Product classification
HS code for Tetrachloroethylene: 2903.23
Unsaturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene).
Classification of tetrachloroethylene under HS 2903.23
Tetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene or PCE, is classified under HS code 2903.23. This code is part of Chapter 29, which covers organic chemicals, and specifically falls under the heading 2903 for halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons. Within this heading, the sub-heading 2903.23 is reserved for unsaturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons. Tetrachloroethylene is a chlorocarbon with the chemical formula Cl2C=CCl2. It is a colorless liquid widely used for the dry cleaning of fabrics and for degreasing metal parts in industrial settings. The classification is strictly determined by its chemical structure: it is an acyclic hydrocarbon where all hydrogen atoms have been replaced by chlorine, and it contains a carbon-carbon double bond, which makes it 'unsaturated.' For customs purposes, this code applies to the pure chemical or a chemically defined compound. If the product is a mixture or a prepared solvent containing other additives, the classification may shift to Chapter 38.
- Covers
- Pure Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene)
- Dry cleaning grade perchloroethylene (chemically pure)
- Industrial grade tetrachloroethene for metal degreasing
- Unsaturated chlorinated acyclic hydrocarbon derivatives specifically identified as PCE
- Also under 2903.23
- Dow Chemical Perchloroethylene
- OxyChem Perchloroethylene
- Solvay Perchloroethylene
Codes often confused with 2903.23
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 2903.22, which is for Trichloroethylene. While chemically similar, they have different numbers of chlorine atoms and different industrial applications. Another frequent error is classifying tetrachloroethylene under HS code 3814.00, which covers 'Organic composite solvents and thinners.' If the product is 100% pure or contains only minor stabilizers, it must remain in Chapter 29. Only when it is blended with other organic solvents to create a proprietary cleaning mixture does it move to Chapter 38. It should also not be confused with saturated chlorinated derivatives like carbon tetrachloride (2903.14).
Top exporters and importers of HS 290323 (the code used for tetrachloroethylene), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290323 (the code used for tetrachloroethylene) 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 tetrachloroethylene.
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 tetrachloroethylene
Brazil classifies tetrachloroethylene 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 tetrachloroethylene
What is the HS code for Tetrachloroethylene?
The HS code for Tetrachloroethylene is 290323 (Unsaturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene)). The specific HS code for pure or chemically defined tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) is 2903.23.
How do I classify Tetrachloroethylene for customs?
Tetrachloroethylene is classified under HS code 290323 — Unsaturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is perchloroethylene classified as a solvent in HS code 3814?
Only if it is a mixture. If it is a separate chemically defined compound, it must be classified under 2903.23 regardless of its intended use as a solvent.
Which countries are the top exporters of tetrachloroethylene (HS 290323)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290323 (the code used for tetrachloroethylene) 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 tetrachloroethylene (HS 290323)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290323 (the code used for tetrachloroethylene) 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 Tetrachloroethylene the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290323 for Tetrachloroethylene 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 tetrachloroethylene in Brazil?
In Brazil, tetrachloroethylene (HS 290323) is classified under NCM 2903.23.00.