HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2818.30 – Aluminium hydroxide
HS code 2818.30 is the 6-digit subheading for aluminium hydroxide. It is used for aluminium hydroxide powder, precipitated aluminium hydroxide, dry gel aluminium hydroxide, alumina trihydrate (ATH) and pharmaceutical grade aluminium hydroxide.
What HS 2818.30 covers
This HS code specifically covers aluminium hydroxide (Al(OH)3), a versatile inorganic compound with a wide array of industrial and pharmaceutical uses. It is extensively employed as a flame retardant and smoke suppressant in plastics, rubber, and coatings due to its endothermic decomposition. In the pharmaceutical sector, it's a common active ingredient in antacids and is also used as an adjuvant in vaccines to enhance immune response. Furthermore, it serves as a raw material for the production of other aluminum compounds. Key players in its trade include plastics manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and chemical producers. Important trade considerations include particle size, purity, and surface treatment, which are crucial for its performance in different applications, from fire safety to medicine.
- Covers
- Aluminium hydroxide powder
- Precipitated aluminium hydroxide
- Dry gel aluminium hydroxide
- Alumina trihydrate (ATH)
- Pharmaceutical grade aluminium hydroxide
- Examples
- Maalox (antacid)
- Alcoa ATH
- Huber ATH
Codes often confused with 2818.30
Common mistake. Can be confused with aluminum oxide (2818.20) due to similar applications, but they are chemically distinct; bauxite (2606.00) is the ore, not the refined hydroxide.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 281830, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 281830 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 Germany $465M 22% of world exports
- 2 Brazil $258M 12% of world exports
- 3 China $248M 12% of world exports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $339M 16% of world imports
- 2 Japan $232M 11% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $157M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $2.2B 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 code for 2818.30
Brazil does not split HS 2818.30: its NCM code is 2818.30.00.
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 2818.30
What is HS code 281830?
HS code 281830 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Aluminium hydroxide. This HS code specifically covers aluminium hydroxide (Al(OH)3), a versatile inorganic compound with a wide array of industrial and pharmaceutical uses. It is extensively employed as a flame retardant and smoke suppressant in plastics, rubber, and coatings due to its endothermic decomposition. In the pharmaceutical sector, it's a common active ingredient in antacids and is also used as an adjuvant in vaccines to enhance immune response. Furthermore, it serves as a raw material for the production of other aluminum compounds. Key players in its trade include plastics manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and chemical producers. Important trade considerations include particle size, purity, and surface treatment, which are crucial for its performance in different applications, from fire safety to medicine.
What products fall under HS code 281830?
Aluminium hydroxide powder, Precipitated aluminium hydroxide, Dry gel aluminium hydroxide, Alumina trihydrate (ATH), Pharmaceutical grade aluminium hydroxide
What are common misclassifications for HS code 281830?
Can be confused with aluminum oxide (2818.20) due to similar applications, but they are chemically distinct; bauxite (2606.00) is the ore, not the refined hydroxide.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 281830?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 281830 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($465M, 22% of world exports), Brazil ($258M) and China ($248M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 281830?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 281830 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($339M, 16% of world imports), Japan ($232M) and South Korea ($157M). World imports came to about $2.2B, 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 281830 structured?
HS code 281830 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 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 281830?
In Brazil, HS code 281830 is NCM 2818.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.