Product classification
HS code for Vinyl chloride: 2903.21
Unsaturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, vinyl chloride (chloroethylene).
Classification of vinyl chloride under HS 2903.21
Vinyl chloride, also known as chloroethylene, is classified under HS code 2903.21. This classification is situated within Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals), specifically under the heading for halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons. Vinyl chloride is an unsaturated chlorinated derivative of acyclic hydrocarbons. As a monomer, it is a colorless gas at room temperature with a sweet odor and is highly flammable. The Harmonized System classifies separate chemically defined elements and compounds in Chapter 29, and since vinyl chloride is a specific chemical molecule (C2H3Cl), it is explicitly named in the subheadings of 2903. This classification is strictly for the monomeric gas used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other copolymers. The chemical purity and the absence of polymerization are the defining characteristics that keep this product in Chapter 29 rather than the plastics chapter.
- Covers
- Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM)
- Chloroethylene gas
- Liquefied vinyl chloride (under pressure for transport)
- Stabilized vinyl chloride monomer
- Also under 2903.21
- Shin-Etsu VCM
- Westlake Chemical VCM
- Formosa Plastics VCM
Codes often confused with 2903.21
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 3904.10, which covers Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). While VCM is the precursor to PVC, the monomer is a chemical (Chapter 29) and the polymer is a plastic (Chapter 39). Another potential error is classification under 2903.22 (trichloroethylene) or 2903.23 (tetrachloroethylene), which are different chlorinated hydrocarbons. Importers must ensure that the chemical structure and the number of chlorine atoms are correctly identified to distinguish between these unsaturated derivatives. Additionally, it should not be confused with vinylidene chloride (1,1-dichloroethylene), which has a different chemical profile.
Top exporters and importers of HS 290321 (the code used for vinyl chloride), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 290321 (the code used for vinyl chloride) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% 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 290321, not only vinyl chloride.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $831M 35% of world exports
- 2 Japan $394M 17% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $308M 13% of world exports
World total: $2.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $371M 18% of world imports
- 2 India $337M 16% of world imports
- 3 Colombia $274M 13% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 vinyl chloride
Brazil classifies vinyl chloride under NCM 2903.21.00: HS 2903.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vinyl chloride
What is the HS code for Vinyl chloride?
The HS code for Vinyl chloride is 290321 (Unsaturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; vinyl chloride (chloroethylene)). The HS code for vinyl chloride (chloroethylene) monomer is 2903.21.
How do I classify Vinyl chloride for customs?
Vinyl chloride is classified under HS code 290321 — Unsaturated chlorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons; vinyl chloride (chloroethylene). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is vinyl chloride transported as a gas or a liquid?
While it is a gas at standard temperature and pressure, it is typically transported as a liquefied gas under pressure. Regardless of this physical state, it remains classified under HS code 2903.21 as long as it is the pure monomer.
Which countries are the top exporters of vinyl chloride (HS 290321)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 290321 (the code used for vinyl chloride) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($831M, 35% of world exports), Japan ($394M) and Belgium ($308M). World exports came to about $2.4B, 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 vinyl chloride (HS 290321)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 290321 (the code used for vinyl chloride) in UN Comtrade data were China ($371M, 18% of world imports), India ($337M) and Colombia ($274M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 Vinyl chloride the same in all countries?
The base HS code 290321 for Vinyl chloride 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 vinyl chloride in Brazil?
In Brazil, vinyl chloride (HS 290321) is classified under NCM 2903.21.00.