Product classification
HS code for PFOS 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 PFOS mixtures under HS 3824.87
PFOS mixtures are classified under HS code 3824.87 because they are chemical preparations or mixtures rather than separate chemically defined compounds. Chapter 38 covers miscellaneous chemical products, and heading 3824 specifically includes chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries not elsewhere specified. Subheading 3824.87 was introduced to track mixtures containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including perfluorooctane sulphonic acid, its salts, and its derivatives. This classification applies when PFOS is an ingredient in a functional product, such as a surfactant blend, hydraulic fluid, or coating, provided the mixture is not more specifically described in another heading of the nomenclature.
- Covers
- Firefighting foams containing PFOS
- Hydraulic fluids containing PFOS salts
- Textile treatment preparations with PFOS derivatives
- Metal plating bath additives containing PFOS
- Mist suppressants for chrome plating containing PFOS
- 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 often misclassified under 2904.31 (the pure acid) or 2904.35 (the pure salts). However, Chapter 29 generally excludes chemical mixtures. Another common error is using HS code 3402.90 for organic surface-active agents. While PFOS often acts as a surfactant, the specific provision for POP-containing mixtures in 3824.87 takes precedence over the general surfactant category according to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI).
Top exporters and importers of HS 382487 (the code used for PFOS mixtures), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382487 (the code used for PFOS 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 PFOS mixtures.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $626K 39% of world exports
- 2 South Africa $532K 33% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $176K 11% of world exports
World total: $1.6M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Egypt $1.3M 32% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $644K 16% of world imports
- 3 Nigeria $358K 9.1% of world imports
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 PFOS mixtures
Brazil classifies PFOS 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 PFOS mixtures
What is the HS code for PFOS mixtures?
The HS code for PFOS 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 chemical products and mixtures containing PFOS or its salts is 3824.87.
How do I classify PFOS mixtures for customs?
PFOS 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.
Are firefighting foams with PFOS classified here?
Yes, firefighting foams containing PFOS are typically classified under 3824.87 as chemical mixtures containing specified persistent organic pollutants.
Which countries are the top exporters of PFOS mixtures (HS 382487)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382487 (the code used for PFOS 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 PFOS mixtures (HS 382487)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 382487 (the code used for PFOS 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 PFOS mixtures the same in all countries?
The base HS code 382487 for PFOS 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 PFOS mixtures in Brazil?
In Brazil, PFOS mixtures (HS 382487) is classified under NCM 3824.87.00.