Product classification
HS code for Lithium PFOS: 2904.33
Derivatives of hydrocarbons, lithium perfluorooctane sulphonate, whether or not halogenated.
Classification of lithium PFOS under HS 2904.33
Lithium perfluorooctane sulphonate, commonly referred to as Lithium PFOS, is classified under HS code 2904.33. This code is located within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals. Heading 2904 is designated for sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives of hydrocarbons, whether or not halogenated. In recent years, the Harmonized System has been updated to provide specific codes for substances controlled under international environmental agreements like the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Subheading 2904.33 was specifically created to monitor the trade of this particular salt of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid. The classification is determined by the chemical structure of the compound, which consists of a perfluorinated hydrocarbon chain attached to a sulphonate group with a lithium cation. This substance has historically been used in specialized industrial applications, such as in the manufacture of semiconductors or as an antistatic agent in photography. Because it is a chemically defined organic compound, it must be classified in Chapter 29 rather than as a chemical preparation in Chapter 38, unless it is mixed with other substances for a specific functional use. The precision of this code ensures that customs authorities can track the movement of this regulated chemical.
- Covers
- Lithium perfluorooctane sulphonate (pure)
- Lithium salt of PFOS
- Perfluorooctane sulphonic acid, lithium salt
- Also under 2904.33
- 3M (historical producer)
- Chemours (fluorochemicals, but LiPFOS largely restricted)
- Daikin (fluorochemicals, but LiPFOS largely restricted)
Codes often confused with 2904.33
Common mistake. Lithium PFOS is often confused with the parent acid, perfluorooctane sulphonic acid (PFOS), which is classified under HS code 2904.31. It may also be confused with other salts of PFOS, such as the potassium salt (2904.32) or the ammonium salt (2904.34). If the chemical is part of a prepared mixture for industrial use, it might be misclassified under 3824.99.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290433 (the code used for lithium PFOS), 2025
In 2025, the only exporter of HS 290433 (the code used for lithium PFOS) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 100% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 86% of world imports. Austria reports $783M of its chapter 29 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 290433, not only lithium PFOS.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $55 100% of world exports
Austria reports $783M of its chapter 29 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $55 Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $47K 86% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $4K 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $2K 3.9% of world imports
World total: $55K 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 lithium PFOS
Brazil classifies lithium PFOS under NCM 2904.33.00: HS 2904.33 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lithium PFOS
What is the HS code for Lithium PFOS?
The HS code for Lithium PFOS is 290433 (Derivatives of hydrocarbons; lithium perfluorooctane sulphonate, whether or not halogenated). The specific HS code for lithium perfluorooctane sulphonate is 2904.33.
How do I classify Lithium PFOS for customs?
Lithium PFOS is classified under HS code 290433 — Derivatives of hydrocarbons; lithium perfluorooctane sulphonate, whether or not halogenated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why does Lithium PFOS have its own HS code?
It has a dedicated code to facilitate the monitoring and control of the substance under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
Which countries are the top exporters of lithium PFOS (HS 290433)?
In 2025, the only exporter of HS 290433 (the code used for lithium PFOS) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea ($55, 100% of world exports). World exports came to about $55, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Austria reports $783M of its chapter 29 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of lithium PFOS (HS 290433)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290433 (the code used for lithium PFOS) in UN Comtrade data were France ($47K, 86% of world imports), the Netherlands ($4K) and Türkiye ($2K). World imports came to about $55K, 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 Lithium PFOS the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290433 for Lithium PFOS 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 lithium PFOS in Brazil?
In Brazil, lithium PFOS (HS 290433) is classified under NCM 2904.33.00.