Product classification
HS code for HFC-152a: 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-152a under HS 2903.43
HFC-152a, chemically known as 1,1-difluoroethane, is classified under HS code 2903.43. This classification is governed by the 2022 updates to the Harmonized System, which created specific subheadings for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to support the implementation of the Kigali Amendment. Heading 2903 covers halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, and subheading 2903.43 is the designated category for fluoromethane (HFC-41), 1,2-difluoroethane (HFC-152), and 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a). The classification is based on the chemical's identity as a saturated derivative, meaning it contains only single carbon-carbon bonds. HFC-152a is widely used as an aerosol propellant in consumer products like hairsprays and duster sprays, as well as a foam-blowing agent and a component in refrigerant blends. As a pure, single chemically defined compound, it is classified in Chapter 29 according to Note 1 to that chapter. Proper classification under 2903.43 is essential for international trade, as it allows customs authorities to monitor the volume of this substance and ensure compliance with environmental quotas and licensing requirements. The code ensures that the specific global warming potential (GWP) of HFC-152a is accounted for in national environmental registries.
- Covers
- 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a)
- Fluoromethane (HFC-41)
- 1,2-difluoroethane (HFC-152)
- Pure HFC-152a used as an aerosol propellant
- Pure HFC-152a used as a foam-blowing agent
- 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-152a is frequently misclassified under HS code 2903.49, which serves as the residual category for other saturated fluorinated derivatives. Since HFC-152a is specifically named in the subheading for 2903.43, the use of 2903.49 is incorrect. Another common error occurs when HFC-152a is imported in aerosol cans; if the product is a finished consumer good (like a hairspray), it may be classified under Chapter 33, but the bulk chemical itself remains 2903.43. It is also often confused with 3824.78 when it is part of a refrigerant mixture.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290343 (the code used for HFC-152a), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290343 (the code used for HFC-152a) 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-152a.
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-152a
Brazil classifies HFC-152a 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-152a
What is the HS code for HFC-152a?
The HS code for HFC-152a 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 pure HFC-152a (1,1-difluoroethane) is 2903.43.
How do I classify HFC-152a for customs?
HFC-152a 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.
Is HFC-152a used in refrigerants?
Yes, HFC-152a is used both as a standalone refrigerant (R-152a) and as a component in various refrigerant blends, though the pure gas is always classified under 2903.43.
Which countries are the top exporters of HFC-152a (HS 290343)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290343 (the code used for HFC-152a) 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-152a (HS 290343)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290343 (the code used for HFC-152a) 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-152a the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290343 for HFC-152a 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-152a in Brazil?
In Brazil, HFC-152a (HS 290343) is classified under NCM 2903.43.00.