HS code · 2-digit chapter
HS Code 28 – Inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes
What HS 28 covers
Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System (HS) is dedicated to "Inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes." This pivotal chapter serves as the cornerstone for classifying a vast array of fundamental chemical substances crucial to virtually every industry worldwide. Its scope encompasses pure chemical elements, acids, bases, salts, oxides, and other inorganic compounds, including those of non-metals and common metals. Crucially, it also covers specific organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals, rare-earth metals, radioactive elements, and isotopes, which are often high-value or strategically important. The boundary of Chapter 28 is primarily defined by the 'inorganic' nature of the chemicals, distinguishing them from most 'organic' chemicals classified in Chapter 29, except for specific compounds explicitly included here (e.g., carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocyanic acid). Key sub-categories include halogens and sulfur; metallic oxides; inorganic acids; salts of metals; and the highly specialized radioactive elements and isotopes. Accurate classification within Chapter 28 is paramount for trade compliance, as it directly impacts customs duties, import/export regulations, safety standards, environmental controls, and even national security (for dual-use chemicals or radioactive materials). Historically, these chemicals have been the backbone of industrial revolutions, from metallurgy and agriculture to modern electronics and pharmaceuticals, making their trade highly significant and globally interconnected. Major headings within this chapter group similar chemical types, starting with non-metals and their compounds, progressing to inorganic acids, bases, salts, and culminating in the complex classification of precious metal compounds, rare-earth elements, and isotopes.
- Covers
- Sulfuric acid
- Sodium hydroxide
- Titanium dioxide
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Anhydrous ammonia
- Carbon black
- Silicon
- Aluminum oxide
- Zinc oxide
- Calcium carbonate
- Potassium chloride
- Uranium hexafluoride
- Lithium carbonate
- Rare earth oxides
- Gold chloride
- Silver nitrate
- Medical radioisotopes (e.g., Cobalt-60)
- Industrial oxygen
- Nitric acid
- Phosphoric acid
- Ferrous sulfate
- Magnesium oxide
- Chromium compounds
- Boron compounds
- Elemental iodine
- Examples
A major chemical manufacturer in China exports thousands of tons of sulfuric acid (28.07.00) to Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Indonesia for use in battery manufacturing and fertilizer production. This high-volume trade often moves via ocean freight, subject to specific hazardous materials regulations due to the corrosive nature of the product. Another scenario involves a European pharmaceutical company importing highly purified lithium carbonate (28.36.99) from Chile, a primary global producer, for the synthesis of psychiatric medications. The product is transported under strict quality control via air or sea freight to maintain its purity. Furthermore, a specialized firm in Canada exports medical radioisotopes, such as Cobalt-60 (28.44.40), to hospitals and research institutions worldwide for cancer therapy and sterilization purposes. This trade is heavily regulated by international atomic energy agencies and national customs authorities, requiring specific licenses and highly secure transportation routes. Finally, a US-based paint company imports large quantities of titanium dioxide (28.23.00) from Australia for use as a white pigment in its paint formulations, a common raw material trade facilitated by bulk shipping.
Headings in chapter 28 50
Codes often confused with 28
Common mistake. Misclassification within Chapter 28 frequently arises from confusion with organic chemicals in Chapter 29. The key distinction lies in the presence of carbon-hydrogen bonds; for instance, carbon dioxide (28.11.21) is inorganic, while methane (29.01.10) is organic, despite both containing carbon. Traders often confuse simple inorganic salts with prepared fertilizers of Chapter 31, such as potassium chloride (28.27.39) vs. potassium chloride put up as fertilizer (31.04.20). The context of use or specific formulation is crucial. Another common error involves classifying complex mixtures or preparations containing inorganic chemicals under Chapter 28, when they might belong to Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous chemical products), which covers formulated products like prepared catalysts or activated carbon not specifically provided for elsewhere. Understanding the 'pure' or 'unmixed' nature often guides correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 28, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 28 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 10% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $25.5B 14% of world exports
- 2 United States $14.7B 7.8% of world exports
- 3 Germany $12.7B 6.8% of world exports
World total: $187.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $19.6B 10% of world imports
- 2 United States $19.4B 10.0% of world imports
- 3 India $15.2B 7.8% of world imports
World total: $194.3B 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.
Questions about HS 28
What is HS code 28?
HS code 28 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes. Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System (HS) is dedicated to "Inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes." This pivotal chapter serves as the cornerstone for classifying a vast array of fundamental chemical substances crucial to virtually every industry worldwide. Its scope encompasses pure chemical elements, acids, bases, salts, oxides, and other inorganic compounds, including those of non-metals and common metals. Crucially, it also covers specific organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals, rare-earth metals, radioactive elements, and isotopes, which are often high-value or strategically important. The boundary of Chapter 28 is primarily defined by the 'inorganic' nature of the chemicals, distinguishing them from most 'organic' chemicals classified in Chapter 29, except for specific compounds explicitly included here (e.g., carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocyanic acid). Key sub-categories include halogens and sulfur; metallic oxides; inorganic acids; salts of metals; and the highly specialized radioactive elements and isotopes. Accurate classification within Chapter 28 is paramount for trade compliance, as it directly impacts customs duties, import/export regulations, safety standards, environmental controls, and even national security (for dual-use chemicals or radioactive materials). Historically, these chemicals have been the backbone of industrial revolutions, from metallurgy and agriculture to modern electronics and pharmaceuticals, making their trade highly significant and globally interconnected. Major headings within this chapter group similar chemical types, starting with non-metals and their compounds, progressing to inorganic acids, bases, salts, and culminating in the complex classification of precious metal compounds, rare-earth elements, and isotopes.
What products fall under HS code 28?
Sulfuric acid, Sodium hydroxide, Titanium dioxide, Hydrogen peroxide, Anhydrous ammonia, Carbon black, Silicon, Aluminum oxide, Zinc oxide, Calcium carbonate, Potassium chloride, Uranium hexafluoride, Lithium carbonate, Rare earth oxides, Gold chloride, Silver nitrate, Medical radioisotopes (e.g., Cobalt-60), Industrial oxygen, Nitric acid, Phosphoric acid, Ferrous sulfate, Magnesium oxide, Chromium compounds, Boron compounds, Elemental iodine
What are common misclassifications for HS code 28?
Misclassification within Chapter 28 frequently arises from confusion with organic chemicals in Chapter 29. The key distinction lies in the presence of carbon-hydrogen bonds; for instance, carbon dioxide (28.11.21) is inorganic, while methane (29.01.10) is organic, despite both containing carbon. Traders often confuse simple inorganic salts with prepared fertilizers of Chapter 31, such as potassium chloride (28.27.39) vs. potassium chloride put up as fertilizer (31.04.20). The context of use or specific formulation is crucial. Another common error involves classifying complex mixtures or preparations containing inorganic chemicals under Chapter 28, when they might belong to Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous chemical products), which covers formulated products like prepared catalysts or activated carbon not specifically provided for elsewhere. Understanding the 'pure' or 'unmixed' nature often guides correct classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 28?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 28 in UN Comtrade data were China ($25.5B, 14% of world exports), the United States ($14.7B) and Germany ($12.7B). World exports came to about $187.7B, 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 goods under HS code 28?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 28 in UN Comtrade data were China ($19.6B, 10% of world imports), the United States ($19.4B) and India ($15.2B). World imports came to about $194.3B, 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.
How is HS code 28 structured?
HS code 28 is a 2-digit chapter code in the Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. It represents a broad category of goods and contains multiple 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings for more specific classifications.