HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2818.10 – Aluminium oxide; artificial corundum
HS code 2818.10 is the 6-digit subheading for aluminium oxide, artificial corundum. It is used for fused alumina, white fused alumina, brown fused alumina, calcined alumina for abrasives and polishing compounds.
What HS 2818.10 covers
This HS code is dedicated to artificial corundum, which is a synthetic form of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) renowned for its exceptional hardness and abrasive properties. Unlike natural corundum, artificial corundum is manufactured through processes like the fusion of bauxite. It is extensively used in the production of grinding wheels, sandpaper, abrasive blasting media, and polishing compounds, as well as in refractory materials due to its high melting point. Key players in its international trade include manufacturers of abrasives, refractory products, and precision components. Important factors for trade include the specific grit size, purity, and crystal structure, which dictate its performance in various abrasive and refractory applications. Its consistent quality and superior hardness make it a staple in many industrial processes.
- Covers
- Fused alumina
- White fused alumina
- Brown fused alumina
- Calcined alumina for abrasives
- Polishing compounds
- Examples
- Norton Abrasives (using artificial corundum)
- Saint-Gobain (abrasive grains)
- Washington Mills (fused alumina)
Codes often confused with 2818.10
Common mistake. This is distinct from natural corundum (2513.20) and other forms of aluminum oxide (2818.20) that are not specifically 'artificial corundum' or used primarily as abrasives.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 281810, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 281810 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 $622M 55% of world exports
- 2 Germany $85M 7.6% of world exports
- 3 France $69M 6.1% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $161M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $144M 12% of world imports
- 3 Japan $135M 11% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 2818.10 2
Brazil splits HS 2818.10 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2818.10.10 White corundum, over 90% passing a 63 µm sieveBranco, que passe através de uma peneira com abertura de malha de 63 micrômetros (mícrons) em proporção superior a 90 %, em peso
- 2818.10.90 Other artificial corundumOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.18 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2818.10
What is HS code 281810?
HS code 281810 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Aluminium oxide; artificial corundum. This HS code is dedicated to artificial corundum, which is a synthetic form of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) renowned for its exceptional hardness and abrasive properties. Unlike natural corundum, artificial corundum is manufactured through processes like the fusion of bauxite. It is extensively used in the production of grinding wheels, sandpaper, abrasive blasting media, and polishing compounds, as well as in refractory materials due to its high melting point. Key players in its international trade include manufacturers of abrasives, refractory products, and precision components. Important factors for trade include the specific grit size, purity, and crystal structure, which dictate its performance in various abrasive and refractory applications. Its consistent quality and superior hardness make it a staple in many industrial processes.
What products fall under HS code 281810?
Fused alumina, White fused alumina, Brown fused alumina, Calcined alumina for abrasives, Polishing compounds
What are common misclassifications for HS code 281810?
This is distinct from natural corundum (2513.20) and other forms of aluminum oxide (2818.20) that are not specifically 'artificial corundum' or used primarily as abrasives.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 281810?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 281810 in UN Comtrade data were China ($622M, 55% of world exports), Germany ($85M) and France ($69M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 281810?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 281810 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($161M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($144M) and Japan ($135M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 281810 structured?
HS code 281810 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (18) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 281810?
Brazil splits HS code 281810 into 2 NCM codes: 2818.10.10 (White corundum, over 90% passing a 63 µm sieve), 2818.10.90 (Other artificial corundum). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.