Product classification
HS code for HFC-125: 2903.44
Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (HFC-143a) and 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HFC-143).
Classification of HFC-125 under HS 2903.44
HFC-125, chemically known as pentafluoroethane, is classified under HS code 2903.44. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1 and GRI 6. As a separate chemically defined organic compound, HFC-125 falls within Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals). Heading 2903 covers halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons. Within this heading, the 2022 HS nomenclature updates specifically partitioned fluorinated derivatives into subheadings based on their chemical structure and saturation. Subheading 2903.44 is designated for saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, specifically naming pentafluoroethane (HFC-125) alongside 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (HFC-143a) and 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HFC-143). The classification relies on the fact that the molecule consists of an ethane backbone where five hydrogen atoms have been replaced by fluorine atoms, and it contains no other halogens such as chlorine or bromine. This code is essential for tracking substances regulated under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
- Covers
- Pentafluoroethane (HFC-125)
- 1,1,1-Trifluoroethane (HFC-143a)
- 1,1,2-Trifluoroethane (HFC-143)
- Pure HFC-125 refrigerant gas
- Also under 2903.44
- Chemours Freon 410A (contains HFC-125)
- Honeywell Genetron 404A (contains HFC-125, HFC-143a)
- Fike ECARO-25 (HFC-125 fire suppressant)
- Arkema Forane 125
Codes often confused with 2903.44
Common mistake. HFC-125 is frequently misclassified under HS code 3827.61. This occurs because HFC-125 is a primary component of the popular refrigerant blend R-410A. However, while the blend R-410A belongs in Chapter 38 as a mixture, the pure chemical HFC-125 must be classified in Chapter 29. Another common error is using 2903.45, which is reserved for tetrafluoroethanes like HFC-134a.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290344 (the code used for HFC-125), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290344 (the code used for HFC-125) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% 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 290344, not only HFC-125.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $56M 40% of world exports
- 2 United States $32M 23% of world exports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$21M 15% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $140M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $43M 31% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$19M 13% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Netherlands $16M 11% of world imports
World total: $142M 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 HFC-125
Brazil classifies HFC-125 under NCM 2903.44.00: HS 2903.44 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about HFC-125
What is the HS code for HFC-125?
The HS code for HFC-125 is 290344 (Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (HFC-143a) and 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HFC-143)). The HS code for pure HFC-125 (pentafluoroethane) is 2903.44.
How do I classify HFC-125 for customs?
HFC-125 is classified under HS code 290344 — Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (HFC-143a) and 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HFC-143). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is HFC-125 classified differently if it is in a mixture?
Yes, if HFC-125 is mixed with other hydrofluorocarbons, such as in R-404A or R-410A, it is classified under heading 3827 rather than 2903.
Which countries are the top exporters of HFC-125 (HS 290344)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290344 (the code used for HFC-125) in UN Comtrade data were China ($56M, 40% of world exports), the United States ($32M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $21M). World exports came to about $140M, 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 HFC-125 (HS 290344)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290344 (the code used for HFC-125) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($43M, 31% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $19M) and the Netherlands ($16M). World imports came to about $142M, 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 HFC-125 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290344 for HFC-125 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 HFC-125 in Brazil?
In Brazil, HFC-125 (HS 290344) is classified under NCM 2903.44.00.