HS 290342 Difluoromethane (HFC-32)

What products does HS 290342 cover?

This subheading covers difluoromethane, commonly known as HFC-32, which is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) with the chemical formula CH2F2. As defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature and reflected in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC, this specific chemical compound is a saturated acyclic hydrocarbon derivative containing only fluorine as a halogen substituent. It is primarily used as a refrigerant component in blends, such as R-410A and R-407C, and increasingly as a pure refrigerant in air conditioning systems due to its lower global warming potential compared to some alternatives. Its classification here is precise, focusing on the singular chemical entity, difluoromethane.

What falls outside HS 290342?

The following products are excluded from HS 290342: mixtures containing difluoromethane, which are typically classified under other subheadings within Chapter 38, specifically 3824.78 for mixtures containing HFCs but not hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), or other relevant subheadings based on their composition and intended use. For example, R-410A, a common refrigerant blend of difluoromethane and pentafluoroethane, is classified under 3824.78. Similarly, other fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons that are not difluoromethane, such as tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), would be classified under 2903.45, or other specific subheadings within 2903 based on their unique chemical structure and halogenation pattern. The key distinction is the pure, single chemical compound versus a blend or a different fluorinated hydrocarbon.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 290342?

A common error is misclassifying refrigerant blends containing difluoromethane directly under 2903.42, rather than under Chapter 38. This mistake often arises from focusing solely on the presence of HFC-32 without considering the product's actual form as a mixture. According to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. GRI 3(b) further clarifies that mixtures are classified according to the material or component which gives them their essential character, or, if that cannot be determined, under the heading which occurs last in numerical order among those which equally merit consideration. For refrigerant blends, Chapter 38, specifically 3824.78, is the correct classification for mixtures of HFCs, not the individual chemical component in Chapter 29.

How should importers classify products under HS 290342?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 290342 requires meticulous attention to the chemical identity and purity of the substance. Importers and customs brokers must first confirm that the product is indeed pure difluoromethane (HFC-32) and not a mixture or another fluorinated hydrocarbon. This verification should involve reviewing the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by the manufacturer, which clearly states the chemical name, CAS number (75-10-5 for difluoromethane), and purity percentage. If the product is a blend, even if difluoromethane is a major component, it must be classified under Chapter 38, typically 3824.78. Always consult the latest version of the HTSUS or TARIC and relevant WCO Explanatory Notes to ensure accurate and compliant classification.