Product classification
HS code for HFC-32: 2903.42
Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, difluoromethane (HFC-32).
Classification of HFC-32 under HS 2903.42
HFC-32, also known as difluoromethane, is classified under HS code 2903.42. This classification is based on its chemical structure as a saturated fluorinated derivative of an acyclic hydrocarbon. In the Harmonized System, Chapter 29 is dedicated to organic chemicals, and heading 2903 specifically addresses halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons. HFC-32 consists of a methane backbone where two hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine atoms (CH2F2). Because it is a saturated compound (containing only single bonds) and is a separate chemically defined substance, it falls under the 2903.4x series. Subheading 2903.42 was specifically created to isolate difluoromethane for trade monitoring and environmental regulatory purposes. This classification is critical for importers and exporters to ensure compliance with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which tracks the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons. The code 2903.42 applies only to the pure gas; if HFC-32 is mixed with other gases, such as in the common refrigerant R-410A, the classification shifts to Chapter 38.
- Covers
- Difluoromethane (HFC-32)
- R-32 Refrigerant grade gas
- Pure HFC-32 used in chemical synthesis
- Methylene fluoride
- Also under 2903.42
- Daikin R-32
- Chemours HFC-32
- Honeywell HFC-32
Codes often confused with 2903.42
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for HFC-32 is HS code 3824.78, which covers mixtures containing perfluorocarbons (PFCs) or hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Many users mistakenly use this code for pure HFC-32 when it is intended for refrigerant blends like R-410A or R-407C. Additionally, it is sometimes confused with HS code 2903.41 (trifluoromethane) or 2903.39 (other fluorinated derivatives), though 2903.42 is the only correct code for pure difluoromethane.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290342 (the code used for HFC-32), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290342 (the code used for HFC-32) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 66% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 18% 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 290342, not only HFC-32.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $417M 66% of world exports
- 2 India $80M 13% of world exports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$44M 7.1% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $628M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Thailand $110M 18% of world imports
- 2 United States $70M 12% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $62M 10% of world imports
World total: $609M 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. 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-32
Brazil classifies HFC-32 under NCM 2903.42.00: HS 2903.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about HFC-32
What is the HS code for HFC-32?
The HS code for HFC-32 is 290342 (Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; difluoromethane (HFC-32)). The correct HS code for pure HFC-32 (difluoromethane) is 2903.42.
How do I classify HFC-32 for customs?
HFC-32 is classified under HS code 290342 — Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; difluoromethane (HFC-32). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change if HFC-32 is in a mixture?
Yes, if HFC-32 is part of a refrigerant blend or mixture, it is typically classified under HS code 3824.78 rather than 2903.42.
Which countries are the top exporters of HFC-32 (HS 290342)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290342 (the code used for HFC-32) in UN Comtrade data were China ($417M, 66% of world exports), India ($80M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $44M). World exports came to about $628M, 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-32 (HS 290342)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290342 (the code used for HFC-32) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($110M, 18% of world imports), the United States ($70M) and Brazil ($62M). World imports came to about $609M, 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-32 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290342 for HFC-32 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-32 in Brazil?
In Brazil, HFC-32 (HS 290342) is classified under NCM 2903.42.00.