Product classification
HS code for Ethylene dichloride: 2903.15
Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, ethylene dichloride (ISO) (1,2-dichloroethane).
Classification of ethylene dichloride under HS 2903.15
Ethylene dichloride (1,2-dichloroethane) is classified under HS code 2903.15. This classification is situated within heading 2903, which covers halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons. Subheading 2903.15 specifically identifies ethylene dichloride as a saturated chlorinated derivative of acyclic hydrocarbons. It is a colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. Ethylene dichloride is primarily produced by the chlorination of ethylene, either through direct chlorination or oxychlorination. It serves as a critical precursor in the production of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), which is the building block for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. The classification is determined by the presence of chlorine atoms substituting hydrogen in an ethane chain, making it a saturated chlorinated acyclic hydrocarbon. As a chemically defined organic compound, it fits perfectly into the structure of Chapter 29.
- Covers
- 1,2-Dichloroethane (Ethylene dichloride)
- High-purity EDC for VCM production
- Ethylene dichloride used as a degreaser
- Ethylene dichloride used as a solvent in textile cleaning
- Ethylene dichloride used in the manufacture of ethylenediamine
- Also under 2903.15
- Dow Chemical EDC
- OxyChem EDC
- Formosa Plastics EDC
Codes often confused with 2903.15
Common mistake. Ethylene dichloride is often confused with vinyl chloride (HS code 2903.21). The key difference is that ethylene dichloride is a saturated compound (ethane-based), while vinyl chloride is an unsaturated compound (ethylene-based). It is also sometimes confused with chloroform (trichloromethane, HS code 2903.13) or carbon tetrachloride (HS code 2903.14). Another potential misclassification is with 1,1-dichloroethane, which is an isomer but is generally classified under the residual code 2903.19 if not specifically named elsewhere.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290315 (the code used for ethylene dichloride), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290315 (the code used for ethylene dichloride) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 19% 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 290315, not only ethylene dichloride.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $173M 22% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $146M 18% of world exports
- 3 Germany $129M 16% of world exports
World total: $802M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $161M 19% of world imports
- 2 Egypt $123M 14% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $115M 14% of world imports
World total: $849M 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 ethylene dichloride
Brazil classifies ethylene dichloride under NCM 2903.15.00: HS 2903.15 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ethylene dichloride
What is the HS code for Ethylene dichloride?
The HS code for Ethylene dichloride is 290315 (Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; ethylene dichloride (ISO) (1,2-dichloroethane)). The HS code for ethylene dichloride is 2903.15, specifically for the 1,2-dichloroethane isomer.
How do I classify Ethylene dichloride for customs?
Ethylene dichloride is classified under HS code 290315 — Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; ethylene dichloride (ISO) (1,2-dichloroethane). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is ethylene dichloride the same as vinyl chloride?
No, ethylene dichloride (2903.15) is the saturated precursor used to make vinyl chloride (2903.21), which is an unsaturated gas used to make PVC.
Which countries are the top exporters of ethylene dichloride (HS 290315)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290315 (the code used for ethylene dichloride) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($173M, 22% of world exports), Belgium ($146M) and Germany ($129M). World exports came to about $802M, 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 ethylene dichloride (HS 290315)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290315 (the code used for ethylene dichloride) in UN Comtrade data were India ($161M, 19% of world imports), Egypt ($123M) and Thailand ($115M). World imports came to about $849M, 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 Ethylene dichloride the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290315 for Ethylene dichloride 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 ethylene dichloride in Brazil?
In Brazil, ethylene dichloride (HS 290315) is classified under NCM 2903.15.00.