Product classification

HS code for Methyl chloride: 2903.11

Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, chloromethane (methyl chloride) and chloroethane (ethyl chloride).

Classification of methyl chloride under HS 2903.11

Methyl chloride, or chloromethane, is classified under HS code 2903.11. This code is part of heading 2903, which covers halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons. Specifically, 2903.11 is designated for saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, and it explicitly includes both chloromethane (methyl chloride) and chloroethane (ethyl chloride). The classification is based on the chemical structure: a methane molecule where one hydrogen atom is replaced by a chlorine atom. As a saturated acyclic hydrocarbon derivative, it fits the criteria for the 2903.1x series. Methyl chloride is a colorless, flammable gas with a faintly sweet odor, primarily used in the production of silicone polymers, as a methylating agent in organic synthesis, and formerly as a refrigerant. The HS system groups it with ethyl chloride because of their similar chemical properties and industrial applications as primary chlorinated alkanes.

Covers
  • Chloromethane
  • Methyl chloride gas
  • Liquefied methyl chloride
  • Refrigerant grade methyl chloride (pure)
  • Methyl chloride for chemical intermediates
Also under 2903.11
  • Dow Chemical chloromethane
  • Shin-Etsu Chemical chloromethane
  • Solvay chloroethane
  • Arkema chloroethane

Codes often confused with 2903.11

Common mistake. Methyl chloride is frequently confused with HS code 2903.12, which is the code for dichloromethane (methylene chloride). While the names are similar, dichloromethane has two chlorine atoms, whereas methyl chloride has only one. Another common misclassification is 3824.71, which covers mixtures containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Pure methyl chloride is a single chemical compound and must stay in 2903.11, whereas refrigerant blends containing it would move to Chapter 38.

2903.12Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; dichloromethane (methylene chloride)

Top exporters and importers of HS 290311 (the code used for methyl chloride), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290311 (the code used for methyl chloride) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 85% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 26% 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 290311, not only methyl chloride.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $98M
  2. 2 China $5.5M
  3. 3 France $4.3M

World total: $116M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 France $29M
  2. 2 United States $22M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $18M

World total: $114M 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 codes for methyl chloride

Brazil splits HS 2903.11 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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

Questions about methyl chloride

What is the HS code for Methyl chloride?

The HS code for Methyl chloride is 290311 (Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; chloromethane (methyl chloride) and chloroethane (ethyl chloride)). The HS code for methyl chloride (chloromethane) is 2903.11.

How do I classify Methyl chloride for customs?

Methyl chloride is classified under HS code 290311 — Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; chloromethane (methyl chloride) and chloroethane (ethyl chloride). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is methyl chloride the same as methylene chloride in the HS system?

No, methyl chloride is 2903.11, while methylene chloride (dichloromethane) is 2903.12. They are distinct chemical entities with different levels of chlorination.

Which countries are the top exporters of methyl chloride (HS 290311)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290311 (the code used for methyl chloride) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($98M, 85% of world exports), China ($5.5M) and France ($4.3M). World exports came to about $116M, 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 methyl chloride (HS 290311)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 290311 (the code used for methyl chloride) in UN Comtrade data were France ($29M, 26% of world imports), the United States ($22M) and the United Kingdom ($18M). World imports came to about $114M, 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 Methyl chloride the same in all countries?

The base HS code 290311 for Methyl chloride 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 methyl chloride in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 290311 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for methyl chloride depends on the product's details: 2903.11.10 (Chloromethane (methyl chloride)), 2903.11.20 (Chloroethane (ethyl chloride)).