HS 290346 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea), 1,1,1,2,2,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236cb), 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236ea) and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236fa)
Quick Answer: HS code 2903.46 specifically covers certain fluorinated propanes: 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea) and the isomers 1,1,1,2,2,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236cb), 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236ea), and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236fa). These are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) primarily used as refrigerants, fire suppressants, and blowing agents. For importers and customs brokers, duty rates vary significantly. In the UK, the general duty rate is 4.00% ad valorem. The EU TARIC system applies a general duty rate of 5.50% ad valorem. For the US, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 3.7% ad valorem, with many Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners enjoying duty-free entry (e.g., under A, AU, CL, KR provisions). However, goods from non-market economies or subject to specific trade remedies may face higher rates, such as 25%. Importers should verify specific country-of-origin eligibility for preferential tariffs. These HFCs are subject to international environmental regulations, such as the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, impacting their trade and usage.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2903460010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2903460030 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2903460000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2903460020 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2903460040 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2903460000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2903460020 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2903460040 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2903460010 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2903460030 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2903461000 | 3.7% | Free (18 programs) | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 2903.46?
Imports of 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea), 1,1,1,2,2,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236cb), 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236ea) and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236fa) may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 290346 cover?
This subheading covers specific saturated fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons, specifically isomers of heptafluoropropane and hexafluoropropane. As defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature and reflected in national tariffs such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC, HS 2903.46 precisely enumerates 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea), 1,1,1,2,2,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236cb), 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236ea), and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236fa). These chemical compounds are primarily used as fire suppressants, refrigerants, and blowing agents, distinguished by their specific molecular structures and fluorine content.
What falls outside HS 290346?
The following products are excluded from HS 290346: other fluorinated propanes not specifically enumerated, such as 1,1,1-trifluoropropane or 1,1,2,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236fa is included, but other hexafluoropropane isomers are not). Additionally, fluorinated derivatives of other acyclic hydrocarbons, like tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) or pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), would be classified under other specific subheadings within Heading 2903, such as 2903.45 or 2903.44, respectively. Mixtures containing these specific chemicals but not consisting solely of them, unless meeting specific mixture rules, might also be classified elsewhere, potentially under 3824 if they are prepared mixtures not elsewhere specified or included.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 290346?
A common error is misclassifying other fluorinated propanes or similar hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under HS 290346, particularly those with different numbers of fluorine atoms or different isomeric structures not explicitly listed. For instance, classifying HFC-236fa (1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane) correctly but then incorrectly extending this to other hexafluoropropane isomers not specified, such as 1,1,2,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane, which would fall under 2903.49. This often stems from insufficient attention to the precise chemical nomenclature and the specific enumeration in the subheading text, violating General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which prioritizes the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes.
How should importers classify products under HS 290346?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 290346 involves a meticulous review of the chemical's exact name and molecular structure to ensure it precisely matches one of the four enumerated compounds. Importers and customs brokers must verify the chemical identity against official documentation, such as Certificates of Analysis (CoA) or Safety Data Sheets (SDS), which typically provide the full chemical name and CAS number. Cross-referencing with the WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29 and consulting the specific national tariff schedules (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) for any additional legal notes or rulings is crucial to confirm the classification and ensure compliance with applicable duty rates, which for the US HTSUS, for example, is 3.7% ad valorem for products from most favored nations.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for products classified under HS 2903.46 in key markets?
The MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rates for HS 2903.46 (1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea), 1,1,1,2,2,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236cb), 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236ea) and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236fa)) vary by country. For example, the United States applies an MFN duty rate of 4.0% ad valorem as per the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The European Union's TARIC database indicates an MFN duty rate of 5.5% ad valorem. The UK Global Tariff also lists a 5.5% ad valorem MFN rate. Importers should always verify the current rates with the specific customs authority of the importing country, referencing the official tariff schedules.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty treatment for goods under HS 2903.46, and what are the typical reduced rates?
Many trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for products classified under HS 2903.46, often resulting in duty-free entry. For example, under various U.S. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) such as those with Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG), goods originating from these countries are typically eligible for a 'Free' duty rate. Similarly, the EU and UK also have numerous agreements that grant preferential rates. Importers must ensure that the goods meet the Rules of Origin criteria specified in the respective trade agreement and possess the necessary Certificates of Origin or declarations to claim these reduced rates.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing between the different isomers and related compounds within HS 2903.46?
HS 2903.46 specifically covers four distinct fluorinated propane isomers: 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea), 1,1,1,2,2,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236cb), 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236ea), and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HFC-236fa). The classification hinges on the precise chemical structure and nomenclature of these saturated acyclic hydrocarbons containing only fluorine and chlorine substituents. While all these fall under 2903.46, accurate chemical identification (e.g., by CAS number or IUPAC name) is crucial to confirm that the specific compound being imported matches one of the listed substances. Misidentification of isomers or related but distinct fluorinated hydrocarbons could lead to incorrect classification under other subheadings within Chapter 29, such as 2903.49 for other perhalogenated derivatives.
Are there any specific documentation requirements or regulatory considerations for importing HFCs under HS 2903.46, beyond standard customs declarations?
Yes, beyond standard commercial invoices and packing lists, the import of HFCs under HS 2903.46 often involves additional regulatory scrutiny due to their environmental impact. Many countries regulate HFCs under frameworks like the Montreal Protocol (specifically, the Kigali Amendment) or national legislation aimed at phasing down their production and consumption. Importers in the U.S., for instance, must comply with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which may require allowances or reporting for HFC imports. Similarly, the EU's F-Gas Regulation imposes strict quotas and reporting obligations. Importers should verify specific national environmental regulations, potential licensing requirements, and reporting obligations with the relevant environmental agencies in the importing country prior to shipment to ensure compliance.