HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2818.20 – Aluminium oxide; other than artificial corundum
HS code 2818.20 is the 6-digit subheading for aluminium oxide, other than artificial corundum. It is used for activated alumina, tabular alumina, calcined alumina (non-abrasive), gamma alumina and alpha alumina.
What HS 2818.20 covers
This HS code covers various forms of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) other than artificial corundum, encompassing a broad range of industrial applications. This includes activated alumina, used as a desiccant and catalyst support; tabular alumina, known for its high density and thermal shock resistance in refractories; and calcined alumina for non-abrasive uses such as ceramics, glazes, and as a raw material for aluminum metal production. Importers and exporters include chemical manufacturers, petrochemical companies, ceramics producers, and metallurgical industries. Key aspects for trade involve the specific crystalline phase (e.g., alpha, gamma), surface area, porosity, and purity, all of which are critical for its performance in catalytic, adsorbent, or refractory applications. Its versatility makes it a fundamental chemical commodity.
- Covers
- Activated alumina
- Tabular alumina
- Calcined alumina (non-abrasive)
- Gamma alumina
- Alpha alumina
- Examples
- BASF Activated Alumina
- Almatis Tabular Alumina
- Sasol Alumina
Codes often confused with 2818.20
Common mistake. Often confused with artificial corundum (2818.10) due to shared chemical composition, but distinguished by manufacturing process and primary application; also, bauxite (2606.00) is the raw ore, not processed alumina.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 281820, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 281820 in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, 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 Australia $6.2B 32% of world exports
- 2 Brazil $3.4B 18% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $2.3B 12% of world exports
World total: $19.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $2.4B 13% of world imports
- 2 Russia* ~$2.3B 12% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Bahrain* ~$1.4B 7.2% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $19.3B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 2818.20 2
Brazil splits HS 2818.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
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 2818.20
What is HS code 281820?
HS code 281820 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Aluminium oxide; other than artificial corundum. This HS code covers various forms of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) other than artificial corundum, encompassing a broad range of industrial applications. This includes activated alumina, used as a desiccant and catalyst support; tabular alumina, known for its high density and thermal shock resistance in refractories; and calcined alumina for non-abrasive uses such as ceramics, glazes, and as a raw material for aluminum metal production. Importers and exporters include chemical manufacturers, petrochemical companies, ceramics producers, and metallurgical industries. Key aspects for trade involve the specific crystalline phase (e.g., alpha, gamma), surface area, porosity, and purity, all of which are critical for its performance in catalytic, adsorbent, or refractory applications. Its versatility makes it a fundamental chemical commodity.
What products fall under HS code 281820?
Activated alumina, Tabular alumina, Calcined alumina (non-abrasive), Gamma alumina, Alpha alumina
What are common misclassifications for HS code 281820?
Often confused with artificial corundum (2818.10) due to shared chemical composition, but distinguished by manufacturing process and primary application; also, bauxite (2606.00) is the raw ore, not processed alumina.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 281820?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 281820 in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($6.2B, 32% of world exports), Brazil ($3.4B) and Indonesia ($2.3B). World exports came to about $19.6B, 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 281820?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 281820 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($2.4B, 13% of world imports), Russia (about $2.3B) and Bahrain (about $1.4B). World imports came to about $19.3B, 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 281820 structured?
HS code 281820 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 281820?
Brazil splits HS code 281820 into 2 NCM codes: 2818.20.10 (Calcined alumina), 2818.20.90 (Other aluminium oxide). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.