Product classification
HS code for HFC-143: 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-143 under HS 2903.44
The classification of HFC-143 and related compounds falls under HS code 2903.44. This code covers saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, specifically pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (HFC-143a), and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-143). As part of Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals), heading 2903, this subheading is part of a structured effort to categorize halogenated derivatives based on their specific halogen content and molecular structure. These chemicals are primarily used as refrigerants, blowing agents, or propellants. The classification is determined by the chemical purity and the specific isomers present. HFC-143a, for instance, is a common component in refrigerant blends like R-404A and R-507. However, when classified under 2903.44, the product must be a separate chemically defined compound. The precision of this subheading allows for detailed tracking of substances with high global warming potential (GWP), ensuring that international trade data aligns with environmental regulatory requirements such as the Montreal Protocol and its subsequent amendments.
- Covers
- Pure 1,1,1-Trifluoroethane (HFC-143a)
- Pure 1,1,2-Trifluoroethane (HFC-143)
- Pure Pentafluoroethane (HFC-125)
- Saturated fluorinated acyclic hydrocarbons (143/125 series)
- HFC-143a gas for industrial use
- 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. The most frequent error is confusing 2903.44 with 2903.45 (which covers HFC-134). While both are saturated fluorinated derivatives, they contain different numbers of fluorine atoms. Additionally, mixtures containing HFC-143a (such as R-404A) are often incorrectly classified here; they should be under 3827.51 or similar codes for mixtures. Pure compounds must be at least 95% pure to qualify for Chapter 29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290344 (the code used for HFC-143), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290344 (the code used for HFC-143) 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-143.
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-143
Brazil classifies HFC-143 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-143
What is the HS code for HFC-143?
The HS code for HFC-143 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-143 and its isomer HFC-143a is 2903.44.
How do I classify HFC-143 for customs?
HFC-143 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.
What is the difference between HFC-143 and HFC-134 in the HS system?
HFC-143 (trifluoroethane) is classified under 2903.44, while HFC-134 (tetrafluoroethane) is classified under 2903.45 based on the number of fluorine atoms in the molecule.
Which countries are the top exporters of HFC-143 (HS 290344)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290344 (the code used for HFC-143) 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-143 (HS 290344)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290344 (the code used for HFC-143) 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-143 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290344 for HFC-143 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-143 in Brazil?
In Brazil, HFC-143 (HS 290344) is classified under NCM 2903.44.00.