Product classification
HS code for Carbon tetrachloride: 2903.14
Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, carbon tetrachloride.
Classification of carbon tetrachloride under HS 2903.14
Carbon tetrachloride, also known as tetrachloromethane, is a clear, heavy liquid classified under HS code 2903.14. This classification falls within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals. Heading 2903 is dedicated to halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons. As a saturated chlorinated derivative of an acyclic hydrocarbon, carbon tetrachloride is specifically named in the 2903.14 subheading. The classification is straightforward because the product is a chemically defined organic compound. Historically used as a cleaning agent, refrigerant, and in fire extinguishers, its use is now strictly regulated under international environmental protocols like the Montreal Protocol due to its ozone-depleting potential. For customs purposes, the purity of the substance is key; if it is a pure chemical (even with stabilizers), it remains in 2903.14. The Harmonized System provides specific codes for such chemicals to facilitate monitoring by environmental agencies and to ensure compliance with international trade bans or quotas on hazardous substances.
- Covers
- Pure carbon tetrachloride
- Tetrachloromethane (analytical grade)
- Carbon tetrachloride with added stabilizers
- Industrial grade tetrachloromethane
- Also under 2903.14
- Honeywell Carbon Tetrachloride (for feedstock)
- Arkema Carbon Tetrachloride (for feedstock)
- Sigma-Aldrich Carbon Tetrachloride (lab grade)
Codes often confused with 2903.14
Common mistake. Carbon tetrachloride is sometimes confused with 3824.99 (miscellaneous chemical products) or 3827.13. However, if the substance is a separate chemically defined compound, Chapter 29 (2903.14) is mandatory. It should not be confused with other chlorinated hydrocarbons like chloroform (2903.13).
Top exporters and importers of HS 290314 (the code used for carbon tetrachloride), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290314 (the code used for carbon tetrachloride) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 69% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 91% of world imports. Mexico reports $578M of its heading 2903 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 290314, not only carbon tetrachloride.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $4.2M 69% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $1.6M 26% of world exports
- 3 United States $153K 2.5% of world exports
World total: $6.1M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $13M 91% of world imports
- 2 Japan $518K 3.6% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $472K 3.3% of world imports
Mexico reports $578M of its heading 2903 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $14M 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 carbon tetrachloride
Brazil classifies carbon tetrachloride under NCM 2903.14.00: HS 2903.14 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about carbon tetrachloride
What is the HS code for Carbon tetrachloride?
The HS code for Carbon tetrachloride is 290314 (Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; carbon tetrachloride). The specific HS code for carbon tetrachloride is 2903.14.
How do I classify Carbon tetrachloride for customs?
Carbon tetrachloride is classified under HS code 290314 — Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; carbon tetrachloride. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is carbon tetrachloride regulated for export?
Yes, as an ozone-depleting substance, it is subject to strict controls under the Montreal Protocol and requires specific permits.
Which countries are the top exporters of carbon tetrachloride (HS 290314)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290314 (the code used for carbon tetrachloride) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($4.2M, 69% of world exports), the Netherlands ($1.6M) and the United States ($153K). World exports came to about $6.1M, 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 carbon tetrachloride (HS 290314)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290314 (the code used for carbon tetrachloride) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($13M, 91% of world imports), Japan ($518K) and the Netherlands ($472K). World imports came to about $14M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $578M of its heading 2903 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Carbon tetrachloride the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290314 for Carbon tetrachloride 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 carbon tetrachloride in Brazil?
In Brazil, carbon tetrachloride (HS 290314) is classified under NCM 2903.14.00.