This HS code specifically covers Ammonium Perfluorooctane Sulphonate (APFOS), a salt of PFOS. Like PFOS itself, APFOS is a synthetic fluorinated compound that was historically valued for its excellent surfactant properties, making it effective in reducing surface tension. It found applications in various industrial processes, including as a wetting agent in metal plating, a component in fire-fighting foams (AFFF), and in certain textile and paper treatments to impart water and oil repellency. However, due to its environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential health concerns, APFOS is subject to severe international restrictions and bans under the Stockholm Convention. Global trade in APFOS is now highly regulated, with most nations having phased out its production and use. Any remaining trade is typically for very specific, approved critical applications or for managing existing stockpiles. Importers and exporters must navigate complex international chemical regulations and demonstrate compliance with strict environmental and safety standards.
- Covers
- Ammonium perfluorooctane sulfonate
- APFOS-containing fire suppression agents
- APFOS-based wetting agents
- APFOS for specialized industrial coatings
- APFOS in photographic emulsions
- Examples
- 3M (historical producer)
- Chemours (fluorochemicals, but APFOS largely restricted)
- Daikin (fluorochemicals, but APFOS largely restricted)
Codes often confused with 2904.32
Common mistake. Often confused with other PFOS salts (e.g., 290433 for lithium salt, 290434 for potassium salt) or with PFOS acid itself (290431), requiring precise chemical identification for correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290432, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290432 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 51% 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 $36K 24% of world exports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $35K 23% of world exports
- 3 Italy $34K 22% of world exports
World total: $152K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $118K 51% of world imports
- 2 Qatar* ~$36K 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Kuwait $33K 14% of world imports
World total: $231K 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 2904.32
Brazil does not split HS 2904.32: its NCM code is 2904.32.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 29.04 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2904.32
What is HS code 290432?
HS code 290432 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Derivatives of hydrocarbons; ammonium perfluorooctane sulphonate, whether or not halogenated. This HS code specifically covers Ammonium Perfluorooctane Sulphonate (APFOS), a salt of PFOS. Like PFOS itself, APFOS is a synthetic fluorinated compound that was historically valued for its excellent surfactant properties, making it effective in reducing surface tension. It found applications in various industrial processes, including as a wetting agent in metal plating, a component in fire-fighting foams (AFFF), and in certain textile and paper treatments to impart water and oil repellency. However, due to its environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential health concerns, APFOS is subject to severe international restrictions and bans under the Stockholm Convention. Global trade in APFOS is now highly regulated, with most nations having phased out its production and use. Any remaining trade is typically for very specific, approved critical applications or for managing existing stockpiles. Importers and exporters must navigate complex international chemical regulations and demonstrate compliance with strict environmental and safety standards.
What products fall under HS code 290432?
Ammonium perfluorooctane sulfonate, APFOS-containing fire suppression agents, APFOS-based wetting agents, APFOS for specialized industrial coatings, APFOS in photographic emulsions
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290432?
Often confused with other PFOS salts (e.g., 290433 for lithium salt, 290434 for potassium salt) or with PFOS acid itself (290431), requiring precise chemical identification for correct classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290432?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290432 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($36K, 24% of world exports), Saudi Arabia ($35K) and Italy ($34K). World exports came to about $152K, 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 290432?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290432 in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($118K, 51% of world imports), Qatar (about $36K) and Kuwait ($33K). World imports came to about $231K, 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 290432 structured?
HS code 290432 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (32) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290432?
In Brazil, HS code 290432 is NCM 2904.32.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.