HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2819.90 – Chromium oxides and hydroxides; excluding chromium trioxide
HS code 2819.90 is the 6-digit subheading for chromium oxides and hydroxides, excluding chromium trioxide. It is used for chromium(III) oxide, chromium green pigment, hydrated chromium oxide, chromium(II) oxide and refractory grade chromium oxide.
What HS 2819.90 covers
This HS code encompasses various chromium oxides and hydroxides, excluding chromium trioxide (CrO3). The most prominent compound in this category is chromium(III) oxide (Cr2O3), a highly stable green pigment known for its excellent heat and light fastness. It is widely used in paints, ceramics, glass, and as a refractory material. Other forms, such as hydrated chromium oxide, have niche applications. Importers and exporters typically include pigment manufacturers, ceramics producers, and refractory material suppliers. Key trade considerations involve the specific chemical form, purity, and particle size, which influence its color intensity, dispersion properties, and performance in high-temperature applications. Its stability and vibrant green color ensure consistent demand across various industries.
- Covers
- Chromium(III) oxide
- Chromium green pigment
- Hydrated chromium oxide
- Chromium(II) oxide
- Refractory grade chromium oxide
- Examples
- Lanxess Chromium Oxide Green
- Shepherd Color Company Green 10C612
- BASF Chromium Oxide
Codes often confused with 2819.90
Common mistake. Distinguished from chromium trioxide (2819.10) by chemical composition and primary uses; chromium metal (8112.21) or chromium salts like chromates (2841) are also different.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 281990, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 281990 in UN Comtrade data was Kazakhstan, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Estonia, with 37% 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 Kazakhstan $105M 40% of world exports
- 2 China $57M 22% of world exports
- 3 Germany $42M 16% of world exports
World total: $261M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Estonia $103M 37% of world imports
- 2 China $27M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 Spain $25M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $278M 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 2819.90 2
Brazil splits HS 2819.90 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.19 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2819.90
What is HS code 281990?
HS code 281990 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Chromium oxides and hydroxides; excluding chromium trioxide. This HS code encompasses various chromium oxides and hydroxides, excluding chromium trioxide (CrO3). The most prominent compound in this category is chromium(III) oxide (Cr2O3), a highly stable green pigment known for its excellent heat and light fastness. It is widely used in paints, ceramics, glass, and as a refractory material. Other forms, such as hydrated chromium oxide, have niche applications. Importers and exporters typically include pigment manufacturers, ceramics producers, and refractory material suppliers. Key trade considerations involve the specific chemical form, purity, and particle size, which influence its color intensity, dispersion properties, and performance in high-temperature applications. Its stability and vibrant green color ensure consistent demand across various industries.
What products fall under HS code 281990?
Chromium(III) oxide, Chromium green pigment, Hydrated chromium oxide, Chromium(II) oxide, Refractory grade chromium oxide
What are common misclassifications for HS code 281990?
Distinguished from chromium trioxide (2819.10) by chemical composition and primary uses; chromium metal (8112.21) or chromium salts like chromates (2841) are also different.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 281990?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 281990 in UN Comtrade data were Kazakhstan ($105M, 40% of world exports), China ($57M) and Germany ($42M). World exports came to about $261M, 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 281990?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 281990 in UN Comtrade data were Estonia ($103M, 37% of world imports), China ($27M) and Spain ($25M). World imports came to about $278M, 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 281990 structured?
HS code 281990 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (19) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 281990?
Brazil splits HS code 281990 into 2 NCM codes: 2819.90.10 (Other chromium oxides), 2819.90.20 (Chromium hydroxides). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.