Product classification

HS code for HFC-236fa: 2903.46

Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea), 1,1,1,2,2,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236cb), 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236ea) and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236fa).

Classification of HFC-236fa under HS 2903.46

HFC-236fa, or 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane, is classified under HS code 2903.46. This subheading groups several saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons together, including HFC-227ea, HFC-236cb, HFC-236ea, and HFC-236fa. The classification is based on the chemical structure as a saturated fluorinated hydrocarbon. Like other fluorinated gases in Chapter 29, this code applies to the chemically defined compound in its pure state. It is widely used in fire suppression systems as a clean agent and as a specialty refrigerant in high-ambient temperature applications. Accurate classification is necessary for compliance with international environmental treaties like the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which tracks the production and consumption of these substances. Because 2903.46 covers multiple specific chemicals, the commercial name or chemical formula must be clearly stated on shipping documentation to verify that the product belongs in this specific group rather than a general "other" category.

Covers
  • 1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoropropane (HFC-236fa)
  • FE-36 fire extinguishing agent (pure)
  • HFC-227ea (Heptafluoropropane)
  • HFC-236ea isomers
  • Saturated fluorinated acyclic hydrocarbons listed in 2903.46
Also under 2903.46
  • Fike ECARO-25 (HFC-227ea)
  • Kidde FM-200 (HFC-227ea)
  • Siemens Sinorix 227 (HFC-227ea)
  • Chemours FE-25 (HFC-227ea)

Codes often confused with 2903.46

Common mistake. HFC-236fa is commonly misclassified under 2903.45, which covers other saturated fluorinated derivatives not specifically named in 2903.41 through 2903.44. Another error is classifying it under 3813.00 if it is imported as part of a prepared fire extinguisher charge. If the chemical is mixed with other agents, it must be classified in Chapter 38 rather than the pure chemical heading of 2903.

2903.45Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134)2903.41Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; trifluoromethane (HFC-23)2903.44Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (HFC-143a) and 1,1,2-trifluoroethane (HFC-143)3813.00Fire-extinguishers; preparations and charges and charged fire-extinguishing grenades29.03Halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons

Top exporters and importers of HS 290346 (the code used for HFC-236fa), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290346 (the code used for HFC-236fa) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 29% 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 290346, not only HFC-236fa.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $96M
  2. 2 China $67M
  3. 3 United States $46M

World total: $265M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 France $76M
  2. 2 United Kingdom $37M
  3. 3 China $30M

World total: $260M 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-236fa

Brazil classifies HFC-236fa under NCM 2903.46.00: HS 2903.46 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about HFC-236fa

What is the HS code for HFC-236fa?

The HS code for HFC-236fa is 290346 (Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea), 1,1,1,2,2,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236cb), 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236ea) and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236fa)). The HS code for pure HFC-236fa is 2903.46.

How do I classify HFC-236fa for customs?

HFC-236fa is classified under HS code 290346 — Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea), 1,1,1,2,2,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236cb), 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236ea) and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236fa). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can HFC-236fa be classified under Chapter 38?

Only if it is part of a mixture or a prepared chemical formulation. In its pure, chemically defined form, it must stay in 2903.46.

Which countries are the top exporters of HFC-236fa (HS 290346)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290346 (the code used for HFC-236fa) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($96M, 36% of world exports), China ($67M) and the United States ($46M). World exports came to about $265M, 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-236fa (HS 290346)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 290346 (the code used for HFC-236fa) in UN Comtrade data were France ($76M, 29% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($37M) and China ($30M). World imports came to about $260M, 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-236fa the same in all countries?

The base HS code 290346 for HFC-236fa 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-236fa in Brazil?

In Brazil, HFC-236fa (HS 290346) is classified under NCM 2903.46.00.