HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2817.00 – Zinc; oxide and peroxide
HS code 2817.00 is the 6-digit subheading for zinc, oxide and peroxide. It is used for zinc oxide powder, nano zinc oxide, zinc peroxide, pharmaceutical grade zinc oxide and rubber grade zinc oxide.
What HS 2817.00 covers
This HS code specifically covers zinc oxide and zinc peroxide, two important inorganic compounds of zinc. Zinc oxide is a highly versatile white pigment, widely used in paints, coatings, rubber manufacturing (as an activator), cosmetics (as a UV blocker and skin protectant), and pharmaceuticals (for its antiseptic and astringent properties). Zinc peroxide is less common but serves as an antiseptic and oxidizing agent in niche applications. The global trade involves a diverse range of industries, including cosmetics, rubber, paint, and pharmaceuticals. Key aspects for trade include the particle size (e.g., nano-zinc oxide), purity, and specific grades (e.g., pharmaceutical grade, rubber grade) which determine their suitability for various end-products. Its broad utility ensures consistent international demand.
- Covers
- Zinc oxide powder
- Nano zinc oxide
- Zinc peroxide
- Pharmaceutical grade zinc oxide
- Rubber grade zinc oxide
- Examples
- Desitin (zinc oxide cream)
- Coppertone (sunscreen with zinc oxide)
- Z-Cote (zinc oxide for cosmetics)
Codes often confused with 2817.00
Common mistake. Often confused with other zinc compounds, such as zinc sulfides (2830), or other metal oxides used as pigments like titanium dioxide (2823.00).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 281700, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 281700 in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 11% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 16% of its imports here ($16M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $172M 11% of world exports
- 2 United States $154M 10.0% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $115M 7.5% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $304M 19% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $123M 7.8% of world imports
- 3 Germany $113M 7.1% of world imports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 16% of its imports here ($16M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $1.6B 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 codes for 2817.00 2
Brazil splits HS 2817.00 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2817.00.10 Zinc oxide (zinc white)Óxido de zinco (branco de zinco)
- 2817.00.20 Zinc peroxidePeróxido de zinco
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.17 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2817.00
What is HS code 281700?
HS code 281700 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Zinc; oxide and peroxide. This HS code specifically covers zinc oxide and zinc peroxide, two important inorganic compounds of zinc. Zinc oxide is a highly versatile white pigment, widely used in paints, coatings, rubber manufacturing (as an activator), cosmetics (as a UV blocker and skin protectant), and pharmaceuticals (for its antiseptic and astringent properties). Zinc peroxide is less common but serves as an antiseptic and oxidizing agent in niche applications. The global trade involves a diverse range of industries, including cosmetics, rubber, paint, and pharmaceuticals. Key aspects for trade include the particle size (e.g., nano-zinc oxide), purity, and specific grades (e.g., pharmaceutical grade, rubber grade) which determine their suitability for various end-products. Its broad utility ensures consistent international demand.
What products fall under HS code 281700?
Zinc oxide powder, Nano zinc oxide, Zinc peroxide, Pharmaceutical grade zinc oxide, Rubber grade zinc oxide
What are common misclassifications for HS code 281700?
Often confused with other zinc compounds, such as zinc sulfides (2830), or other metal oxides used as pigments like titanium dioxide (2823.00).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 281700?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 281700 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($172M, 11% of world exports), the United States ($154M) and Mexico ($115M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 281700?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 281700 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($304M, 19% of world imports), Mexico ($123M) and Germany ($113M). World imports came to about $1.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 16% of its imports here ($16M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 281700 structured?
HS code 281700 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (17) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 281700?
Brazil splits HS code 281700 into 2 NCM codes: 2817.00.10 (Zinc oxide (zinc white)), 2817.00.20 (Zinc peroxide). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.