Product classification

HS code for HFC-134: 2903.45

Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134).

Classification of HFC-134 under HS 2903.45

HS code 2903.45 is used for the classification of specific saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, namely 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (commonly known as HFC-134a) and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134). These substances are classified under Chapter 29, which encompasses organic chemicals. Heading 2903 is dedicated to halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons. The classification logic follows the chemical structure: these are acyclic (open-chain) hydrocarbons where hydrogen atoms have been replaced by fluorine atoms. Because they are \"saturated,\" they contain only single bonds between carbon atoms. HFC-134a is one of the most widely used refrigerants in mobile air conditioning and domestic refrigeration. The HS system provides specific subheadings for these fluorinated hydrocarbons to facilitate the monitoring of greenhouse gases under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. It is important to note that this code applies to the pure chemical compounds. If these gases are mixed with other refrigerants or oils, the classification may shift to Chapter 38, specifically heading 3824 or 3827 depending on the mixture composition.

Covers
  • Pure 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a)
  • Pure 1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134)
  • Refrigerant gas HFC-134a in cylinders
  • HFC-134a used as an aerosol propellant
  • Saturated fluorinated acyclic hydrocarbons (specific to 134 series)
Also under 2903.45
  • Chemours Freon 134a
  • Honeywell Genetron 134a
  • Arkema Forane 134a
  • DuPont Suva 134a

Codes often confused with 2903.45

Common mistake. A common misclassification is HS code 3824.78 (or 3827.31 in newer versions), which covers refrigerant mixtures containing HFCs. If HFC-134a is blended with other gases like HFC-125, it cannot stay in 2903.45. Another error is 2903.41, which covers different fluorinated derivatives like trifluoromethane. Importers must ensure the chemical purity exceeds 95% to remain in Chapter 29.

3827.31Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane; containing hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) or hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) or not, but not containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs); containing substances of su2903.41Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; trifluoromethane (HFC-23)

Top exporters and importers of HS 290345 (the code used for HFC-134), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290345 (the code used for HFC-134) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 7.7% 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 290345, not only HFC-134.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $751M
  2. 2 United Kingdom $111M
  3. 3 Netherlands $94M

World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$93M
  2. 2 Brazil $83M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $68M

Mexico reports $578M of its heading 2903 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.

World total: $1.2B 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 codes for HFC-134

Brazil splits HS 2903.45 into 2 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 HFC-134

What is the HS code for HFC-134?

The HS code for HFC-134 is 290345 (Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134)).

How do I classify HFC-134 for customs?

HFC-134 is classified under HS code 290345 — Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for HFC-134a?

The HS code for pure HFC-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) is 2903.45.

Is HFC-134a classified differently if it contains lubricant?

Yes, if HFC-134a is imported pre-mixed with compressor oil, it is generally classified as a preparation under Chapter 38 rather than a pure chemical in Chapter 29.

Which countries are the top exporters of HFC-134 (HS 290345)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290345 (the code used for HFC-134) in UN Comtrade data were China ($751M, 58% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($111M) and the Netherlands ($94M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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-134 (HS 290345)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 290345 (the code used for HFC-134) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $93M, 7.7% of world imports), Brazil ($83M) and the United Kingdom ($68M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 HFC-134 the same in all countries?

The base HS code 290345 for HFC-134 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-134 in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 290345 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for HFC-134 depends on the product's details: 2903.45.10 (1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a)), 2903.45.20 (1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134)).