HS code · 4-digit heading

HS Code 38.27 – Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane, not elsewhere specified or included

What HS 38.27 covers

Heading 3827 covers mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane, or propane, not elsewhere specified or included. This classification is primarily concerned with refrigerant gases, blowing agents for foams, and fire suppression agents, which are often complex blends of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), or other halogenated compounds. The 'mixtures' aspect is key, distinguishing these products from pure halogenated derivatives classified under Chapter 29. The 'not elsewhere specified or included' clause ensures that only blends not explicitly covered by other more specific HS headings are classified here. This heading is of immense importance for trade compliance due to the significant environmental impact of many of these chemicals, particularly their ozone-depleting potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP). International agreements like the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment, as well as regional regulations (e.g., EU F-Gas Regulation), heavily control the production, consumption, and trade of these substances. Accurate classification is vital for managing quotas, licensing requirements, and tracking controlled substances, reflecting Chapter 38's role in classifying miscellaneous chemical products with a focus on their environmental and regulatory implications within Section VI.

Covers
  • R-410A (mixture of HFC-32 and HFC-125)
  • R-404A (mixture of HFC-125, HFC-143a, HFC-134a)
  • R-507 (mixture of HFC-125 and HFC-143a)
  • R-134a blend for automotive AC
  • R-22 replacement blends (HCFC-based)
  • HFO-1234yf mixtures
  • HFO-1234ze mixtures
  • Certain aerosol propellants (halogenated mixtures)
  • Fire suppression agents (e.g., FM-200, Novec 1230)
  • Foam blowing agents (HFC-based mixtures)
  • Solvent cleaning mixtures (halogenated, not elsewhere specified)
  • Heat transfer fluids (halogenated mixtures)
  • Calibration gas mixtures containing halogenated methanes/ethanes/propanes
  • Refrigerants for industrial chillers
  • Refrigerants for domestic air conditioning
  • Refrigerant blends for commercial refrigeration
  • Mixtures for semiconductor etching (halogenated)
  • Specialty gas mixtures for research
  • Medical gas mixtures (non-medicament).
Examples

A Chinese chemical manufacturer exports large quantities of R-410A refrigerant blend to air conditioning unit factories in Mexico for assembly into finished goods destined for the North American market, often via ocean freight to West Coast ports and then rail or truck. A European specialty chemical company ships a proprietary HFO-based foam blowing agent mixture to a US insulation panel producer, complying with new environmental regulations, transported across the Atlantic in ISO tanks. A US distributor imports a specific halogenated fire suppression gas mixture (e.g., Novec 1230) from an Irish producer for data center protection systems, usually via air cargo due to urgency and high value. A Japanese automotive supplier exports pre-charged R-134a refrigerant mixtures in small canisters to an assembly plant in Thailand for vehicle air conditioning systems, shipped in containers. Finally, a German firm imports a specialized mixture of HFO refrigerants from the US for use in new generation supermarket refrigeration systems.

Subheadings under 38.27 19

3827.11Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane, not elsewhere specified or included; containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), whether or not containing hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) or hydrofluorocarbon3827.12Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane, not elsewhere specified or included; containing hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs)3827.13Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane, not elsewhere specified or included; containing carbon tetrachloride3827.14Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane, not elsewhere specified or included; containing 1,1,1-trichloroethane (methyl chloroform)3827.20Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane, not elsewhere specified or included; containing bromochlorodifluoromethane (Halon-1211), bromotrifluoromethane (Halon-1301) or dibromotetrafluoroethanes (Halon-2402)3827.31Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane; containing hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) or hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) or not, but not containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs); containing substances of su3827.32Mixtures containing halogenated methane, ethane, propane; containing hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) or hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) or not, not chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs); containing substances of subheadings 2903.71 to 2903.753827.39Mixtures containing halogenated methane, ethane, or propane; containing hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) or hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) or not, but not chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs); n.e.c. in subheading 3827.33827.40Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane; containing hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) or hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) or not, but not containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs); containing bromomethane (me3827.51Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane; containing trifluoromethan (HFC-23) or perfluorocarbons (PFCs) but not containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs); containing trifluoromethane (HFC-23827.59Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane; containing trifluoromethan (HFC-23) or perfluorocarbons (PFCs) not containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs); other mixtures n.e.c. in subheading 383827.61Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane; containing other hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) but not containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs); containing 15% or more by mass of 1,1,1-trifluoroethan3827.62Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane; containing other hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) but not containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs); other mixtures, not included in the subheading above, 3827.63Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane; containing other hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) but not containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs); other mixtures not included in the subheadings above, 3827.64Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane; containing other hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) but not containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs); other mixtures, not included in the subheadings above,3827.65Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane; containing other hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) but not containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs); other mixtures, not included in the subheadings above,3827.68Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane; containing other hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) but not containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs); other mixtures, not included in the subheadings above,3827.69Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane; containing other hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) but not containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs); n.e.c. in items no. 3827.5 and 3827.6, not containing 3827.90Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane; n.e.c. in subheading no 3827

22 Brazil NCM codes in heading 38.27 →

Codes often confused with 38.27

Common mistake. A common mistake is classifying pure halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane, or propane (which belong in 2903) under 3827. The key differentiator is 'mixtures.' Another error is misclassifying these mixtures if they are specifically prepared for other uses where a more specific heading applies, such as certain pesticides (3808) or medicaments (3004), even if they contain halogenated compounds. Traders must carefully review the composition to confirm it's a 'mixture' and verify that no other more specific heading exists. Failure to accurately identify the specific halogenated compounds within the mixture can also lead to misclassification, particularly given the strict environmental regulations around different types of HFCs and HCFCs.

29.03Halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons38.08Insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides, anti-sprouting products, plant growth regulators, disinfectants and the like, put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles30.04Medicaments; (not goods of heading no. 3002, 3005 or 3006) consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic use, put up in measured doses (incl. those in the form of transdermal admin. systems) or packed for retail sale

Top exporters and importers of HS code 3827, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 3827 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 8.9% 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 China $820M
  2. 2 Netherlands $420M
  3. 3 United States $137M

World total: $1.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Italy $172M
  2. 2 Mexico $170M
  3. 3 United States $164M

World total: $1.9B 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.

Questions about HS 38.27

What is HS code 3827?

HS code 3827 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane, not elsewhere specified or included. Heading 3827 covers mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane, or propane, not elsewhere specified or included. This classification is primarily concerned with refrigerant gases, blowing agents for foams, and fire suppression agents, which are often complex blends of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), or other halogenated compounds. The 'mixtures' aspect is key, distinguishing these products from pure halogenated derivatives classified under Chapter 29. The 'not elsewhere specified or included' clause ensures that only blends not explicitly covered by other more specific HS headings are classified here. This heading is of immense importance for trade compliance due to the significant environmental impact of many of these chemicals, particularly their ozone-depleting potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP). International agreements like the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment, as well as regional regulations (e.g., EU F-Gas Regulation), heavily control the production, consumption, and trade of these substances. Accurate classification is vital for managing quotas, licensing requirements, and tracking controlled substances, reflecting Chapter 38's role in classifying miscellaneous chemical products with a focus on their environmental and regulatory implications within Section VI.

What products fall under HS code 3827?

R-410A (mixture of HFC-32 and HFC-125), R-404A (mixture of HFC-125, HFC-143a, HFC-134a), R-507 (mixture of HFC-125 and HFC-143a), R-134a blend for automotive AC, R-22 replacement blends (HCFC-based), HFO-1234yf mixtures, HFO-1234ze mixtures, certain aerosol propellants (halogenated mixtures), fire suppression agents (e.g., FM-200, Novec 1230), foam blowing agents (HFC-based mixtures), solvent cleaning mixtures (halogenated, not elsewhere specified), heat transfer fluids (halogenated mixtures), calibration gas mixtures containing halogenated methanes/ethanes/propanes, refrigerants for industrial chillers, refrigerants for domestic air conditioning, refrigerant blends for commercial refrigeration, mixtures for semiconductor etching (halogenated), specialty gas mixtures for research, medical gas mixtures (non-medicament).

What are common misclassifications for HS code 3827?

A common mistake is classifying pure halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane, or propane (which belong in 2903) under 3827. The key differentiator is 'mixtures.' Another error is misclassifying these mixtures if they are specifically prepared for other uses where a more specific heading applies, such as certain pesticides (3808) or medicaments (3004), even if they contain halogenated compounds. Traders must carefully review the composition to confirm it's a 'mixture' and verify that no other more specific heading exists. Failure to accurately identify the specific halogenated compounds within the mixture can also lead to misclassification, particularly given the strict environmental regulations around different types of HFCs and HCFCs.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 3827?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 3827 in UN Comtrade data were China ($820M, 43% of world exports), the Netherlands ($420M) and the United States ($137M). World exports came to about $1.9B, 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 3827?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 3827 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($172M, 8.9% of world imports), Mexico ($170M) and the United States ($164M). World imports came to about $1.9B, 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 3827 structured?

HS code 3827 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 38 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (38) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (27) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.