HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 2904.36 – Derivatives of hydrocarbons; perfluorooctane sulphonyl fluoride, whether or not halogenated

HS code 2904.36 is the 6-digit subheading for derivatives of hydrocarbons, perfluorooctane sulphonyl fluoride, whether or not halogenated. It is used for perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride, PFOSF, nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonyl fluoride (related, but PFOSF is C8) and perfluorooctanesulfonyl fluoride.

What HS 2904.36 covers

This HS code covers perfluorooctane sulphonyl fluoride (PFOSF), a key precursor in the production of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and related substances. PFOS and its derivatives are part of the broader group of "forever chemicals" (PFAS), known for their exceptional water and oil repellency, heat resistance, and chemical stability. PFOSF was historically used to manufacture surface treatment agents for textiles, paper, and leather, as well as in fire-fighting foams and electroplating. Due to its persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity, PFOSF and PFOS are now largely restricted globally under the Stockholm Convention. International trade is severely limited, primarily for allowed specific exemptions or for research purposes, moving from specialized chemical producers to industries with very specific, regulated needs.

Covers
  • Perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride
  • PFOSF
  • Nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonyl fluoride (related, but PFOSF is C8)
  • Perfluorooctanesulfonyl fluoride
Examples
  • 3M Scotchgard (historical precursor)
  • DuPont Zonyl (historical precursor)
  • Daikin PFOSF (historical)

Codes often confused with 2904.36

Common mistake. This code is very specific to PFOSF. It must be carefully distinguished from other perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) or other sulphonated derivatives (2904.3X), especially other PFAS chemicals like PFOA (often under 2915.90 or 2918.99 if carboxylic acid).

29.04Sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives of hydrocarbons; whether or not halogenated2915.90Acids; saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids; anhydrides, halides, peroxides, peroxyacids and halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, n.e.c. in heading no. 29152918.99Acids; carboxylic acids, with additional oxygen function (not alcohol, phenol, aldehyde or ketone) and their anhydrides, halides, peroxides and peroxyacids; their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives; other than 2,4,5-T (ISO)

Top exporters and importers of HS code 290436, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 290436 in UN Comtrade data was Latvia, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 99% 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. 1 Latvia $2K
  2. 2 Slovakia $2K
  3. 3 Germany $626

World total: $5K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Brazil $540K
  2. 2 India $3K
  3. 3 Ukraine* ~$2K

World total: $546K 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 2904.36

Brazil does not split HS 2904.36: its NCM code is 2904.36.00.

  1. 2904.36.00 Perfluorooctane sulphonyl fluorideFluoreto de perfluoroctanossulfonila

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 2904.36

What is HS code 290436?

HS code 290436 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Derivatives of hydrocarbons; perfluorooctane sulphonyl fluoride, whether or not halogenated. This HS code covers perfluorooctane sulphonyl fluoride (PFOSF), a key precursor in the production of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and related substances. PFOS and its derivatives are part of the broader group of "forever chemicals" (PFAS), known for their exceptional water and oil repellency, heat resistance, and chemical stability. PFOSF was historically used to manufacture surface treatment agents for textiles, paper, and leather, as well as in fire-fighting foams and electroplating. Due to its persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity, PFOSF and PFOS are now largely restricted globally under the Stockholm Convention. International trade is severely limited, primarily for allowed specific exemptions or for research purposes, moving from specialized chemical producers to industries with very specific, regulated needs.

What products fall under HS code 290436?

Perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride, PFOSF, Nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonyl fluoride (related, but PFOSF is C8), Perfluorooctanesulfonyl fluoride

What are common misclassifications for HS code 290436?

This code is very specific to PFOSF. It must be carefully distinguished from other perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) or other sulphonated derivatives (2904.3X), especially other PFAS chemicals like PFOA (often under 2915.90 or 2918.99 if carboxylic acid).

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 290436?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 290436 in UN Comtrade data were Latvia ($2K, 46% of world exports), Slovakia ($2K) and Germany ($626). World exports came to about $5K, 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 290436?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 290436 in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($540K, 99% of world imports), India ($3K) and Ukraine (about $2K). World imports came to about $546K, 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 290436 structured?

HS code 290436 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 (36) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 290436?

In Brazil, HS code 290436 is NCM 2904.36.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.