Product classification

HS code for Ethyl chloride: 2903.11

Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, chloromethane (methyl chloride) and chloroethane (ethyl chloride).

Classification of ethyl chloride under HS 2903.11

Ethyl chloride, also known as chloroethane, is classified under HS code 2903.11. This code is part of Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals) and heading 2903, which covers halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons. Subheading 2903.11 specifically identifies chloromethane (methyl chloride) and chloroethane (ethyl chloride). These are saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons. Ethyl chloride is a colorless, flammable gas or a refrigerated liquid. It is produced by the reaction of ethylene with hydrogen chloride. Because it is a separate chemically defined organic compound, it is classified according to its molecular structure under the rules of Chapter 29. Even when used for medical purposes, such as a topical "vapo-coolant" spray to numb skin, it remains classified under 2903.11 unless it is put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale as a medicament of heading 3004. Its primary use as a chemical intermediate or a refrigerant further supports its placement in Chapter 29.

Covers
  • Chloroethane (pure)
  • Ethyl chloride gas
  • Refrigerated liquid ethyl chloride
  • Ethyl chloride topical anesthetic spray (non-retail)
  • Monochloroethane
Also under 2903.11
  • Dow Chemical chloromethane
  • Shin-Etsu Chemical chloromethane
  • Solvay chloroethane
  • Arkema chloroethane

Codes often confused with 2903.11

Common mistake. Ethyl chloride is often confused with 2903.12 (dichloromethane/methylene chloride) or 2903.13 (chloroform). It is also important to distinguish it from unsaturated chlorinated derivatives like vinyl chloride, which is classified under 2903.21. If ethyl chloride is packaged as a finished medical product for retail sale, it might be argued into 3004.90, but most customs authorities maintain 2903.11 due to its nature as a single chemical. It should also not be confused with ethyl alcohol (2207 or 2208) or ethyl cellulose (3912).

2903.12Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; dichloromethane (methylene chloride)2903.13Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; chloroform (trichloromethane)2903.21Unsaturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; vinyl chloride (chloroethylene)3004.90Medicaments; consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale22.07Ethyl alcohol, undenatured; of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80% vol. or higher; ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured, of any strength22.08Ethyl alcohol, undenatured; of an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 80% volume; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages39.12Cellulose and its chemical derivatives, n.e.c. or included, in primary forms

Top exporters and importers of HS 290311 (the code used for ethyl chloride), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290311 (the code used for ethyl chloride) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 85% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 26% 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 290311, not only ethyl chloride.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $98M
  2. 2 China $5.5M
  3. 3 France $4.3M

World total: $116M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 France $29M
  2. 2 United States $22M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $18M

World total: $114M 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 ethyl chloride

Brazil splits HS 2903.11 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about ethyl chloride

What is the HS code for Ethyl chloride?

The HS code for Ethyl chloride is 290311 (Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; chloromethane (methyl chloride) and chloroethane (ethyl chloride)). The HS code for ethyl chloride (chloroethane) is 2903.11.

How do I classify Ethyl chloride for customs?

Ethyl chloride is classified under HS code 290311 — Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; chloromethane (methyl chloride) and chloroethane (ethyl chloride). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is ethyl chloride an ozone-depleting substance?

While it is a halogenated hydrocarbon, ethyl chloride is not currently listed as a major ozone-depleting substance under the Montreal Protocol, unlike CFCs, but it is still monitored for environmental impact.

Which countries are the top exporters of ethyl chloride (HS 290311)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290311 (the code used for ethyl chloride) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($98M, 85% of world exports), China ($5.5M) and France ($4.3M). World exports came to about $116M, 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 ethyl chloride (HS 290311)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 290311 (the code used for ethyl chloride) in UN Comtrade data were France ($29M, 26% of world imports), the United States ($22M) and the United Kingdom ($18M). World imports came to about $114M, 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 Ethyl chloride the same in all countries?

The base HS code 290311 for Ethyl chloride 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 ethyl chloride in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 290311 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for ethyl chloride depends on the product's details: 2903.11.10 (Chloromethane (methyl chloride)), 2903.11.20 (Chloroethane (ethyl chloride)).