Product classification
HS code for Perchloroethylene: 2903.23
Unsaturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene).
Classification of perchloroethylene under HS 2903.23
Perchloroethylene, also known as tetrachloroethylene, is classified under HS code 2903.23. This product falls within Chapter 29, which encompasses organic chemicals. Specifically, heading 2903 covers halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons. Perchloroethylene is an unsaturated chlorinated derivative of an acyclic hydrocarbon. To qualify for this classification, the product must be a separate chemically defined compound, as per Note 1 to Chapter 29. This means the substance must be at least 95% pure or contain only those impurities resulting from the manufacturing process. Perchloroethylene is widely used in industrial applications, most notably as a dry-cleaning solvent and a degreasing agent. The classification is straightforward because the HS nomenclature provides a specific named subheading for tetrachloroethylene. Customs valuation and classification rely on the chemical's CAS number (127-18-4) to confirm its identity as the unsaturated derivative specified in 2903.23.
- Covers
- Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene)
- PCE or Perc (pure chemical form)
- Industrial grade perchloroethylene (unmixed)
- Dry cleaning grade tetrachloroethylene
- Unsaturated chlorinated acyclic hydrocarbons
- Also under 2903.23
- Dow Chemical Perchloroethylene
- OxyChem Perchloroethylene
- Solvay Perchloroethylene
Codes often confused with 2903.23
Common mistake. Perchloroethylene is often misclassified under HS code 3814.00, which covers organic composite solvents and thinners. This occurs when the perchloroethylene is part of a blended solvent mixture intended for a specific use. However, if the product is pure perchloroethylene, Chapter 29 takes precedence. Another error is confusing it with HS code 2903.22, which is for trichloroethylene. While chemically similar, trichloroethylene has one fewer chlorine atom and is a distinct subheading. Importers must ensure the chemical structure matches the "tetra" (four) chlorine atoms required for 2903.23.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290323 (the code used for perchloroethylene), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290323 (the code used for perchloroethylene) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% 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 290323, not only perchloroethylene.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $33M 27% of world exports
- 2 China $29M 24% of world exports
- 3 United States $16M 13% of world exports
World total: $120M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $18M 14% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$16M 13% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $6.6M 5.3% 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: $124M 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 perchloroethylene
Brazil classifies perchloroethylene under NCM 2903.23.00: HS 2903.23 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about perchloroethylene
What is the HS code for Perchloroethylene?
The HS code for Perchloroethylene is 290323 (Unsaturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene)). The HS code for perchloroethylene (tetrachloroethylene) is 2903.23.
How do I classify Perchloroethylene for customs?
Perchloroethylene is classified under HS code 290323 — Unsaturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can perchloroethylene be classified in Chapter 38?
Only if it is mixed with other solvents or additives. If it is a pure chemical compound, it must be classified under 2903.23.
Which countries are the top exporters of perchloroethylene (HS 290323)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290323 (the code used for perchloroethylene) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($33M, 27% of world exports), China ($29M) and the United States ($16M). World exports came to about $120M, 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 perchloroethylene (HS 290323)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290323 (the code used for perchloroethylene) in UN Comtrade data were China ($18M, 14% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $16M) and India ($6.6M). World imports came to about $124M, 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 Perchloroethylene the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290323 for Perchloroethylene 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 perchloroethylene in Brazil?
In Brazil, perchloroethylene (HS 290323) is classified under NCM 2903.23.00.