Product classification
HS code for Difluoromethane: 2903.42
Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, difluoromethane (HFC-32).
Classification of difluoromethane under HS 2903.42
Difluoromethane, commonly known in the industry as HFC-32 or R-32, is classified under HS code 2903.42. This classification falls within Chapter 29, which encompasses organic chemicals, and specifically under heading 2903 for halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons. The subheading 2903.42 was established to specifically track saturated fluorinated derivatives. As a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), difluoromethane is a saturated hydrocarbon where two hydrogen atoms have been replaced by fluorine. This specific code is critical for international trade monitoring under environmental protocols, such as the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which seeks to phase down the use of high global warming potential (GWP) gases. Accurate classification ensures that importers and exporters comply with quota systems and environmental reporting requirements.
- Covers
- Difluoromethane gas (HFC-32)
- R-32 refrigerant in pure form
- Methylene fluoride
- Fluorocarbon 32
- Also under 2903.42
- Daikin R-32
- Chemours HFC-32
- Honeywell HFC-32
Codes often confused with 2903.42
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs when difluoromethane is part of a refrigerant blend. Blends containing HFCs, such as R-410A (which is a mixture of R-32 and R-125), must be classified under HS code 3824.78 rather than the pure chemical code 2903.42. Furthermore, it may be confused with other fluorinated derivatives like 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), which is classified under 2903.39. It is vital to distinguish between pure substances in Chapter 29 and chemical mixtures in Chapter 38.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290342 (the code used for difluoromethane), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290342 (the code used for difluoromethane) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 66% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 18% 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 290342, not only difluoromethane.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $417M 66% of world exports
- 2 India $80M 13% of world exports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$44M 7.1% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $628M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Thailand $110M 18% of world imports
- 2 United States $70M 12% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $62M 10% of world imports
World total: $609M 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 difluoromethane
Brazil classifies difluoromethane under NCM 2903.42.00: HS 2903.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about difluoromethane
What is the HS code for Difluoromethane?
The HS code for Difluoromethane is 290342 (Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; difluoromethane (HFC-32)). The HS code for pure difluoromethane (HFC-32) is 2903.42.
How do I classify Difluoromethane for customs?
Difluoromethane is classified under HS code 290342 — Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; difluoromethane (HFC-32). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to R-410A refrigerant?
No, R-410A is a mixture of gases and is classified under HS code 3824.78. HS code 2903.42 is reserved for pure difluoromethane.
Which countries are the top exporters of difluoromethane (HS 290342)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290342 (the code used for difluoromethane) in UN Comtrade data were China ($417M, 66% of world exports), India ($80M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $44M). World exports came to about $628M, 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 difluoromethane (HS 290342)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290342 (the code used for difluoromethane) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($110M, 18% of world imports), the United States ($70M) and Brazil ($62M). World imports came to about $609M, 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 Difluoromethane the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290342 for Difluoromethane 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 difluoromethane in Brazil?
In Brazil, difluoromethane (HS 290342) is classified under NCM 2903.42.00.