Product classification
HS code for Chloroform: 2903.13
Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, chloroform (trichloromethane).
Classification of chloroform under HS 2903.13
Chloroform, also known as trichloromethane (CHCl3), is a halogenated derivative of acyclic hydrocarbons. It is classified under HS code 2903.13. Heading 2903 is dedicated to halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons, and the 2903.1x series specifically covers saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons. Chloroform is a saturated compound because it contains only single bonds between its carbon and hydrogen/chlorine atoms. The classification is determined by GRI 1, as the subheading 2903.13 explicitly names chloroform. It is a vital industrial chemical used as a solvent and as a precursor in the production of refrigerants like Teflon (PTFE). For customs purposes, the substance must be a separate chemically defined compound to remain in Chapter 29. If the chloroform is mixed with other substances to create a specialized cleaning solvent or a medicinal preparation, the classification would shift to Chapter 38 or 30, respectively.
- Covers
- Pure trichloromethane (chloroform)
- Chloroform containing added stabilizers (such as ethanol) to prevent decomposition
- Technical grade chloroform for laboratory or industrial use
- Chloroform used as a chemical intermediate in fluorocarbon production
- Also under 2903.13
- Sigma-Aldrich Chloroform
- Fisher Scientific Chloroform
- Merck KGaA Chloroform
Codes often confused with 2903.13
Common mistake. Chloroform is often misclassified under HS code 3814.00, which covers organic composite solvents and thinners. While chloroform is a powerful solvent, pure trichloromethane must be classified in Chapter 29. It may also be confused with 3004.90 if intended for medical anesthetic use; however, unless it is put up in measured doses or retail packings for therapeutic use, 2903.13 remains the correct code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290313 (the code used for chloroform), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290313 (the code used for chloroform) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 23% 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 290313, not only chloroform.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $27M 41% of world exports
- 2 France $17M 26% of world exports
- 3 United States $5.6M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $64M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $15M 23% of world imports
- 2 United States $11M 17% of world imports
- 3 Italy $6.2M 9.4% of world imports
World total: $66M 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 chloroform
Brazil classifies chloroform under NCM 2903.13.00: HS 2903.13 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chloroform
What is the HS code for Chloroform?
The HS code for Chloroform is 290313 (Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; chloroform (trichloromethane)). The HS code for chloroform (trichloromethane) is 2903.13, categorized under saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons.
How do I classify Chloroform for customs?
Chloroform is classified under HS code 290313 — Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; chloroform (trichloromethane). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does chloroform require special permits for export?
Depending on the jurisdiction, chloroform may be subject to export controls because it can be used as a solvent in the illicit manufacture of narcotics or as a precursor for regulated refrigerants.
Which countries are the top exporters of chloroform (HS 290313)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290313 (the code used for chloroform) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($27M, 41% of world exports), France ($17M) and the United States ($5.6M). World exports came to about $64M, 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 chloroform (HS 290313)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290313 (the code used for chloroform) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($15M, 23% of world imports), the United States ($11M) and Italy ($6.2M). World imports came to about $66M, 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 Chloroform the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290313 for Chloroform 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 chloroform in Brazil?
In Brazil, chloroform (HS 290313) is classified under NCM 2903.13.00.