Product classification

HS code for HFC-143a: 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-143a under HS 2903.44

HFC-143a, chemically known as 1,1,1-trifluoroethane, is classified under HS code 2903.44. This classification is determined by the Harmonized System's hierarchical structure for organic chemicals, specifically within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals, and heading 2903, which is dedicated to halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons. Following the 2022 HS nomenclature updates, specific subheadings were established to monitor hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) regulated under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. Subheading 2903.44 is a specific category for saturated fluorinated derivatives that explicitly names pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (HFC-143a), and 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HFC-143). The classification logic is based on the chemical being a saturated compound, meaning it contains only single bonds between carbon atoms, and it is an acyclic hydrocarbon derivative where hydrogen atoms are substituted by fluorine. As a pure, single chemically defined compound, it must be classified in Chapter 29. If the substance were part of a refrigerant blend, such as R-404A or R-507A, it would instead be classified under heading 3824. The precision of 2903.44 ensures that customs authorities can track the import and export volumes of this specific high-global-warming-potential gas for environmental compliance.

Covers
  • 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (HFC-143a)
  • Pentafluoroethane (HFC-125)
  • 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HFC-143)
  • Pure HFC-143a gas used as a refrigerant component
  • Pure HFC-143a used as a propellant
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-143a is frequently misclassified under HS code 2903.49, which is a residual category for other saturated fluorinated derivatives. However, because HFC-143a is explicitly named in the 2903.44 subheading, the residual code is incorrect. Another common error is classifying it under 3824.78, which covers mixtures containing HFCs. While HFC-143a is a major component of refrigerant blends like R-404A, the pure chemical must remain in Chapter 29. Additionally, it should not be confused with unsaturated derivatives found in 2903.51 or 2903.59.

2903.49Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; n.e.c. in item no 2903.42903.51Unsaturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf), 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze) and (Z)-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (HFO-1336mzz)2903.59Unsaturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; n.e.c. in item no. 2903.5

Top exporters and importers of HS 290344 (the code used for HFC-143a), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290344 (the code used for HFC-143a) 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-143a.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $56M
  2. 2 United States $32M
  3. 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$21M

World total: $140M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $43M
  2. 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$19M
  3. 3 Netherlands $16M

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-143a

Brazil classifies HFC-143a 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-143a

What is the HS code for HFC-143a?

The HS code for HFC-143a 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-143a (1,1,1-trifluoroethane) is 2903.44.

How do I classify HFC-143a for customs?

HFC-143a 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-143a regulated under the Montreal Protocol?

Yes, HFC-143a is one of the hydrofluorocarbons controlled under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol due to its high global warming potential, requiring specific import and export licenses.

Which countries are the top exporters of HFC-143a (HS 290344)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290344 (the code used for HFC-143a) 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-143a (HS 290344)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 290344 (the code used for HFC-143a) 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-143a the same in all countries?

The base HS code 290344 for HFC-143a 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-143a in Brazil?

In Brazil, HFC-143a (HS 290344) is classified under NCM 2903.44.00.