Product classification
HS code for HFC-23: 2903.41
Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, trifluoromethane (HFC-23).
Classification of HFC-23 under HS 2903.41
HFC-23, chemically known as trifluoromethane, is classified under HS code 2903.41. This classification is part of Chapter 29, which deals with organic chemicals, specifically the halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons. Within heading 2903, the subheadings are organized by the type of halogen and the degree of saturation. Subheading 2903.41 is a specific provision for trifluoromethane. This classification is strictly for the chemically defined pure compound. If the HFC-23 is part of a mixture, such as a blended refrigerant used in ultra-low temperature cooling, the classification would shift to Chapter 38. The precision of this code is essential for monitoring environmental regulations and quotas associated with high global warming potential (GWP) gases. Customs authorities use this specific code to track the movement of HFC-23, which is often a byproduct of HCFC-22 production and is subject to strict controls under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
- Covers
- Pure Trifluoromethane (HFC-23)
- Fluoroform gas
- R-23 refrigerant (pure form)
- Methyl trifluoride
- HFC-23 used as a fire suppressant
- Also under 2903.41
- Chemours HFC-23
- Honeywell HFC-23
- Arkema HFC-23
Codes often confused with 2903.41
Common mistake. HFC-23 is often misclassified under 2903.42 (difluoromethane) or 2903.49 (other fluorinated derivatives). It is also frequently confused with HS code 3824.78, which covers mixtures containing perfluorocarbons (PFCs) or hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). If the product is a blend like R-404A or R-410A, it cannot be classified in Chapter 29 and must be placed in Chapter 38.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290341 (the code used for HFC-23), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290341 (the code used for HFC-23) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 39% 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 290341, not only HFC-23.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $10M 48% of world exports
- 2 Japan $4.7M 22% of world exports
- 3 United States $2.6M 12% of world exports
World total: $22M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $8.5M 39% of world imports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$3.6M 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $1.9M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $22M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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-23
Brazil classifies HFC-23 under NCM 2903.41.00: HS 2903.41 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about HFC-23
What is the HS code for HFC-23?
The HS code for HFC-23 is 290341 (Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; trifluoromethane (HFC-23)). The HS code for pure HFC-23 (trifluoromethane) is 2903.41.
How do I classify HFC-23 for customs?
HFC-23 is classified under HS code 290341 — Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; trifluoromethane (HFC-23). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is HFC-23 regulated for import/export?
Yes, because it is a potent greenhouse gas, HFC-23 classified under 2903.41 often requires specific environmental permits and is subject to phase-down schedules in many countries.
Which countries are the top exporters of HFC-23 (HS 290341)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290341 (the code used for HFC-23) in UN Comtrade data were China ($10M, 48% of world exports), Japan ($4.7M) and the United States ($2.6M). World exports came to about $22M, 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-23 (HS 290341)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290341 (the code used for HFC-23) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($8.5M, 39% of world imports), Taiwan (about $3.6M) and the United States ($1.9M). World imports came to about $22M, 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-23 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290341 for HFC-23 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-23 in Brazil?
In Brazil, HFC-23 (HS 290341) is classified under NCM 2903.41.00.