Product classification

HS code for Hexachlorocyclohexane: 2903.81

Halogenated derivatives of cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic hydrocarbons, 1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH (ISO)), including lindane (ISO, INN).

Classification of hexachlorocyclohexane under HS 2903.81

Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), including the isomer known as lindane, is classified under HS code 2903.81. This classification is part of Chapter 29 (organic chemicals) and heading 2903 (halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons). Specifically, 2903.81 covers halogenated derivatives of cyclanic, cyclenic, or cycloterpenic hydrocarbons. Unlike hexachlorobenzene, which is aromatic, HCH is a saturated cyclic compound. The classification includes all isomers of 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane, such as alpha-HCH, beta-HCH, and gamma-HCH (lindane). This code is used for the technical grade chemical or pure isomers when they are not yet formulated into retail-ready pesticides. The distinction between cyclanic and aromatic hydrocarbons is fundamental in organic chemistry and the HS nomenclature; cyclanic compounds like HCH have a ring structure but lack the delocalized pi-electron system of benzene. Because HCH is a regulated substance under the Stockholm Convention due to its toxicity and persistence, it has been assigned a specific subheading to facilitate international monitoring. Importers must distinguish between the technical grade chemical (2903.81) and formulated products like lice shampoos or agricultural insecticides, which are classified elsewhere.

Covers
  • Lindane (gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane)
  • Technical grade hexachlorocyclohexane (mixed isomers)
  • Alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane
  • Beta-hexachlorocyclohexane
  • Pure HCH for laboratory use
Also under 2903.81
  • Kwell (historical pharmaceutical)
  • Gammexane (historical insecticide)
  • Scabene (historical topical treatment)

Codes often confused with 2903.81

Common mistake. HCH is frequently misclassified under 2903.92, which is the code for hexachlorobenzene. While the names are similar, the chemical structures (aromatic vs. cyclanic) are different. Another common error is classifying HCH-based pesticides under 2903.81; if the product is prepared for retail sale as an insecticide, it belongs in 3808.91. Furthermore, mixtures of HCH that are not separate chemically defined compounds may fall under 3824.84.

2903.92Halogenated derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbons; hexachlorobenzene (ISO) and DDT (ISO) (clofenotane (INN), and 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane)3808.91Insecticides; other than containing goods specified in Subheading Notes 1 & 2 to this Chapter; put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles3824.84Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; containing aldrin, camphechlor (toxaphene), chlordane, chlordecone, DDT (chlorfenotane, 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane), dieldrin, endosulfan, endrin, heptachlor or mirex

Top exporters and importers of HS 290381 (the code used for hexachlorocyclohexane), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290381 (the code used for hexachlorocyclohexane) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 50% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 44% 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 290381, not only hexachlorocyclohexane.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $452K
  2. 2 Belgium $208K
  3. 3 India $91K

World total: $895K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Austria $334K
  2. 2 Belgium $131K
  3. 3 Pakistan $69K

World total: $753K 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 codes for hexachlorocyclohexane

Brazil splits HS 2903.81 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about hexachlorocyclohexane

What is the HS code for Hexachlorocyclohexane?

The HS code for Hexachlorocyclohexane is 290381 (Halogenated derivatives of cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic hydrocarbons; 1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH (ISO)), including lindane (ISO, INN)).

How do I classify Hexachlorocyclohexane for customs?

Hexachlorocyclohexane is classified under HS code 290381 — Halogenated derivatives of cyclanic, cyclenic or cycloterpenic hydrocarbons; 1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH (ISO)), including lindane (ISO, INN). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for Lindane?

Lindane, which is the gamma isomer of hexachlorocyclohexane, is specifically classified under HS code 2903.81.

Is HCH classified as a pesticide in Chapter 29?

No, Chapter 29 covers the pure chemical. If the HCH is formulated into a pesticide (e.g., with surfactants or carriers) for retail sale, it must be classified under heading 3808.

Which countries are the top exporters of hexachlorocyclohexane (HS 290381)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290381 (the code used for hexachlorocyclohexane) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($452K, 50% of world exports), Belgium ($208K) and India ($91K). World exports came to about $895K, 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 hexachlorocyclohexane (HS 290381)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 290381 (the code used for hexachlorocyclohexane) in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($334K, 44% of world imports), Belgium ($131K) and Pakistan ($69K). World imports came to about $753K, 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 Hexachlorocyclohexane the same in all countries?

The base HS code 290381 for Hexachlorocyclohexane 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 hexachlorocyclohexane in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 290381 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for hexachlorocyclohexane depends on the product's details: 2903.81.10 (Lindane (gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane)), 2903.81.20 (alpha-Hexachlorocyclohexane), 2903.81.30 (beta-Hexachlorocyclohexane), 2903.81.90 (Other hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH)).