Product classification
HS code for Ammonium PFOS: 2904.32
Derivatives of hydrocarbons, ammonium perfluorooctane sulphonate, whether or not halogenated.
Classification of ammonium PFOS under HS 2904.32
Ammonium perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) is precisely classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 290432. This classification is located within Chapter 29 of the HS nomenclature, which is exclusively dedicated to organic chemicals. The specific description for 290432 is "Derivatives of hydrocarbons; ammonium perfluorooctane sulphonate, whether or not halogenated." This detailed description accurately identifies ammonium PFOS by acknowledging its fundamental nature as a derivative of hydrocarbons and specifically naming the compound. The explicit inclusion of "whether or not halogenated" further confirms its appropriate classification, as PFOS inherently contains fluorine, a halogen element. This meticulous categorization is essential for ensuring accurate global trade practices and regulatory control, particularly given the environmental and health considerations associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
- Covers
- Ammonium perfluorooctane sulphonate
- APFOS
- Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid ammonium salt
- Certain perfluorinated surfactants containing the ammonium PFOS moiety
- Also under 2904.32
- 3M (historical producer)
- Chemours (fluorochemicals, but APFOS largely restricted)
- Daikin (fluorochemicals, but APFOS largely restricted)
Codes often confused with 2904.32
Common mistake. A common source of misclassification for ammonium PFOS could involve HS code 290431, which is designated for "Perfluorooctane sulphonic acid." While chemically very similar, 290431 refers specifically to the acid form, whereas 290432 is reserved for the ammonium salt. It is crucial to differentiate between the acid and its salt for accurate classification. Another potential misclassification might occur with broader categories for other sulphonated derivatives of hydrocarbons, such as 290490. However, 290432 stands as the most specific and accurate code for ammonium perfluorooctane sulphonate, ensuring proper identification and compliance with international chemical regulations and restrictions.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290432 (the code used for ammonium PFOS), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290432 (the code used for ammonium PFOS) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 290432, not only ammonium PFOS.
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 ammonium PFOS
Brazil classifies ammonium PFOS under NCM 2904.32.00: HS 2904.32 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ammonium PFOS
What is the HS code for Ammonium PFOS?
The HS code for Ammonium PFOS is 290432 (Derivatives of hydrocarbons; ammonium perfluorooctane sulphonate, whether or not halogenated). The HS code for ammonium PFOS is 290432. This code specifically covers "Derivatives of hydrocarbons; ammonium perfluorooctane sulphonate, whether or not halogenated," precisely identifying this organic chemical.
How do I classify Ammonium PFOS for customs?
Ammonium PFOS is classified under HS code 290432 — Derivatives of hydrocarbons; ammonium perfluorooctane sulphonate, whether or not halogenated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is the "whether or not halogenated" clause important for ammonium PFOS classification?
The "whether or not halogenated" clause is important because ammonium PFOS contains fluorine atoms, which are halogens. This clause ensures that the compound is correctly classified under 290432, regardless of the presence of these halogen atoms, confirming its identity as a perfluorinated derivative.
Which countries are the top exporters of ammonium PFOS (HS 290432)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290432 (the code used for ammonium PFOS) 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 ammonium PFOS (HS 290432)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290432 (the code used for ammonium PFOS) 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.
Is the HS code for Ammonium PFOS the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290432 for Ammonium PFOS is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for ammonium PFOS in Brazil?
In Brazil, ammonium PFOS (HS 290432) is classified under NCM 2904.32.00.