Product classification
HS code for HCFC-22: 2903.71
Halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons containing two or more different halogens, chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22).
Classification of HCFC-22 under HS 2903.71
HCFC-22, also known as chlorodifluoromethane, is classified under HS code 2903.71. This classification is derived from its chemical structure as a halogenated derivative of methane. As a single, chemically defined organic compound, it is placed within Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals). Heading 2903 covers halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, and the specific subheading 2903.71 is dedicated exclusively to chlorodifluoromethane. This substance is one of the most common hydrochlorofluorocarbons used globally in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. The classification is critical because HCFC-22 is an ozone-depleting substance subject to phase-out schedules under the Montreal Protocol. The unique HS code allows for precise tracking of its international trade, ensuring that countries adhere to their consumption and production caps.
- Covers
- Pure chlorodifluoromethane gas
- HCFC-22 refrigerant (R-22)
- HCFC-22 used as a chemical feedstock
- Liquid HCFC-22 in pressurized cylinders
- Also under 2903.71
- DuPont Freon 22
- Honeywell Genetron 22
- Mexichem R-22
- Arkema Forane 22
Codes often confused with 2903.71
Common mistake. HCFC-22 is often misclassified under HS code 3827.31 or 3827.39, which are intended for mixtures containing hydrochlorofluorocarbons. If the product is pure R-22, it must stay in Chapter 29. It is also sometimes confused with HFC-23 (trifluoromethane), which is classified under 2903.39. Importers must distinguish between pure HCFC-22 and refrigerant blends like R-407C or R-410A, which contain HFCs and are classified in Chapter 38.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290371 (the code used for HCFC-22), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290371 (the code used for HCFC-22) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 74% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 15% 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 290371, not only HCFC-22.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $213M 74% of world exports
- 2 India $48M 17% of world exports
- 3 France $9.6M 3.3% of world exports
World total: $287M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $40M 15% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$32M 12% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Brazil $31M 11% of world imports
World total: $275M 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 HCFC-22
Brazil classifies HCFC-22 under NCM 2903.71.00: HS 2903.71 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about HCFC-22
What is the HS code for HCFC-22?
The HS code for HCFC-22 is 290371 (Halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons containing two or more different halogens; chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22)). The HS code for pure HCFC-22 (chlorodifluoromethane) is 2903.71.
How do I classify HCFC-22 for customs?
HCFC-22 is classified under HS code 290371 — Halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons containing two or more different halogens; chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can HCFC-22 be classified under Chapter 38?
Only if it is part of a mixture. Pure HCFC-22 is always classified under 2903.71 as a chemically defined compound.
Which countries are the top exporters of HCFC-22 (HS 290371)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290371 (the code used for HCFC-22) in UN Comtrade data were China ($213M, 74% of world exports), India ($48M) and France ($9.6M). World exports came to about $287M, 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-22 (HS 290371)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290371 (the code used for HCFC-22) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($40M, 15% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $32M) and Brazil ($31M). World imports came to about $275M, 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-22 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290371 for HCFC-22 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-22 in Brazil?
In Brazil, HCFC-22 (HS 290371) is classified under NCM 2903.71.00.