HS 290348 1,1,1,3,3-Pentafluorobutane (HFC-365mfc) and 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane (HFC-43-10mee)
Quick Answer: HS code 290348 specifically covers two hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs): 1,1,1,3,3-Pentafluorobutane (HFC-365mfc) and 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane (HFC-43-10mee). These are synthetic organic chemicals primarily used as blowing agents, refrigerants, and solvents. Importers and customs brokers should note the varying duty rates: the UK applies a 4.00% ad valorem duty, while the EU TARIC system shows a 5.50% ad valorem rate. For the US, the general most-favored-nation (MFN) duty rate is 3.7% ad valorem, though many countries benefit from duty-free treatment under various trade agreements (e.g., A, AU, CL). Importers should verify specific country-of-origin eligibility for preferential rates. These HFCs are subject to international environmental regulations, such as the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which mandates their phasedown due to their high global warming potential, impacting future trade and usage.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2903480010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2903480000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2903480020 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2903480000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2903480020 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2903480010 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2903480000 | 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 2903.48?
Imports of 1,1,1,3,3-Pentafluorobutane (HFC-365mfc) and 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane (HFC-43-10mee) 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 290348 cover?
This subheading covers two specific fluorinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons: 1,1,1,3,3-Pentafluorobutane, commonly known as HFC-365mfc, and 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane, known as HFC-43-10mee. These are distinct chemical compounds, precisely defined by their chemical structure and fluorine substitution, falling under Heading 2903 for halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons. The WCO Harmonized System Nomenclature and official tariff schedules, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC, explicitly list these two chemicals under this specific eight-digit code, ensuring consistent global classification for trade purposes. They are primarily used as blowing agents, solvents, or refrigerants in various industrial applications.
What falls outside HS 290348?
The following products are excluded from HS 290348: any other fluorinated butanes or pentanes that do not precisely match the specified chemical structures of HFC-365mfc or HFC-43-10mee. For instance, other isomers of pentafluorobutane or decafluoropentane, or mixtures containing these chemicals but not predominantly composed of them, would be classified elsewhere. Similarly, fluorinated derivatives of cyclic hydrocarbons, or those containing other functional groups beyond halogenation, would fall into different subheadings or chapters. For example, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) is classified under HS 2903.45, demonstrating the specificity required for classification within Heading 2903.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 290348?
A common error is misclassifying other fluorinated hydrocarbons under HS 290348 simply because they are "similar" or have a similar end-use, without verifying the exact chemical structure. Importers might incorrectly classify a different pentafluorobutane isomer or a mixture where HFC-365mfc is not the sole or principal constituent. This often stems from a failure to apply General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which mandates classification according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, and GRI 6, which extends this principle to subheadings. Precise chemical identification, often requiring a Certificate of Analysis, is crucial to avoid such errors and ensure compliance with the specific scope of this subheading.
How should importers classify products under HS 290348?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 290348 involves first confirming the precise chemical identity of the substance. Importers and customs brokers must obtain and review the chemical name, CAS number, and molecular structure to verify it is either 1,1,1,3,3-Pentafluorobutane (HFC-365mfc) or 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane (HFC-43-10mee). This often requires a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer. Subsequently, reference the official tariff schedule (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) to ensure the product description aligns exactly with the subheading text under Heading 2903. If the product is a mixture, apply GRI 3(b) to determine if one of these chemicals imparts the essential character, or if it should be classified as a mixture elsewhere.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for HS code 2903.48 (1,1,1,3,3-Pentafluorobutane and 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane)?
The MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rates for products classified under HS 2903.48 generally range from 3.7% to 5.5% ad valorem in many developed economies. For instance, the United States typically applies a 4.0% ad valorem duty rate, while the European Union's TARIC database shows a 5.5% ad valorem rate. The United Kingdom Global Tariff also lists a 5.5% ad valorem rate. It is crucial for importers to verify the specific rate applicable to their destination country using official tariff schedules such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, EU TARIC, or the UK Trade Tariff.
What preferential duty rates might apply to HFC-365mfc and HFC-43-10mee under HS 2903.48, and how can importers claim them?
Many countries offer preferential duty rates, often 'Free' (0% ad valorem), for goods originating from specific trade agreement partners. For HS 2903.48, such preferential rates are commonly available under agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), Korea (KR), Singapore (SG), and others. To claim a preferential duty rate, importers must ensure the goods meet the Rules of Origin criteria of the relevant trade agreement and provide valid proof of origin, such as a Certificate of Origin or an origin declaration, at the time of importation. Failure to provide proper documentation will result in the application of the MFN rate.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing HFC-365mfc and HFC-43-10mee under HS 2903.48 from other halogenated derivatives?
HS 2903.48 specifically covers '1,1,1,3,3-Pentafluorobutane (HFC-365mfc)' and '1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane (HFC-43-10mee)'. The primary classification criterion is the precise chemical identity and molecular structure of these acyclic hydrocarbons, which are specifically fluorinated. Importers and customs brokers must ensure that the chemical name, CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number, and chemical formula precisely match the descriptions for these two compounds. This sub-heading is distinct from other saturated fluorinated acyclic hydrocarbons (e.g., HS 2903.43 for HFC-134a) or unsaturated halogenated derivatives, emphasizing the specificity of the nomenclature within the Harmonized System.
Are there any specific documentation requirements or regulatory considerations for importing HFC-365mfc and HFC-43-10mee under HS 2903.48?
Beyond standard customs documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/air waybill), importers of HFC-365mfc and HFC-43-10mee should be aware of potential environmental regulations. While these specific HFCs are not typically subject to the same phase-down schedules as some other ODS (Ozone Depleting Substances) or high-GWP (Global Warming Potential) HFCs under international agreements like the Montreal Protocol (Kigali Amendment), their use and import may still be regulated by national environmental agencies. Importers should verify if permits, licenses, or specific reporting requirements (e.g., EPA reporting in the US, F-Gas regulations in the EU) apply to these substances in the destination country. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is always recommended for chemical imports.