Product classification
HS code for Chlorobenzene: 2903.91
Halogenated derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorobenzene, o-dichlorobenzene, and p-dichlorobenzene.
Classification of chlorobenzene under HS 2903.91
Chlorobenzene, along with its dichlorinated isomers, is classified under HS code 2903.91. This classification is situated in Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals) under heading 2903, which covers halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons. The system distinguishes between acyclic hydrocarbons and cyclic hydrocarbons. Chlorobenzene is an aromatic cyclic hydrocarbon where one or more hydrogen atoms on the benzene ring have been replaced by chlorine. Subheading 2903.91 is a specific category that groups together chlorobenzene (monochlorobenzene), o-dichlorobenzene, and p-dichlorobenzene. The classification is determined by the aromatic nature of the parent benzene ring and the specific halogenation. These substances are widely used as high-boiling solvents in industrial processes and as intermediates in the synthesis of dyes and pesticides.
- Covers
- Monochlorobenzene
- O-Dichlorobenzene (1,2-dichlorobenzene)
- P-Dichlorobenzene (1,4-dichlorobenzene)
- Chlorobenzene for solvent use
- Benzene chloride
- Phenyl chloride
- Also under 2903.91
- Dow Chemical Chlorobenzene
- Solvay o-Dichlorobenzene
- Paradichlorobenzene mothballs (e.g., Enoz)
- various industrial solvents.
Codes often confused with 2903.91
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 2903.61 in older versions of the nomenclature or confusion with other halogenated derivatives like benzyl chloride (2903.99). Another frequent error involves p-dichlorobenzene when sold as mothballs or air fresheners; in such cases, it may be classified under 3808 as an insecticide or 3307 as a room deodorizer if put up for retail sale. However, as a pure chemical substance, 2903.91 is the correct heading. It should also not be confused with chlorotoluenes, which fall under 2903.99.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290391 (the code used for chlorobenzene), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290391 (the code used for chlorobenzene) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 35% 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 290391, not only chlorobenzene.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $48M 35% of world exports
- 2 India $43M 32% of world exports
- 3 China $22M 16% of world exports
World total: $137M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $57M 35% of world imports
- 2 Japan $38M 23% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $7.5M 4.6% 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: $164M 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 codes for chlorobenzene
Brazil splits HS 2903.91 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2903.91.10Chlorobenzene
- 2903.91.20o-Dichlorobenzene
- 2903.91.30p-Dichlorobenzene
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chlorobenzene
What is the HS code for Chlorobenzene?
The HS code for Chlorobenzene is 290391 (Halogenated derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons; chlorobenzene, o-dichlorobenzene, and p-dichlorobenzene). The HS code for chlorobenzene, o-dichlorobenzene, and p-dichlorobenzene is 2903.91.
How do I classify Chlorobenzene for customs?
Chlorobenzene is classified under HS code 290391 — Halogenated derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons; chlorobenzene, o-dichlorobenzene, and p-dichlorobenzene. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is paradichlorobenzene (mothballs) covered under this code?
Yes, in its bulk chemical form, paradichlorobenzene is classified under 2903.91, though retail-packaged mothballs may fall under 3808.
Which countries are the top exporters of chlorobenzene (HS 290391)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290391 (the code used for chlorobenzene) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($48M, 35% of world exports), India ($43M) and China ($22M). World exports came to about $137M, 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 chlorobenzene (HS 290391)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290391 (the code used for chlorobenzene) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($57M, 35% of world imports), Japan ($38M) and Indonesia ($7.5M). World imports came to about $164M, 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 Chlorobenzene the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290391 for Chlorobenzene 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 chlorobenzene in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 290391 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for chlorobenzene depends on the product's details: 2903.91.10 (Chlorobenzene), 2903.91.20 (o-Dichlorobenzene), 2903.91.30 (p-Dichlorobenzene).