Product classification
HS code for Potassium PFOS: 2904.34
Derivatives of hydrocarbons, potassium perfluorooctane sulphonate, whether or not halogenated.
Classification of potassium PFOS under HS 2904.34
Potassium perfluorooctane sulphonate (Potassium PFOS) is classified under HS code 2904.34. This classification falls within Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals, and specifically under the heading for sulfonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives of hydrocarbons. Potassium PFOS is a perfluorinated anionic surfactant and is recognized as a persistent organic pollutant (POP). The specific subheading 2904.34 was established to monitor and control the international trade of this substance in accordance with environmental treaties like the Stockholm Convention. Classification is determined by its chemical structure as a salt of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, the product is identified by its specific chemical identity as a sulfonated derivative where the hydrogen atoms of the hydrocarbon chain have been replaced by fluorine atoms, and the acid group is neutralized with potassium.
- Covers
- Potassium perfluorooctane sulfonate (technical grade)
- Heptadecafluorooctane-1-sulfonic acid potassium salt
- PFOS-K chemical reagents
- Potassium salts of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid for industrial use
- Also under 2904.34
- 3M (historical producer)
- Chemours (fluorochemicals, but KPFOS largely restricted)
- Daikin (fluorochemicals, but KPFOS largely restricted)
Codes often confused with 2904.34
Common mistake. Potassium PFOS is frequently misclassified under HS code 3824.99, which covers miscellaneous chemical products and preparations. This occurs when the substance is part of a mixture or a prepared surfactant solution. However, if the product is a separate chemically defined compound, Chapter 29 takes precedence. Another common error is using HS code 2904.31, which is reserved for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid itself, rather than its potassium salt. It is also sometimes confused with other fluorinated hydrocarbons under 2903.39, but the presence of the sulfonic acid group necessitates classification in 2904.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290434 (the code used for potassium PFOS), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290434 (the code used for potassium PFOS) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 80% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Brunei, with 57% 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 290434, not only potassium PFOS.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $11K 80% of world exports
- 2 Slovakia $1K 10% of world exports
- 3 India $1K 7.9% of world exports
World total: $14K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Brunei $38K 57% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $4K 6.2% of world imports
- 3 Angola $4K 5.4% of world imports
World total: $67K 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 potassium PFOS
Brazil classifies potassium PFOS under NCM 2904.34.00: HS 2904.34 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about potassium PFOS
What is the HS code for Potassium PFOS?
The HS code for Potassium PFOS is 290434 (Derivatives of hydrocarbons; potassium perfluorooctane sulphonate, whether or not halogenated). The specific HS code for Potassium perfluorooctane sulphonate is 2904.34.
How do I classify Potassium PFOS for customs?
Potassium PFOS is classified under HS code 290434 — Derivatives of hydrocarbons; potassium perfluorooctane sulphonate, whether or not halogenated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is Potassium PFOS subject to international trade restrictions?
Yes, because it is listed under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, many countries require specific import/export permits and reporting for this HS code to ensure it is only used for acceptable purposes or specific exemptions.
Which countries are the top exporters of potassium PFOS (HS 290434)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290434 (the code used for potassium PFOS) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($11K, 80% of world exports), Slovakia ($1K) and India ($1K). World exports came to about $14K, 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 potassium PFOS (HS 290434)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290434 (the code used for potassium PFOS) in UN Comtrade data were Brunei ($38K, 57% of world imports), the Netherlands ($4K) and Angola ($4K). World imports came to about $67K, 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 Potassium PFOS the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290434 for Potassium PFOS 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 potassium PFOS in Brazil?
In Brazil, potassium PFOS (HS 290434) is classified under NCM 2904.34.00.