Product classification
HS code for HFC-152: 2903.43
Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, fluoromethane (HFC-41), 1,2-difluoroethane (HFC-152) and 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a).
Classification of HFC-152 under HS 2903.43
HFC-152, or 1,2-difluoroethane, is classified under HS code 2903.43. This classification is part of the 2022 Harmonized System nomenclature updates, which reorganized the categories for halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons to facilitate the tracking of substances with environmental impact. Heading 2903 covers these derivatives, and subheading 2903.43 specifically groups fluoromethane (HFC-41), 1,2-difluoroethane (HFC-152), and 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a). The classification is determined by the chemical structure: HFC-152 is a saturated acyclic hydrocarbon where two hydrogen atoms have been replaced by fluorine atoms at the 1 and 2 positions. The term "saturated" indicates that the molecule contains no double or triple carbon-carbon bonds. Under the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and GRI 6, the product is classified based on the literal terms of the headings and subheadings. Since HFC-152 is an isomer of the more common HFC-152a, they share the same molecular formula (C2H4F2) and are consequently grouped together under this specific code. This classification is vital for environmental monitoring and ensuring that the chemical is subject to the correct regulatory frameworks, such as the Kigali Amendment's phase-down schedules for hydrofluorocarbons.
- Covers
- 1,2-difluoroethane (HFC-152)
- 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a)
- Fluoromethane (HFC-41)
- Pure HFC-152 gas used in chemical synthesis
- Isomeric mixtures of difluoroethanes
- Also under 2903.43
- Arkema Forane 152a
- DuPont Suva 152a (legacy)
- Honeywell Solstice (alternative for context)
- Chemours Opteon (alternative for context)
Codes often confused with 2903.43
Common mistake. HFC-152 is often misclassified under HS code 2903.49, which is the "other" category for saturated fluorinated derivatives. Because HFC-152 is explicitly covered by the text of 2903.43, using the residual code 2903.49 is a violation of GRI 1. It is also sometimes confused with 2903.42 (difluoromethane/HFC-32) due to similar naming conventions. Furthermore, if HFC-152 is imported as part of a formulated solvent or refrigerant blend, it must be moved to heading 3824, specifically 3824.78.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290343 (the code used for HFC-152), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290343 (the code used for HFC-152) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 61% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 290343, not only HFC-152.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $90M 61% of world exports
- 2 United States $32M 22% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $9.5M 6.4% of world exports
World total: $147M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $21M 15% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $14M 10% of world imports
- 3 India $13M 9.8% of world imports
Mexico reports $578M of its heading 2903 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $134M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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-152
Brazil classifies HFC-152 under NCM 2903.43.00: HS 2903.43 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about HFC-152
What is the HS code for HFC-152?
The HS code for HFC-152 is 290343 (Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; fluoromethane (HFC-41), 1,2-difluoroethane (HFC-152) and 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a)). The HS code for HFC-152 (1,2-difluoroethane) is 2903.43.
How do I classify HFC-152 for customs?
HFC-152 is classified under HS code 290343 — Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; fluoromethane (HFC-41), 1,2-difluoroethane (HFC-152) and 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does HFC-152 differ from HFC-152a in classification?
Both HFC-152 and HFC-152a are isomers and are classified under the same HS code, 2903.43, as they are both saturated difluoroethanes explicitly listed in that subheading.
Which countries are the top exporters of HFC-152 (HS 290343)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290343 (the code used for HFC-152) in UN Comtrade data were China ($90M, 61% of world exports), the United States ($32M) and South Korea ($9.5M). World exports came to about $147M, 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-152 (HS 290343)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290343 (the code used for HFC-152) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($21M, 15% of world imports), South Korea ($14M) and India ($13M). World imports came to about $134M, 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-152 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290343 for HFC-152 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-152 in Brazil?
In Brazil, HFC-152 (HS 290343) is classified under NCM 2903.43.00.