HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2804.50 – Boron; tellurium
HS code 2804.50 is the 6-digit subheading for boron, tellurium. It is used for boron powder, boron carbide, boron nitride, tellurium metal and tellurium dioxide.
What HS 2804.50 covers
Boron and tellurium are critical non-metallic elements with diverse industrial applications, making them significant in international trade. Boron, known for its hardness and high melting point, is crucial in ceramics, glass, semiconductors, and as a component in high-strength alloys and nuclear control rods. Tellurium, a rare metalloid, is vital for thermoelectric devices, solar cells, and as an alloying agent in steel and copper to improve machinability. Major importers include countries with advanced manufacturing sectors, particularly those in electronics, aerospace, and renewable energy, such as Japan, Germany, and the United States. Exporters often include countries with significant mineral resources or specialized processing capabilities, like China, Turkey (for boron), and Canada (for tellurium). Key trade considerations involve purity levels, especially for semiconductor-grade materials, and the increasing demand driven by green technologies and high-tech industries. The supply chain can be sensitive to geopolitical factors and mining output, impacting global prices and availability.
- Covers
- Boron powder
- Boron carbide
- Boron nitride
- Tellurium metal
- Tellurium dioxide
- Cadmium telluride
- Boron alloys
- Examples
- 3M Boron Nitride
- Alfa Aesar Tellurium
- American Elements Boron
- Materion Tellurium
- Kyocera Boron Carbide
Codes often confused with 2804.50
Common mistake. This code might be confused with other non-metallic elements in Chapter 28, such as silicon (2804.6x) or phosphorus (2804.70), if the specific element is not clearly identified. It's crucial to distinguish based on the chemical identity of the element.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 280450, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 280450 in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 26% 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 Canada $28M 20% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $20M 14% of world exports
- 3 China $19M 13% of world exports
World total: $143M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $35M 26% of world imports
- 2 Canada $34M 26% of world imports
- 3 China $13M 10% of world imports
World total: $131M 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 2804.50
Brazil does not split HS 2804.50: its NCM code is 2804.50.00.
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 2804.50
What is HS code 280450?
HS code 280450 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Boron; tellurium. Boron and tellurium are critical non-metallic elements with diverse industrial applications, making them significant in international trade. Boron, known for its hardness and high melting point, is crucial in ceramics, glass, semiconductors, and as a component in high-strength alloys and nuclear control rods. Tellurium, a rare metalloid, is vital for thermoelectric devices, solar cells, and as an alloying agent in steel and copper to improve machinability. Major importers include countries with advanced manufacturing sectors, particularly those in electronics, aerospace, and renewable energy, such as Japan, Germany, and the United States. Exporters often include countries with significant mineral resources or specialized processing capabilities, like China, Turkey (for boron), and Canada (for tellurium). Key trade considerations involve purity levels, especially for semiconductor-grade materials, and the increasing demand driven by green technologies and high-tech industries. The supply chain can be sensitive to geopolitical factors and mining output, impacting global prices and availability.
What products fall under HS code 280450?
Boron powder, Boron carbide, Boron nitride, Tellurium metal, Tellurium dioxide, Cadmium telluride, Boron alloys
What are common misclassifications for HS code 280450?
This code might be confused with other non-metallic elements in Chapter 28, such as silicon (2804.6x) or phosphorus (2804.70), if the specific element is not clearly identified. It's crucial to distinguish based on the chemical identity of the element.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 280450?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 280450 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($28M, 20% of world exports), Hong Kong ($20M) and China ($19M). World exports came to about $143M, 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 280450?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 280450 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($35M, 26% of world imports), Canada ($34M) and China ($13M). World imports came to about $131M, 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 280450 structured?
HS code 280450 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 (50) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 280450?
In Brazil, HS code 280450 is NCM 2804.50.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.