Product classification
HS code for Hexabromobiphenyls: 2903.94
Halogenated derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons, hexabromobiphenyls.
Classification of hexabromobiphenyls under HS 2903.94
Hexabromobiphenyls are classified under HS code 2903.94. This classification falls within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals. Heading 2903 is dedicated to halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons. Hexabromobiphenyls are aromatic hydrocarbons where six hydrogen atoms have been replaced by bromine atoms. Because these substances are recognized as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under international environmental agreements like the Stockholm Convention, the Harmonized System provides a specific, dedicated subheading (2903.94) to monitor and control their international trade. This code is used for the pure chemical compound and its isomers. If the substance is part of a mixture or a preparation, it might be classified elsewhere, such as in Chapter 38, but the pure chemical remains strictly under this heading to ensure regulatory compliance across borders. Hexabromobiphenyls were historically used as flame retardants in various plastics and electrical components, but their use has been severely restricted or banned in many jurisdictions due to their toxicity and environmental persistence. Customs officials use this specific code to flag shipments for environmental agency review, ensuring that any movement of these chemicals complies with both national laws and international treaties. The precision of this code is a direct result of global efforts to phase out hazardous substances.
- Covers
- Pure hexabromobiphenyl
- Isomers of hexabromobiphenyl
- PBB 153 (a specific hexabromobiphenyl congener)
- Technical grade hexabromobiphenyl
- Standardized samples of hexabromobiphenyl for lab use
- Also under 2903.94
- FireMaster BP-6 (historical HBB mixture used as a flame retardant).
Codes often confused with 2903.94
Common mistake. Hexabromobiphenyls can be confused with other brominated flame retardants like pentabromodiphenyl ether, which is classified under 2903.93. Additionally, if the chemical is part of a prepared mixture, it might be incorrectly filed under 3824.82, which covers mixtures containing polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), rather than the pure chemical code 2903.94.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290394 (the code used for hexabromobiphenyls), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290394 (the code used for hexabromobiphenyls) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 63% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 33% 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 290394, not only hexabromobiphenyls.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $18K 63% of world exports
- 2 Germany $8K 29% of world exports
- 3 Ukraine* ~$2K 5.3% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $29K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $6K 33% of world imports
- 2 Germany $4K 22% of world imports
- 3 Canada $4K 21% of world imports
World total: $19K 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 hexabromobiphenyls
Brazil classifies hexabromobiphenyls under NCM 2903.94.00: HS 2903.94 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hexabromobiphenyls
What is the HS code for Hexabromobiphenyls?
The HS code for Hexabromobiphenyls is 290394 (Halogenated derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons; hexabromobiphenyls). The specific HS code for hexabromobiphenyls is 2903.94.
How do I classify Hexabromobiphenyls for customs?
Hexabromobiphenyls is classified under HS code 290394 — Halogenated derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons; hexabromobiphenyls. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is there a specific code for this chemical?
It is specifically coded to help customs monitor substances regulated by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
Which countries are the top exporters of hexabromobiphenyls (HS 290394)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290394 (the code used for hexabromobiphenyls) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($18K, 63% of world exports), Germany ($8K) and Ukraine (about $2K). World exports came to about $29K, 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 hexabromobiphenyls (HS 290394)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290394 (the code used for hexabromobiphenyls) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($6K, 33% of world imports), Germany ($4K) and Canada ($4K). World imports came to about $19K, 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 Hexabromobiphenyls the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290394 for Hexabromobiphenyls 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 hexabromobiphenyls in Brazil?
In Brazil, hexabromobiphenyls (HS 290394) is classified under NCM 2903.94.00.