HS Code 28.22 – Cobalt oxides and hydroxides; commercial cobalt oxides

HS code 2822 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cobalt oxides and hydroxides; commercial cobalt oxides. HS Code 2822 covers cobalt oxides and hydroxides, including all forms of commercial cobalt oxides. This heading is critical for classifying essential inorganic chemicals used in high-tech industries. It encompasses compounds like cobalt(II) oxide (CoO), cobalt(III) oxide (Co2O3), tricobalt tetraoxide (Co3O4), and cobalt hydroxide (Co(OH)2). The scope includes both pure chemical compounds and industrial-grade 'commercial cobalt oxides,' which may contain impurities but are intended for specific industrial applications. Excluded are raw cobalt ores (Chapter 26) and prepared pigments or frits containing cobalt oxide (Chapter 32). Key sub-categories often relate to the oxidation state of cobalt and the intended application, such as battery-grade cobalt oxides or pigment-grade materials. This classification is immensely significant for trade compliance due to cobalt's strategic importance, particularly in the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) battery sector, catalysts, and specialized pigments for ceramics and glass. Accurate classification ensures compliance with often complex regulations, including conflict minerals reporting (e.g., Dodd-Frank Act, EU Conflict Minerals Regulation), export controls, and environmental standards. Historically, cobalt pigments have a long legacy, but modern demand is overwhelmingly driven by its role in advanced electronics and energy storage. This heading represents a high-value inorganic chemical within Chapter 28, often acting as a crucial precursor in sophisticated manufacturing processes.

Cobalt(II) oxide powder, cobalt(III) oxide, tricobalt tetraoxide, cobalt hydroxide, cobalt blue pigment precursor, lithium cobalt oxide precursor, cobalt catalyst support, cobalt oxide for glass coloration, cobalt oxide for ceramic glazes, battery-grade cobalt oxide, high-purity cobalt oxide, cobalt oxide for magnetic applications, cobalt oxide for supercapacitors, cobalt oxide for electroplating, cobalt oxide for fuel cells, cobalt oxide for chemical synthesis, cobalt oxide for thermoelectric materials, cobalt oxide for thin films

Misclassification for HS 2822 commonly involves distinguishing between raw cobalt materials and processed chemicals. Traders sometimes confuse cobalt ores and concentrates (HS 2605) with cobalt oxides/hydroxides, especially if the material is only partially refined. Another frequent error is classifying prepared pigments or frits that contain cobalt oxide under 2822 instead of HS 3206 (Other colouring matter; preparations), which covers formulated colouring materials. Additionally, other cobalt compounds like cobalt sulfates (HS 2833) might be mistakenly grouped here. The key distinction lies in the chemical form: 2822 is specifically for oxides and hydroxides, not other salts or raw ore forms.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2822 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($105M, 31% of world exports), China ($96M) and the DR Congo (about $52M). World exports came to about $341M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The DR Congo did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 35% of its exports here ($79M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2822 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($97M, 21% of world imports), South Korea ($58M) and Namibia ($50M). World imports came to about $466M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Zambia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($67M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.

HS code 2822 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (22) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.