HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2804.21 – Gases, rare; argon
HS code 2804.21 is the 6-digit subheading for gases, rare, argon. It is used for gaseous argon, liquid argon, high-purity argon, welding-grade argon and industrial argon.
What HS 2804.21 covers
This HS code specifically covers elemental argon, one of the noble gases. Argon is a colorless, odorless, and inert gas, making it invaluable in various industrial processes where an unreactive atmosphere is required. It is primarily traded by industrial gas suppliers and is imported by manufacturing sectors, particularly in metallurgy and lighting. Its main application is as a shielding gas in arc welding, preventing oxidation and contamination of the weld pool. Argon is also used in steelmaking to prevent oxidation, in fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs, and in specialized lasers. Key considerations for trade include purity levels, which vary based on application, and the safe handling and transportation of compressed or liquefied gas.
- Covers
- Gaseous argon
- Liquid argon
- High-purity argon
- Welding-grade argon
- Industrial argon
- Examples
- Praxair Argon
- Messer Argon
- Nippon Sanso Argon
- Airgas Argon
Codes often confused with 2804.21
Common mistake. This code is specifically for argon; it could be confused with other rare gases (2804.29) or gas mixtures (2804.90) that contain argon.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 280421, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 280421 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 11% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $62M 16% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $38M 9.7% of world exports
- 3 United States $28M 7.2% of world exports
World total: $389M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $46M 11% of world imports
- 2 Italy $38M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 United States $24M 5.8% of world imports
The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $425M 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 2804.21
Brazil does not split HS 2804.21: its NCM code is 2804.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.04 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about HS 2804.21
What is HS code 280421?
HS code 280421 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Gases, rare; argon. This HS code specifically covers elemental argon, one of the noble gases. Argon is a colorless, odorless, and inert gas, making it invaluable in various industrial processes where an unreactive atmosphere is required. It is primarily traded by industrial gas suppliers and is imported by manufacturing sectors, particularly in metallurgy and lighting. Its main application is as a shielding gas in arc welding, preventing oxidation and contamination of the weld pool. Argon is also used in steelmaking to prevent oxidation, in fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs, and in specialized lasers. Key considerations for trade include purity levels, which vary based on application, and the safe handling and transportation of compressed or liquefied gas.
What products fall under HS code 280421?
Gaseous argon, liquid argon, high-purity argon, welding-grade argon, industrial argon
What are common misclassifications for HS code 280421?
This code is specifically for argon; it could be confused with other rare gases (2804.29) or gas mixtures (2804.90) that contain argon.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 280421?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 280421 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($62M, 16% of world exports), Belgium ($38M) and the United States ($28M). World exports came to about $389M, 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 280421?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 280421 in UN Comtrade data were France ($46M, 11% of world imports), Italy ($38M) and the United States ($24M). World imports came to about $425M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 280421 structured?
HS code 280421 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 280421?
In Brazil, HS code 280421 is NCM 2804.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.