HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2904.33 – Derivatives of hydrocarbons; lithium perfluorooctane sulphonate, whether or not halogenated
HS code 2904.33 is the 6-digit subheading for derivatives of hydrocarbons, lithium perfluorooctane sulphonate, whether or not halogenated. It is used for lithium perfluorooctane sulfonate, liPFOS-based surface treatment agents, liPFOS in specialized lubricants, liPFOS for specific electronic applications and liPFOS in fire retardant formulations.
What HS 2904.33 covers
This HS code specifically identifies Lithium Perfluorooctane Sulphonate (LiPFOS), another salt derived from Perfluorooctane Sulphonic Acid (PFOS). Similar to other PFOS derivatives, LiPFOS was historically utilized for its unique surfactant properties, offering excellent water and oil repellency. Its applications included specialized industrial coatings, certain types of fire-fighting foams, and as a component in specific electronic manufacturing processes where its chemical stability and surface-active properties were advantageous. However, due to the recognized environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential toxicity associated with PFOS and its salts, LiPFOS is now subject to stringent international regulations, including bans and restrictions under the Stockholm Convention. Consequently, global trade in LiPFOS is extremely limited, primarily confined to specific, critically exempted uses or for the management of existing stockpiles. Importers and exporters must adhere to strict international chemical control regulations and provide thorough documentation for any permitted transactions.
- Covers
- Lithium perfluorooctane sulfonate
- LiPFOS-based surface treatment agents
- LiPFOS in specialized lubricants
- LiPFOS for specific electronic applications
- LiPFOS in fire retardant formulations
- Examples
- 3M (historical producer)
- Chemours (fluorochemicals, but LiPFOS largely restricted)
- Daikin (fluorochemicals, but LiPFOS largely restricted)
Codes often confused with 2904.33
Common mistake. Can be easily confused with other PFOS salts, such as ammonium (290432) or potassium (290434) perfluorooctane sulphonate, necessitating precise chemical identification to ensure correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290433, 2025
In 2025, the only exporter of HS code 290433 in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 100% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 86% of world imports. Austria reports $783M of its chapter 29 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $55 100% of world exports
Austria reports $783M of its chapter 29 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $55 Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $47K 86% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $4K 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $2K 3.9% of world imports
World total: $55K 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 code for 2904.33
Brazil does not split HS 2904.33: its NCM code is 2904.33.00.
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 2904.33
What is HS code 290433?
HS code 290433 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Derivatives of hydrocarbons; lithium perfluorooctane sulphonate, whether or not halogenated. This HS code specifically identifies Lithium Perfluorooctane Sulphonate (LiPFOS), another salt derived from Perfluorooctane Sulphonic Acid (PFOS). Similar to other PFOS derivatives, LiPFOS was historically utilized for its unique surfactant properties, offering excellent water and oil repellency. Its applications included specialized industrial coatings, certain types of fire-fighting foams, and as a component in specific electronic manufacturing processes where its chemical stability and surface-active properties were advantageous. However, due to the recognized environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential toxicity associated with PFOS and its salts, LiPFOS is now subject to stringent international regulations, including bans and restrictions under the Stockholm Convention. Consequently, global trade in LiPFOS is extremely limited, primarily confined to specific, critically exempted uses or for the management of existing stockpiles. Importers and exporters must adhere to strict international chemical control regulations and provide thorough documentation for any permitted transactions.
What products fall under HS code 290433?
Lithium perfluorooctane sulfonate, LiPFOS-based surface treatment agents, LiPFOS in specialized lubricants, LiPFOS for specific electronic applications, LiPFOS in fire retardant formulations
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290433?
Can be easily confused with other PFOS salts, such as ammonium (290432) or potassium (290434) perfluorooctane sulphonate, necessitating precise chemical identification to ensure correct classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290433?
In 2025, the only exporter of HS code 290433 in UN Comtrade data was South Korea ($55, 100% of world exports). World exports came to about $55, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Austria reports $783M of its chapter 29 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 290433?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290433 in UN Comtrade data were France ($47K, 86% of world imports), the Netherlands ($4K) and Türkiye ($2K). World imports came to about $55K, 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 290433 structured?
HS code 290433 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 (33) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290433?
In Brazil, HS code 290433 is NCM 2904.33.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.