Product classification
HS code for Methylene chloride: 2903.12
Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, dichloromethane (methylene chloride).
Classification of methylene chloride under HS 2903.12
Methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane, is classified under HS code 2903.12. This classification is determined by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and 6, which direct the classification of products according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. As a chemically defined organic compound, it falls within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals. Heading 2903 specifically addresses halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons. Within this heading, the sub-heading 2903.12 is reserved for dichloromethane. The classification is straightforward because the product is a saturated chlorinated derivative of an acyclic hydrocarbon. It must be in a pure or commercially pure state to remain in Chapter 29; if it were part of a complex mixture of solvents, it might be classified elsewhere. The chemical formula CH2Cl2 identifies it uniquely in the Harmonized System, ensuring that customs authorities worldwide apply consistent tariffs and regulatory controls to this volatile liquid used extensively in industrial processes.
- Covers
- Dichloromethane (pure or technical grade)
- Methylene bichloride
- Methylene dichloride
- Solvent-grade methylene chloride (not mixed)
- Also under 2903.12
- Dow Chemical dichloromethane
- Shin-Etsu Chemical dichloromethane
- Solvay dichloromethane
- BASF dichloromethane
Codes often confused with 2903.12
Common mistake. Methylene chloride is frequently misclassified under HS code 3814.00, which covers organic composite solvents and thinners. This error occurs when the product is used as a paint stripper or cleaning agent. However, if the substance is a separate chemically defined compound, Chapter 29 takes precedence over Chapter 38. Another common error is using 2903.11, which is specifically for chloromethane (methyl chloride), a different chemical compound with only one chlorine atom.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290312 (the code used for methylene chloride), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290312 (the code used for methylene chloride) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 8.9% of world imports. Mexico reports $578M of its heading 2903 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 29% of its imports here ($3.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 290312, not only methylene chloride.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $83M 35% of world exports
- 2 Germany $49M 21% of world exports
- 3 France $23M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $236M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $23M 8.9% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $14M 5.4% of world imports
- 3 United States $12M 4.5% of world imports
Mexico reports $578M of its heading 2903 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 29% of its imports here ($3.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
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 methylene chloride
Brazil classifies methylene chloride under NCM 2903.12.00: HS 2903.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about methylene chloride
What is the HS code for Methylene chloride?
The HS code for Methylene chloride is 290312 (Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; dichloromethane (methylene chloride)). The HS code for Methylene chloride (dichloromethane) is 2903.12.
How do I classify Methylene chloride for customs?
Methylene chloride is classified under HS code 290312 — Saturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; dichloromethane (methylene chloride). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is methylene chloride classified differently if used as a refrigerant?
No, the chemical identity determines the classification under 2903.12, regardless of its application as a refrigerant, solvent, or chemical intermediate, provided it is not blended with other substances.
Which countries are the top exporters of methylene chloride (HS 290312)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290312 (the code used for methylene chloride) in UN Comtrade data were China ($83M, 35% of world exports), Germany ($49M) and France ($23M). World exports came to about $236M, 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 methylene chloride (HS 290312)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290312 (the code used for methylene chloride) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($23M, 8.9% of world imports), Brazil ($14M) and the United States ($12M). World imports came to about $260M, 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. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 29% of its imports here ($3.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Methylene chloride the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290312 for Methylene 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 methylene chloride in Brazil?
In Brazil, methylene chloride (HS 290312) is classified under NCM 2903.12.00.