Product classification
HS code for HFC-41: 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-41 under HS 2903.43
HFC-41, or fluoromethane, is classified under HS code 2903.43. This classification falls under Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals) and Heading 2903 (Halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons). The specific subheading 2903.43 is reserved for saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, specifically naming fluoromethane (HFC-41), 1,2-difluoroethane (HFC-152), and 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a). The classification is based on the chemical structure: it is an acyclic hydrocarbon (methane) where one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by fluorine, and it contains no double or triple bonds (saturated). Under the Harmonized System's 2022 revisions, these specific HFCs were grouped to facilitate international tracking of greenhouse gases. Proper classification requires verifying that the substance is not mixed with other chemicals, as Chapter 29 is strictly for separate chemically defined compounds.
- Covers
- Fluoromethane (HFC-41)
- 1,2-difluoroethane (HFC-152)
- 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a)
- Pure HFC-41 gas used in semiconductor etching
- Pure HFC-152a used as an aerosol propellant
- 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. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 2903.41, which is specifically for trifluoromethane (HFC-23), or 2903.42, which is for difluoromethane (HFC-32). Importers often confuse these because they are all fluorinated methanes or ethanes. Additionally, HFC-152a is sometimes incorrectly placed in 2903.45 (tetrafluoroethanes) due to the similarity in name, but 2903.43 is the specific home for the difluoro- variants.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290343 (the code used for HFC-41), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290343 (the code used for HFC-41) 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-41.
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-41
Brazil classifies HFC-41 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-41
What is the HS code for HFC-41?
The HS code for HFC-41 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 HFC-41 (fluoromethane) is 2903.43.
How do I classify HFC-41 for customs?
HFC-41 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 classified under the same code as HFC-41?
Yes, both HFC-41 and HFC-152a are explicitly listed under the same HS subheading, 2903.43, as they are both saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons.
Which countries are the top exporters of HFC-41 (HS 290343)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290343 (the code used for HFC-41) 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-41 (HS 290343)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290343 (the code used for HFC-41) 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-41 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290343 for HFC-41 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-41 in Brazil?
In Brazil, HFC-41 (HS 290343) is classified under NCM 2903.43.00.