HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2821.10 – Iron oxides and hydroxides
HS code 2821.10 is the 6-digit subheading for iron oxides and hydroxides. It is used for red iron oxide, yellow iron oxide, black iron oxide, iron(III) hydroxide and iron(II,III) oxide.
What HS 2821.10 covers
This category encompasses a wide array of iron oxides and hydroxides, fundamental inorganic compounds with extensive applications across numerous industries. In international trade, these materials are highly sought after by manufacturers of pigments, coatings, plastics, ceramics, and even pharmaceuticals. Importers range from large chemical companies requiring raw materials for synthesis to specialized pigment producers and construction material suppliers. Exporters are typically countries with abundant iron ore resources and advanced chemical processing capabilities, or those specializing in synthetic iron oxide production. Key aspects of trade involve the specific color (red, yellow, black, brown), particle size, purity, and chemical form (e.g., hematite, goethite, magnetite), which dictate their suitability for various applications. Their non-toxic nature and excellent lightfastness make them preferred colorants. Global demand is closely tied to the construction industry, automotive sector, and the general manufacturing of consumer goods where durable and vibrant colors are essential.
- Covers
- Red iron oxide
- Yellow iron oxide
- Black iron oxide
- Iron(III) hydroxide
- Iron(II,III) oxide
- Synthetic iron oxide pigments
- Iron oxyhydroxide
- Examples
- Bayferrox pigments
- Lanxess iron oxides
- Cathay Industries iron oxides
Codes often confused with 2821.10
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 282120 (Earth colours containing 70% or more iron evaluated as Fe2O3) if the product is a natural earth pigment, or with iron ores (Chapter 26) if not sufficiently processed into a distinct oxide or hydroxide.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 282110, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 282110 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% 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 $287M 43% of world exports
- 2 United States $48M 7.1% of world exports
- 3 Italy $43M 6.4% of world exports
World total: $673M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $214M 22% of world imports
- 2 China $76M 7.8% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $38M 3.9% of world imports
World total: $970M 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 2821.10 5
Brazil splits HS 2821.10 into 5 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2821.10.1 Ferric oxideÓxido férrico Group
- 2821.10.11 Ferric oxide, 85% Fe2O3 or moreCom um teor de Fe2O3 igual ou superior a 85 %, em peso
- 2821.10.19 Other ferric oxideOutros
- 2821.10.20 Magnetic iron oxide, 93% Fe3O4 or moreÓxido ferroso-férrico (óxido magnético de ferro), com um teor de Fe3O4 igual ou superior a 93 %, em peso
- 2821.10.30 Iron hydroxidesHidróxidos de ferro
- 2821.10.90 Other iron oxidesOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.21 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2821.10
What is HS code 282110?
HS code 282110 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Iron oxides and hydroxides. This category encompasses a wide array of iron oxides and hydroxides, fundamental inorganic compounds with extensive applications across numerous industries. In international trade, these materials are highly sought after by manufacturers of pigments, coatings, plastics, ceramics, and even pharmaceuticals. Importers range from large chemical companies requiring raw materials for synthesis to specialized pigment producers and construction material suppliers. Exporters are typically countries with abundant iron ore resources and advanced chemical processing capabilities, or those specializing in synthetic iron oxide production. Key aspects of trade involve the specific color (red, yellow, black, brown), particle size, purity, and chemical form (e.g., hematite, goethite, magnetite), which dictate their suitability for various applications. Their non-toxic nature and excellent lightfastness make them preferred colorants. Global demand is closely tied to the construction industry, automotive sector, and the general manufacturing of consumer goods where durable and vibrant colors are essential.
What products fall under HS code 282110?
Red iron oxide, Yellow iron oxide, Black iron oxide, Iron(III) hydroxide, Iron(II,III) oxide, Synthetic iron oxide pigments, Iron oxyhydroxide
What are common misclassifications for HS code 282110?
This code can be confused with 282120 (Earth colours containing 70% or more iron evaluated as Fe2O3) if the product is a natural earth pigment, or with iron ores (Chapter 26) if not sufficiently processed into a distinct oxide or hydroxide.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 282110?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 282110 in UN Comtrade data were China ($287M, 43% of world exports), the United States ($48M) and Italy ($43M). World exports came to about $673M, 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 282110?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 282110 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($214M, 22% of world imports), China ($76M) and the United Kingdom ($38M). World imports came to about $970M, 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 282110 structured?
HS code 282110 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (21) 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 282110?
Brazil splits HS code 282110 into 5 NCM codes: 2821.10.11 (Ferric oxide, 85% Fe2O3 or more), 2821.10.19 (Other ferric oxide), 2821.10.20 (Magnetic iron oxide, 93% Fe3O4 or more), 2821.10.30 (Iron hydroxides), 2821.10.90 (Other iron oxides). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.