Product classification
HS code for Trifluoromethane: 2903.41
Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, trifluoromethane (HFC-23).
Classification of trifluoromethane under HS 2903.41
Trifluoromethane, also known as HFC-23 or fluoroform, is classified under HS code 2903.41. This classification is part of Heading 2903, which covers halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons. Within this heading, the 2903.4x series is specifically reserved for saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons. Trifluoromethane is a saturated compound where three hydrogen atoms in methane have been replaced by fluorine. The specific subheading 2903.41 was created to distinguish HFC-23 from other hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) due to its extremely high Global Warming Potential (GWP). Under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, many countries are required to track and phase down the production and consumption of HFCs. Therefore, using the correct HS code is vital for environmental compliance and quota management. This code applies to the pure gas; if the trifluoromethane is part of a refrigerant blend, the classification would shift to Chapter 38, but as a separate chemically defined compound, 2903.41 is the mandatory code for international trade.
- Covers
- Trifluoromethane gas (HFC-23)
- Fluoroform used in semiconductor etching
- HFC-23 used as a fire suppressant
- Refrigerant grade Trifluoromethane
- Also under 2903.41
- Chemours HFC-23
- Honeywell HFC-23
- Arkema HFC-23
Codes often confused with 2903.41
Common mistake. Trifluoromethane is often misclassified under 2903.42 (Difluoromethane) or other general HFC codes. Another common error is classifying it under 3824.78, which is the code for mixtures containing perfluorocarbons (PFCs) or hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). If the product is 98% pure or higher, it must be classified in 2903.41 as a separate chemical compound rather than a mixture.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290341 (the code used for trifluoromethane), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290341 (the code used for trifluoromethane) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 39% 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 290341, not only trifluoromethane.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $10M 48% of world exports
- 2 Japan $4.7M 22% of world exports
- 3 United States $2.6M 12% of world exports
World total: $22M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $8.5M 39% of world imports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$3.6M 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $1.9M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $22M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 trifluoromethane
Brazil classifies trifluoromethane under NCM 2903.41.00: HS 2903.41 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about trifluoromethane
What is the HS code for Trifluoromethane?
The HS code for Trifluoromethane is 290341 (Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; trifluoromethane (HFC-23)). The HS code for Trifluoromethane (HFC-23) is 2903.41, identifying it as a saturated fluorinated derivative.
How do I classify Trifluoromethane for customs?
Trifluoromethane is classified under HS code 290341 — Saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; trifluoromethane (HFC-23). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why does Trifluoromethane have its own HS code?
It has a dedicated code to facilitate the monitoring of high-GWP gases under international environmental agreements like the Montreal Protocol.
Which countries are the top exporters of trifluoromethane (HS 290341)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290341 (the code used for trifluoromethane) in UN Comtrade data were China ($10M, 48% of world exports), Japan ($4.7M) and the United States ($2.6M). World exports came to about $22M, 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 trifluoromethane (HS 290341)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290341 (the code used for trifluoromethane) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($8.5M, 39% of world imports), Taiwan (about $3.6M) and the United States ($1.9M). World imports came to about $22M, 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 Trifluoromethane the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290341 for Trifluoromethane 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 trifluoromethane in Brazil?
In Brazil, trifluoromethane (HS 290341) is classified under NCM 2903.41.00.