Product classification
HS code for HFC-23 mixtures: 3827.59
Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane, containing trifluoromethan (HFC-23) or perfluorocarbons (PFCs) not containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), other mixtures n.e.c. in subheading 38.
Classification of HFC-23 mixtures under HS 3827.59
Mixtures containing HFC-23 (trifluoromethane) are classified under HS code 3827.59. This classification is a result of the 2022 Harmonized System updates, which introduced heading 3827 to specifically address mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane, or propane. Unlike pure HFC-23, which is classified as a chemically defined compound in Chapter 29, mixtures are classified in Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products). Subheading 3827.59 is a residual category for mixtures containing HFC-23 or perfluorocarbons (PFCs) that do not contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). This classification is critical for environmental reporting, as HFC-23 is a potent greenhouse gas often produced as a byproduct. The inclusion of PFCs in this subheading also ensures that various high-GWP industrial gas blends are captured for regulatory oversight.
- Covers
- Mixtures containing trifluoromethane (HFC-23)
- Mixtures containing perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
- Refrigerant blends like R-508B (containing HFC-23)
- Industrial gas mixtures without CFCs or HCFCs
- Also under 3827.59
- 3M Novec fluids (some older PFC-containing formulations)
- DuPont Vertrel fluids
- specific industrial gas blends for etching and cleaning
Codes often confused with 3827.59
Common mistake. The most frequent error is classifying these mixtures under HS code 2903.41, which is reserved exclusively for pure HFC-23. Another common misclassification is 3827.51, which is specifically for mixtures containing certain other HFCs. Importers must distinguish between pure substances and blends to avoid customs penalties and incorrect environmental quota deductions.
Top exporters and importers of HS 382759 (the code used for HFC-23 mixtures), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382759 (the code used for HFC-23 mixtures) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 40% of world imports. Mexico reports $159M of its heading 3827 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 382759, not only HFC-23 mixtures.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.5M 30% of world exports
- 2 South Africa $1.4M 27% of world exports
- 3 Italy $1.3M 26% of world exports
World total: $5.2M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $16M 40% of world imports
- 2 South Africa $14M 35% of world imports
- 3 France $3.1M 7.5% of world imports
Mexico reports $159M of its heading 3827 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $41M 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-23 mixtures
Brazil classifies HFC-23 mixtures under NCM 3827.59.00: HS 3827.59 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 mixtures
What is the HS code for HFC-23 mixtures?
The HS code for HFC-23 mixtures is 382759 (Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane; containing trifluoromethan (HFC-23) or perfluorocarbons (PFCs) not containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs); other mixtures n.e.c. in subheading 38).
How do I classify HFC-23 mixtures for customs?
HFC-23 mixtures is classified under HS code 382759 — Mixtures containing halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane or propane; containing trifluoromethan (HFC-23) or perfluorocarbons (PFCs) not containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs); other mixtures n.e.c. in subheading 38. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for mixtures containing HFC-23?
The HS code for these mixtures is 3827.59, provided they do not contain CFCs or HCFCs.
Why are these mixtures in Chapter 38 instead of Chapter 29?
Chapter 29 is reserved for separate chemically defined compounds, whereas Chapter 38 covers chemical mixtures and preparations.
Which countries are the top exporters of HFC-23 mixtures (HS 382759)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382759 (the code used for HFC-23 mixtures) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.5M, 30% of world exports), South Africa ($1.4M) and Italy ($1.3M). World exports came to about $5.2M, 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 mixtures (HS 382759)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 382759 (the code used for HFC-23 mixtures) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($16M, 40% of world imports), South Africa ($14M) and France ($3.1M). World imports came to about $41M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $159M of its heading 3827 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for HFC-23 mixtures the same in all countries?
The base HS code 382759 for HFC-23 mixtures 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 mixtures in Brazil?
In Brazil, HFC-23 mixtures (HS 382759) is classified under NCM 3827.59.00.