HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2825.60 – Germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide
HS code 2825.60 is the 6-digit subheading for germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide. It is used for germanium dioxide, zirconium dioxide, zirconia powder, germanium(II) oxide and germanium(IV) oxide.
What HS 2825.60 covers
This category encompasses two distinct but industrially vital compounds: germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide. Germanium oxides are indispensable in fiber optics, infrared optics, and semiconductor manufacturing due to their unique optical and electronic properties. Zirconium dioxide, commonly known as zirconia, is highly prized for its exceptional hardness, high melting point, and chemical inertness, making it essential in advanced ceramics, refractories, dental materials, and oxygen sensors. Major importers are technologically advanced economies like Japan, the United States, Germany, and China, which possess strong electronics, optical, and advanced ceramics industries. Exporters are typically countries with access to raw materials and sophisticated processing capabilities, such as Australia (for zircon sand), South Africa, and specialized chemical producers in Europe and Asia. Trade is predominantly driven by high-tech manufacturing demands.
- Covers
- Germanium dioxide
- Zirconium dioxide
- Zirconia powder
- Germanium(II) oxide
- Germanium(IV) oxide
- Yttria-stabilized zirconia
- Monoclinic zirconia
- Examples
- Heraeus (germanium products)
- Tosoh (zirconia)
- Saint-Gobain (advanced ceramics)
- CoorsTek (technical ceramics)
Codes often confused with 2825.60
Common mistake. These can be mistaken for unwrought germanium (8112) or zirconium (8109), or other germanium/zirconium compounds (284290), leading to incorrect duties. Specific chemical identity is key.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 282560, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 282560 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 $140M 33% of world exports
- 2 Canada $84M 19% of world exports
- 3 United States $39M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $429M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $95M 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $56M 11% of world imports
- 3 Japan $53M 11% of world imports
World total: $491M 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 2825.60 2
Brazil splits HS 2825.60 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.25 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2825.60
What is HS code 282560?
HS code 282560 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide. This category encompasses two distinct but industrially vital compounds: germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide. Germanium oxides are indispensable in fiber optics, infrared optics, and semiconductor manufacturing due to their unique optical and electronic properties. Zirconium dioxide, commonly known as zirconia, is highly prized for its exceptional hardness, high melting point, and chemical inertness, making it essential in advanced ceramics, refractories, dental materials, and oxygen sensors. Major importers are technologically advanced economies like Japan, the United States, Germany, and China, which possess strong electronics, optical, and advanced ceramics industries. Exporters are typically countries with access to raw materials and sophisticated processing capabilities, such as Australia (for zircon sand), South Africa, and specialized chemical producers in Europe and Asia. Trade is predominantly driven by high-tech manufacturing demands.
What products fall under HS code 282560?
Germanium dioxide, Zirconium dioxide, Zirconia powder, Germanium(II) oxide, Germanium(IV) oxide, Yttria-stabilized zirconia, Monoclinic zirconia
What are common misclassifications for HS code 282560?
These can be mistaken for unwrought germanium (8112) or zirconium (8109), or other germanium/zirconium compounds (284290), leading to incorrect duties. Specific chemical identity is key.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 282560?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 282560 in UN Comtrade data were China ($140M, 33% of world exports), Canada ($84M) and the United States ($39M). World exports came to about $429M, 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 282560?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 282560 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($95M, 19% of world imports), Germany ($56M) and Japan ($53M). World imports came to about $491M, 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 282560 structured?
HS code 282560 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (25) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (60) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 282560?
Brazil splits HS code 282560 into 2 NCM codes: 2825.60.10 (Germanium oxides), 2825.60.20 (Zirconium dioxide). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.