Product classification
HS code for Dichloromethane: 2903.12
Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, dichloromethane (methylene chloride).
Classification of dichloromethane under HS 2903.12
Dichloromethane, also known as methylene chloride, is classified under HS code 2903.12. This classification is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically focusing on Chapter 29, which encompasses organic chemicals. Within this chapter, heading 2903 is dedicated to halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons. Dichloromethane is a saturated chlorinated derivative of an acyclic hydrocarbon. Because it is a separate chemically defined organic compound, it must be classified in Chapter 29 rather than as a prepared solvent. The subheading 2903.12 is specific to dichloromethane, reflecting its chemical structure as a methane molecule where two hydrogen atoms have been replaced by chlorine atoms. This classification remains consistent regardless of whether the product is intended for industrial use as a solvent, a paint stripper, or a chemical intermediate, provided it remains in its pure form or contains only stabilizers required for transport.
- Covers
- Methylene chloride
- DCM
- Solmethine
- Narkotil
- Pure dichloromethane for laboratory use
- Technical grade dichloromethane with stabilizers
- Also under 2903.12
- Dow Chemical dichloromethane
- Shin-Etsu Chemical dichloromethane
- Solvay dichloromethane
- BASF dichloromethane
Codes often confused with 2903.12
Common mistake. Dichloromethane is frequently misclassified under HS code 3814.00, which covers organic composite solvents and thinners. This error occurs when the product is used as a paint remover; however, if the substance is pure dichloromethane, Chapter 29 takes precedence. It is also sometimes confused with HS code 2903.11 (Chloromethane/Methyl chloride) or HS code 2903.13 (Chloroform/Trichloromethane) due to their similar nomenclature and chemical proximity within the saturated chlorinated derivatives group.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290312 (the code used for dichloromethane), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290312 (the code used for dichloromethane) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 8.9% of world imports. Mexico reports $578M of its heading 2903 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 29% of its imports here ($3.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 290312, not only dichloromethane.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $83M 35% of world exports
- 2 Germany $49M 21% of world exports
- 3 France $23M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $236M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $23M 8.9% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $14M 5.4% of world imports
- 3 United States $12M 4.5% of world imports
Mexico reports $578M of its heading 2903 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 29% of its imports here ($3.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $260M 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 dichloromethane
Brazil classifies dichloromethane under NCM 2903.12.00: HS 2903.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about dichloromethane
What is the HS code for Dichloromethane?
The HS code for Dichloromethane is 290312 (Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; dichloromethane (methylene chloride)). The HS code for Dichloromethane is 2903.12, which specifically identifies it as a saturated chlorinated derivative of acyclic hydrocarbons.
How do I classify Dichloromethane for customs?
Dichloromethane is classified under HS code 290312 — Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; dichloromethane (methylene chloride). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is Dichloromethane classified differently if used as a refrigerant?
No, as a pure chemical compound, it remains under 2903.12. However, if it is part of a blended refrigerant mixture, it may move to heading 3827.
Which countries are the top exporters of dichloromethane (HS 290312)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290312 (the code used for dichloromethane) in UN Comtrade data were China ($83M, 35% of world exports), Germany ($49M) and France ($23M). World exports came to about $236M, 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 dichloromethane (HS 290312)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290312 (the code used for dichloromethane) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($23M, 8.9% of world imports), Brazil ($14M) and the United States ($12M). World imports came to about $260M, 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. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 29% of its imports here ($3.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Dichloromethane the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290312 for Dichloromethane 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 dichloromethane in Brazil?
In Brazil, dichloromethane (HS 290312) is classified under NCM 2903.12.00.