HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 28.26 – Fluorides; fluorosilicates, fluoroaluminates and other complex fluorine salts
What HS 28.26 covers
Heading 2826 encompasses a critical group of inorganic chemicals: fluorides, fluorosilicates, fluoroaluminates, and other complex fluorine salts. This classification covers both simple metallic and non-metallic fluorides, as well as more intricate compounds where fluorine is part of a complex anion, such as hexafluorosilicates (SiF6)2- or hexafluoroaluminates (AlF6)3-. The scope is strictly limited to inorganic compounds, distinguishing them from organic fluorine derivatives found in Chapter 29. These salts are vital across numerous industrial sectors, serving as key raw materials in aluminum production (e.g., aluminum fluoride, synthetic cryolite), water treatment (e.g., sodium fluoride for fluoridation), glass and ceramics manufacturing, and in the production of refrigerants and specialty chemicals. For trade compliance, accurate classification under 2826 is crucial due to the often hazardous nature of these substances, which can be corrosive or toxic, necessitating specific handling, labeling, and transportation regulations. Misclassification can lead to significant delays, penalties, and safety risks. Historically, the trade of these materials has been closely tied to the growth of the aluminum industry and public health initiatives like water fluoridation. This heading sits within Chapter 28, which broadly covers inorganic chemicals, ensuring these specific fluorine compounds are correctly categorized amongst their inorganic counterparts, emphasizing their chemical composition and industrial utility rather than their end-use as formulated mixtures.
- Covers
- Sodium fluoride
- Aluminum fluoride
- Synthetic cryolite (sodium hexafluoroaluminate)
- Potassium fluoride
- Ammonium bifluoride (ammonium hydrogendifluoride)
- Sodium hexafluorosilicate
- Potassium hexafluorosilicate
- Magnesium fluoride
- Calcium fluoride (synthetic)
- Lithium fluoride
- Boron trifluoride-diethyl etherate (complex)
- Antimony trifluoride
- Potassium tetrafluoroborate
- Ammonium hexafluorotitanate
- Zinc fluoride
- Strontium fluoride
- Lead fluoride
- Silicon tetrafluoride
- Titanium tetrafluoride
- Chromium trifluoride
- Barium fluoride
- Cobalt difluoride
- Iron trifluoride
- Nickel difluoride
- Examples
A major aluminum producer in the United Arab Emirates imports thousands of tons of aluminum fluoride from China via bulk cargo ships through the Suez Canal to reduce the melting point of alumina in their smelting operations. Similarly, a municipal water treatment plant in the United States procures sodium fluoride from Germany, shipped in drums, for water fluoridation to improve dental public health. Another example involves a Canadian metallurgical company importing synthetic cryolite from Russia for use as an electrolyte in the Hall-Héroult process for aluminum extraction, often transported in large quantities across Atlantic shipping lanes.
Subheadings under 28.26 4
Codes often confused with 28.26
Common mistake. A common misclassification error for products under heading 2826 is confusing them with organic fluorine compounds, which fall under Chapter 29 (e.g., 2903 for halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons). For instance, fluorinated polymers or specific organic fluoro-compounds are distinct from the inorganic salts of 2826. Another mistake is classifying complex mixtures containing these salts as 'preparations' under Chapter 38 (e.g., 3824 for prepared binders or chemical products not elsewhere specified) if the primary character remains the inorganic salt. Lastly, natural mineral fluorides like fluorspar, if unprocessed, belong to Chapter 25 (e.g., 2529 for fluorspar), whereas synthetic or refined fluorides are correctly classified in 2826.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 2826, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2826 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 12% 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 $554M 42% of world exports
- 2 United States $172M 13% of world exports
- 3 Germany $122M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $185M 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $182M 12% of world imports
- 3 India $104M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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.
Questions about HS 28.26
What is HS code 2826?
HS code 2826 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fluorides; fluorosilicates, fluoroaluminates and other complex fluorine salts. Heading 2826 encompasses a critical group of inorganic chemicals: fluorides, fluorosilicates, fluoroaluminates, and other complex fluorine salts. This classification covers both simple metallic and non-metallic fluorides, as well as more intricate compounds where fluorine is part of a complex anion, such as hexafluorosilicates (SiF6)2- or hexafluoroaluminates (AlF6)3-. The scope is strictly limited to inorganic compounds, distinguishing them from organic fluorine derivatives found in Chapter 29. These salts are vital across numerous industrial sectors, serving as key raw materials in aluminum production (e.g., aluminum fluoride, synthetic cryolite), water treatment (e.g., sodium fluoride for fluoridation), glass and ceramics manufacturing, and in the production of refrigerants and specialty chemicals. For trade compliance, accurate classification under 2826 is crucial due to the often hazardous nature of these substances, which can be corrosive or toxic, necessitating specific handling, labeling, and transportation regulations. Misclassification can lead to significant delays, penalties, and safety risks. Historically, the trade of these materials has been closely tied to the growth of the aluminum industry and public health initiatives like water fluoridation. This heading sits within Chapter 28, which broadly covers inorganic chemicals, ensuring these specific fluorine compounds are correctly categorized amongst their inorganic counterparts, emphasizing their chemical composition and industrial utility rather than their end-use as formulated mixtures.
What products fall under HS code 2826?
Sodium fluoride, Aluminum fluoride, Synthetic cryolite (sodium hexafluoroaluminate), Potassium fluoride, Ammonium bifluoride (ammonium hydrogendifluoride), Sodium hexafluorosilicate, Potassium hexafluorosilicate, Magnesium fluoride, Calcium fluoride (synthetic), Lithium fluoride, Boron trifluoride-diethyl etherate (complex), Antimony trifluoride, Potassium tetrafluoroborate, Ammonium hexafluorotitanate, Zinc fluoride, Strontium fluoride, Lead fluoride, Silicon tetrafluoride, Titanium tetrafluoride, Chromium trifluoride, Barium fluoride, Cobalt difluoride, Iron trifluoride, Nickel difluoride
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2826?
A common misclassification error for products under heading 2826 is confusing them with organic fluorine compounds, which fall under Chapter 29 (e.g., 2903 for halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons). For instance, fluorinated polymers or specific organic fluoro-compounds are distinct from the inorganic salts of 2826. Another mistake is classifying complex mixtures containing these salts as 'preparations' under Chapter 38 (e.g., 3824 for prepared binders or chemical products not elsewhere specified) if the primary character remains the inorganic salt. Lastly, natural mineral fluorides like fluorspar, if unprocessed, belong to Chapter 25 (e.g., 2529 for fluorspar), whereas synthetic or refined fluorides are correctly classified in 2826.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2826?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2826 in UN Comtrade data were China ($554M, 42% of world exports), the United States ($172M) and Germany ($122M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 2826?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2826 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($185M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($182M) and India ($104M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 2826 structured?
HS code 2826 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (26) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.