Product classification
HS code for HCFC-123: 2903.72
Halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons containing two or more different halogens, dichlorotrifluoroethane (HCFC-123).
Classification of HCFC-123 under HS 2903.72
HCFC-123, chemically known as dichlorotrifluoroethane, is classified under HS code 2903.72. As a pure chemical substance, it falls under Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals). Heading 2903 covers halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons. Subheading 2903.72 is the specific international designation for dichlorotrifluoroethanes. This classification is strictly for the pure chemical or commercially pure substance. If HCFC-123 is mixed with other refrigerants or chemicals, the classification shifts to Chapter 38. The precision of this code allows for the monitoring of this specific ozone-depleting substance as it is phased out under international environmental agreements. HCFC-123 is primarily used as a refrigerant in centrifugal chillers and as a specialized fire extinguishing agent. Its classification is determined by its molecular structure, specifically being an ethane derivative where hydrogen atoms have been replaced by both chlorine and fluorine atoms.
- Covers
- Pure HCFC-123
- 2,2-Dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane
- 1,2-Dichloro-1,1,2-trifluoroethane
- Commercially pure dichlorotrifluoroethane
- Also under 2903.72
- Honeywell Genetron 123
- Arkema Forane 123
- Chemours Opteon XP10 (as replacement, not HCFC-123 itself)
- Daikin R-123
Codes often confused with 2903.72
Common mistake. HCFC-123 is often misclassified under HS code 2903.71, which is specifically for chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22). It is also sometimes incorrectly placed in 3827.32 if the importer does not realize the product is a pure substance rather than a mixture. Pure substances must stay in Chapter 29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290372 (the code used for HCFC-123), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290372 (the code used for HCFC-123) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 85% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 30% 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 290372, not only HCFC-123.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $12M 85% of world exports
- 2 Germany $719K 5.3% of world exports
- 3 United States $573K 4.2% of world exports
World total: $14M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $4.4M 30% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $2.8M 19% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $1.3M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $15M 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 HCFC-123
Brazil classifies HCFC-123 under NCM 2903.72.00: HS 2903.72 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about HCFC-123
What is the HS code for HCFC-123?
The HS code for HCFC-123 is 290372 (Halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons containing two or more different halogens; dichlorotrifluoroethane (HCFC-123)). The HS code for pure dichlorotrifluoroethanes (HCFC-123) is 2903.72.
How do I classify HCFC-123 for customs?
HCFC-123 is classified under HS code 290372 — Halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons containing two or more different halogens; dichlorotrifluoroethane (HCFC-123). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is HCFC-123 a controlled substance?
Yes, it is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon regulated under the Montreal Protocol and subject to phase-out schedules.
Which countries are the top exporters of HCFC-123 (HS 290372)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290372 (the code used for HCFC-123) in UN Comtrade data were China ($12M, 85% of world exports), Germany ($719K) and the United States ($573K). World exports came to about $14M, 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 HCFC-123 (HS 290372)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290372 (the code used for HCFC-123) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.4M, 30% of world imports), South Korea ($2.8M) and Thailand ($1.3M). World imports came to about $15M, 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 HCFC-123 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290372 for HCFC-123 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 HCFC-123 in Brazil?
In Brazil, HCFC-123 (HS 290372) is classified under NCM 2903.72.00.