Product classification
HS code for HCFC-142b: 2903.74
Halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons containing two or more different halogens, chlorodifluoroethanes HCFC-142, 142b).
Classification of HCFC-142b under HS 2903.74
HCFC-142b, or 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane, is classified under HS code 2903.74. This classification is applied because the substance is a halogenated derivative of an acyclic hydrocarbon containing two different halogens (chlorine and fluorine). Under the Harmonized System, pure chemically defined compounds are categorized in Chapter 29. Heading 2903 specifically addresses halogenated derivatives, and the subheading 2903.74 is designated for chlorodifluoroethanes. The classification is strictly based on the chemical identity of the product, which features an ethane base with one chlorine and two fluorine substituents. HCFC-142b is primarily used as a refrigerant and a blowing agent for extruded polystyrene foam. Because it is regulated under the Montreal Protocol, having a specific HS code is essential for customs authorities to manage import quotas and environmental reporting.
- Covers
- Pure 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane
- HCFC-142b refrigerant gas
- HCFC-142b used as an aerosol propellant
- HCFC-142b for foam blowing applications
- Also under 2903.74
- Honeywell Genetron 142b
- Arkema Forane 142b
- Chemours Chlorodifluoroethane
- Daikin R-142b
Codes often confused with 2903.74
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 2903.73, which is for dichlorofluoroethanes (HCFC-141b), due to the similarity in nomenclature. It is also sometimes confused with HS code 2903.71 (HCFC-22). Furthermore, if HCFC-142b is imported as a component of a refrigerant blend (such as R-409A), it should not be classified under 2903.74 but rather under heading 3827, which covers mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane, or propane.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290374 (the code used for HCFC-142b), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290374 (the code used for HCFC-142b) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 69% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 71% 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 290374, not only HCFC-142b.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $38M 69% of world exports
- 2 China $16M 30% of world exports
- 3 India $563K 1.0% of world exports
World total: $55M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $34M 71% of world imports
- 2 India $9.6M 20% of world imports
- 3 Japan $3.0M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $47M 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-142b
Brazil classifies HCFC-142b under NCM 2903.74.00: HS 2903.74 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about HCFC-142b
What is the HS code for HCFC-142b?
The HS code for HCFC-142b is 290374 (Halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons containing two or more different halogens; chlorodifluoroethanes HCFC-142, 142b)). The specific HS code for HCFC-142b is 2903.74, categorized under chlorodifluoroethanes.
How do I classify HCFC-142b for customs?
HCFC-142b is classified under HS code 290374 — Halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons containing two or more different halogens; chlorodifluoroethanes HCFC-142, 142b). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is HCFC-142b classified differently when used in aerosols?
As long as the substance is a pure chemically defined compound, it remains under 2903.74. If it is mixed with other propellants, it moves to Chapter 38.
Which countries are the top exporters of HCFC-142b (HS 290374)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290374 (the code used for HCFC-142b) in UN Comtrade data were France ($38M, 69% of world exports), China ($16M) and India ($563K). World exports came to about $55M, 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-142b (HS 290374)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290374 (the code used for HCFC-142b) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($34M, 71% of world imports), India ($9.6M) and Japan ($3.0M). World imports came to about $47M, 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-142b the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290374 for HCFC-142b 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-142b in Brazil?
In Brazil, HCFC-142b (HS 290374) is classified under NCM 2903.74.00.