Product classification
HS code for Hexachlorobenzene: 2903.92
Halogenated derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons, hexachlorobenzene (ISO) and DDT (ISO) (clofenotane (INN), and 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane).
Classification of hexachlorobenzene under HS 2903.92
Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) is classified under HS code 2903.92. This classification is situated within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals. Specifically, heading 2903 pertains to halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons. Subheading 2903.92 is reserved for hexachlorobenzene (ISO) and DDT (ISO). As a pure chemical compound with a defined molecular structure (C6Cl6), it is classified as an aromatic hydrocarbon derivative where all hydrogen atoms have been replaced by chlorine. This classification is strictly for the chemical in its separate chemically defined form, rather than as part of a mixture or a formulated product. Hexachlorobenzene is a persistent organic pollutant (POP) and is heavily regulated under the Stockholm Convention. In the Harmonized System, aromatic hydrocarbons are those containing at least one benzene ring. Since HCB consists of a benzene ring where all six hydrogens are substituted with chlorine atoms, it fits perfectly into the aromatic category of 2903.9. The specific subheading 2903.92 was created to facilitate the monitoring and control of this substance due to its environmental and health impacts. Importers must ensure that the product is not a preparation or mixture, as that would shift the classification to Chapter 38.
- Covers
- Pure hexachlorobenzene (technical grade)
- Analytical standard hexachlorobenzene
- Crystalline hexachlorobenzene (separate chemically defined)
- Hexachlorobenzene for laboratory research
- Also under 2903.92
- DDT (as a historical pesticide)
- HCB (as a historical fungicide)
- various formulations for vector control (historical).
Codes often confused with 2903.92
Common mistake. Hexachlorobenzene is frequently confused with hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), which is classified under 2903.81. The distinction lies in the chemical structure: HCB is aromatic (benzene-based), while HCH is cyclanic (cyclohexane-based). Another common error is classifying HCB mixtures under 2903.92; mixtures containing HCB are correctly classified under 3824.86. Finally, formulated pesticides containing HCB would fall under 3808.91 or 3808.92.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290392 (the code used for hexachlorobenzene), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290392 (the code used for hexachlorobenzene) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 62% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 63% of world imports. Mexico reports $578M of its heading 2903 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 290392, not only hexachlorobenzene.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $305K 62% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$58K 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $55K 11% of world exports
World total: $490K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $203K 63% of world imports
- 2 United States $58K 18% of world imports
- 3 Spain $13K 4.0% of world imports
Mexico reports $578M of its heading 2903 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $321K 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 codes for hexachlorobenzene
Brazil splits HS 2903.92 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2903.92.10Hexachlorobenzene
- 2903.92.20DDT (clofenotane)
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hexachlorobenzene
What is the HS code for Hexachlorobenzene?
The HS code for Hexachlorobenzene is 290392 (Halogenated derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons; hexachlorobenzene (ISO) and DDT (ISO) (clofenotane (INN), and 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane)).
How do I classify Hexachlorobenzene for customs?
Hexachlorobenzene is classified under HS code 290392 — Halogenated derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons; hexachlorobenzene (ISO) and DDT (ISO) (clofenotane (INN), and 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for pure hexachlorobenzene?
The HS code for pure, separate chemically defined hexachlorobenzene is 2903.92.
Is hexachlorobenzene the same as Lindane?
No. Lindane is an isomer of hexachlorocyclohexane and is classified under HS code 2903.81, whereas hexachlorobenzene is an aromatic compound under 2903.92.
Which countries are the top exporters of hexachlorobenzene (HS 290392)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290392 (the code used for hexachlorobenzene) in UN Comtrade data were India ($305K, 62% of world exports), Taiwan (about $58K) and Germany ($55K). World exports came to about $490K, 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 hexachlorobenzene (HS 290392)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290392 (the code used for hexachlorobenzene) in UN Comtrade data were France ($203K, 63% of world imports), the United States ($58K) and Spain ($13K). World imports came to about $321K, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $578M of its heading 2903 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Hexachlorobenzene the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290392 for Hexachlorobenzene 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 hexachlorobenzene in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 290392 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for hexachlorobenzene depends on the product's details: 2903.92.10 (Hexachlorobenzene), 2903.92.20 (DDT (clofenotane)).