Product classification

HS code for Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid mixtures: 3824.87

Chemical products, mixtures and preparations, containing goods specified in Subheading Note 3 to this Chapter, containing perfluorooctane sulphonic acid, its salts, perfluorooctane sulphonamides, or perfluorooctane sulphonyl fluoride.

Classification of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid mixtures under HS 3824.87

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) mixtures are classified under HS code 3824.87. This specific classification falls within Chapter 38, which covers miscellaneous chemical products. The subheading 3824.87 was specifically created to monitor and control the international trade of mixtures containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs), as defined in Subheading Note 3 to Chapter 38. This note explicitly includes perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts, and its derivatives such as perfluorooctane sulfonamides and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride. Because these substances are strictly regulated under the Stockholm Convention due to their environmental persistence and bioaccumulative nature, the HS system requires a distinct code for mixtures containing them to facilitate environmental compliance and customs monitoring. Classification here is determined by the presence of these specific chemicals in a mixture, regardless of the other components, provided the mixture is not more specifically covered elsewhere in the nomenclature.

Covers
  • Firefighting foams containing PFOS surfactants
  • Hydraulic fluids for aviation containing PFOS
  • Photoresists and anti-reflective coatings for photolithography processes
  • Metal plating bath additives for decorative or hard chromium plating
  • Industrial surfactants and wetting agents containing PFOS salts
Also under 3824.87
  • 3M (historical producer, now phasing out)
  • Chemours (PFAS management)
  • specialized environmental remediation companies

Codes often confused with 3824.87

Common mistake. These mixtures are frequently misclassified under 3824.99, which is the residual category for other chemical products. However, because 3824.87 is a specific provision for POPs, it takes precedence. Another common error is using 2904.31, which is reserved for chemically defined pure perfluorooctane sulfonic acid rather than mixtures. Additionally, if the mixture is intended for use as a finished pesticide, it might be incorrectly placed in 3808, but if the PFOS content is the defining characteristic for environmental reporting, 3824.87 remains the primary focus for many customs authorities.

3824.99Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; n.e.c. heading 38242904.31Derivatives of hydrocarbons; perfluorooctane sulphonic acid, whether or not halogenated38.08Insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides, anti-sprouting products, plant growth regulators, disinfectants and the like, put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles

Top exporters and importers of HS 382487 (the code used for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid mixtures), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382487 (the code used for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid mixtures) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 32% 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 382487, not only perfluorooctane sulfonic acid mixtures.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $626K
  2. 2 South Africa $532K
  3. 3 South Korea $176K

World total: $1.6M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Egypt $1.3M
  2. 2 Saudi Arabia $644K
  3. 3 Nigeria $358K

World total: $3.9M 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 perfluorooctane sulfonic acid mixtures

Brazil classifies perfluorooctane sulfonic acid mixtures under NCM 3824.87.00: HS 3824.87 with 00 added.

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

Questions about perfluorooctane sulfonic acid mixtures

What is the HS code for Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid mixtures?

The HS code for Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid mixtures is 382487 (Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; containing goods specified in Subheading Note 3 to this Chapter; containing perfluorooctane sulphonic acid, its salts, perfluorooctane sulphonamides, or perfluorooctane sulphonyl fluoride). The HS code for these mixtures is 3824.87, which covers chemical products and preparations containing PFOS, its salts, or its derivatives.

How do I classify Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid mixtures for customs?

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid mixtures is classified under HS code 382487 — Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; containing goods specified in Subheading Note 3 to this Chapter; containing perfluorooctane sulphonic acid, its salts, perfluorooctane sulphonamides, or perfluorooctane sulphonyl fluoride. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code apply to all fluorinated mixtures?

No, this code is specific to mixtures containing perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and its direct derivatives. Other fluorinated mixtures may fall under different subheadings of 3824 or Chapter 29 depending on their specific chemical composition.

Which countries are the top exporters of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid mixtures (HS 382487)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382487 (the code used for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid mixtures) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($626K, 39% of world exports), South Africa ($532K) and South Korea ($176K). World exports came to about $1.6M, 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 perfluorooctane sulfonic acid mixtures (HS 382487)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 382487 (the code used for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid mixtures) in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($1.3M, 32% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($644K) and Nigeria ($358K). World imports came to about $3.9M, 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 Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid mixtures the same in all countries?

The base HS code 382487 for Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid mixtures 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 perfluorooctane sulfonic acid mixtures in Brazil?

In Brazil, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid mixtures (HS 382487) is classified under NCM 3824.87.00.