HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2904.34 – Derivatives of hydrocarbons; potassium perfluorooctane sulphonate, whether or not halogenated
HS code 2904.34 is the 6-digit subheading for derivatives of hydrocarbons, potassium perfluorooctane sulphonate, whether or not halogenated. It is used for potassium perfluorooctane sulfonate, KPFOS-containing fire suppression agents, KPFOS-based wetting agents, KPFOS for specialized industrial coatings and KPFOS in photographic emulsions.
What HS 2904.34 covers
This HS code specifically covers Potassium Perfluorooctane Sulphonate (KPFOS), a salt of Perfluorooctane Sulphonic Acid (PFOS). KPFOS, like other PFOS derivatives, was historically valued for its exceptional surfactant properties, providing effective water and oil repellency. Its applications spanned various industrial sectors, including as a component in fire-fighting foams (AFFF), in metal plating baths, and in certain textile and paper treatments to impart stain and water resistance. However, due to its environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential health concerns, KPFOS is now subject to severe international restrictions and bans under the Stockholm Convention. Global trade in KPFOS is 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
- Potassium perfluorooctane sulfonate
- KPFOS-containing fire suppression agents
- KPFOS-based wetting agents
- KPFOS for specialized industrial coatings
- KPFOS in photographic emulsions
- Examples
- 3M (historical producer)
- Chemours (fluorochemicals, but KPFOS largely restricted)
- Daikin (fluorochemicals, but KPFOS largely restricted)
Codes often confused with 2904.34
Common mistake. Often confused with other PFOS salts (e.g., 290432 for ammonium salt, 290433 for lithium salt) or with PFOS acid itself (290431), requiring precise chemical identification for correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 290434, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290434 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 80% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Brunei, with 57% 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 $11K 80% of world exports
- 2 Slovakia $1K 10% of world exports
- 3 India $1K 7.9% of world exports
World total: $14K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Brunei $38K 57% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $4K 6.2% of world imports
- 3 Angola $4K 5.4% of world imports
World total: $67K 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 2904.34
Brazil does not split HS 2904.34: its NCM code is 2904.34.00.
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 2904.34
What is HS code 290434?
HS code 290434 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Derivatives of hydrocarbons; potassium perfluorooctane sulphonate, whether or not halogenated. This HS code specifically covers Potassium Perfluorooctane Sulphonate (KPFOS), a salt of Perfluorooctane Sulphonic Acid (PFOS). KPFOS, like other PFOS derivatives, was historically valued for its exceptional surfactant properties, providing effective water and oil repellency. Its applications spanned various industrial sectors, including as a component in fire-fighting foams (AFFF), in metal plating baths, and in certain textile and paper treatments to impart stain and water resistance. However, due to its environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential health concerns, KPFOS is now subject to severe international restrictions and bans under the Stockholm Convention. Global trade in KPFOS is 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 290434?
Potassium perfluorooctane sulfonate, KPFOS-containing fire suppression agents, KPFOS-based wetting agents, KPFOS for specialized industrial coatings, KPFOS in photographic emulsions
What are common misclassifications for HS code 290434?
Often confused with other PFOS salts (e.g., 290432 for ammonium salt, 290433 for lithium 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 290434?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290434 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($11K, 80% of world exports), Slovakia ($1K) and India ($1K). World exports came to about $14K, 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 290434?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290434 in UN Comtrade data were Brunei ($38K, 57% of world imports), the Netherlands ($4K) and Angola ($4K). World imports came to about $67K, 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 290434 structured?
HS code 290434 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 (34) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290434?
In Brazil, HS code 290434 is NCM 2904.34.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.