Product classification

HS code for HFC-134a: 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-134a under HS 2903.45

HFC-134a, or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, is classified under HS code 2903.45. This classification follows the structure of the Harmonized System where pure organic chemicals are categorized in Chapter 29. Heading 2903 is dedicated to halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons. Because HFC-134a is a saturated acyclic hydrocarbon derivative containing only fluorine halogens, it falls under the specific sub-group for fluorinated derivatives. The 2022 HS update created subheading 2903.45 specifically for tetrafluoroethanes. This includes both the common HFC-134a and its isomer HFC-134 (1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane). The classification is based on the molecular formula C2H2F4. Accurate classification is vital for customs authorities to monitor the import and export of this substance, which is widely used as a refrigerant and propellant but is subject to phase-down schedules due to its global warming potential.

Covers
  • 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a)
  • 1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134)
  • Pure R-134a refrigerant
  • HFC-134a aerosol propellants
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 for HFC-134a is HS code 3827.62. This code is intended for mixtures containing tetrafluoroethanes and pentafluoroethane. Importers often confuse the pure gas with refrigerant blends that contain HFC-134a. Additionally, it is sometimes incorrectly placed under 2903.44, which is the code for pentafluoroethane (HFC-125).

3827.62Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane; containing other hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) but not containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs); other mixtures, not included in the subheading above, 2903.44Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (HFC-143a) and 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HFC-143)

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

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290345 (the code used for HFC-134a) 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-134a.

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-134a

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-134a

What is the HS code for HFC-134a?

The HS code for HFC-134a is 290345 (Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134)). The HS code for pure HFC-134a is 2903.45.

How do I classify HFC-134a for customs?

HFC-134a 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.

Does the HS code change for HFC-134a isomers?

No, both 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134) are classified under the same HS code, 2903.45.

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

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290345 (the code used for HFC-134a) 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-134a (HS 290345)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 290345 (the code used for HFC-134a) 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-134a the same in all countries?

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

Brazil splits HS 290345 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for HFC-134a 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)).