HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2826.12 – Fluorides; of aluminium
HS code 2826.12 is the 6-digit subheading for fluorides, of aluminium. It is used for aluminium fluoride (AlF3), anhydrous aluminium fluoride, aluminium trifluoride, aluminium fluoride hydrate and cryolite (synthetic).
What HS 2826.12 covers
Aluminium fluorides are critical inorganic compounds primarily used as a flux in the electrolytic production of aluminium (the Hall-Héroult process), where they significantly lower the melting point of alumina, thereby reducing energy consumption. They also find applications in the production of ceramics and as components in certain optical glasses. Major importers are countries with large primary aluminium production capacities, such as China, India, Russia, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. Exporters typically include nations with significant chemical industries capable of producing these compounds, often leveraging access to fluorspar (calcium fluoride) and aluminium hydroxide, such as China, the United States, and various European chemical manufacturers. The trade volume is directly tied to global aluminium demand and the efficiency of the Hall-Héroult process, making aluminium fluoride a strategic commodity for the global metals industry.
- Covers
- Aluminium fluoride (AlF3)
- Anhydrous aluminium fluoride
- Aluminium trifluoride
- Aluminium fluoride hydrate
- Cryolite (synthetic)
- Examples
- Solvay (fluorine chemicals)
- Honeywell (fluorine products)
- Stella Chemifa (fluorine compounds)
- Rio Tinto Alcan (aluminium production input)
Codes often confused with 2826.12
Common mistake. Can be confused with natural cryolite (252920) or other aluminium compounds (284290), leading to incorrect tariff application. Distinguishing synthetic from natural forms is crucial.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 282612, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 282612 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 67% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 15% 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 $223M 67% of world exports
- 2 Tunisia* ~$33M 10.0% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$19M 5.7% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $332M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $85M 15% of world imports
- 2 India $83M 15% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $62M 11% of world imports
World total: $568M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 code for 2826.12
Brazil does not split HS 2826.12: its NCM code is 2826.12.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.26 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2826.12
What is HS code 282612?
HS code 282612 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fluorides; of aluminium. Aluminium fluorides are critical inorganic compounds primarily used as a flux in the electrolytic production of aluminium (the Hall-Héroult process), where they significantly lower the melting point of alumina, thereby reducing energy consumption. They also find applications in the production of ceramics and as components in certain optical glasses. Major importers are countries with large primary aluminium production capacities, such as China, India, Russia, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. Exporters typically include nations with significant chemical industries capable of producing these compounds, often leveraging access to fluorspar (calcium fluoride) and aluminium hydroxide, such as China, the United States, and various European chemical manufacturers. The trade volume is directly tied to global aluminium demand and the efficiency of the Hall-Héroult process, making aluminium fluoride a strategic commodity for the global metals industry.
What products fall under HS code 282612?
Aluminium fluoride (AlF3), Anhydrous aluminium fluoride, Aluminium trifluoride, Aluminium fluoride hydrate, Cryolite (synthetic)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 282612?
Can be confused with natural cryolite (252920) or other aluminium compounds (284290), leading to incorrect tariff application. Distinguishing synthetic from natural forms is crucial.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 282612?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 282612 in UN Comtrade data were China ($223M, 67% of world exports), Tunisia (about $33M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $19M). World exports came to about $332M, 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 282612?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 282612 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($85M, 15% of world imports), India ($83M) and Brazil ($62M). World imports came to about $568M, 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 282612 structured?
HS code 282612 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (26) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 282612?
In Brazil, HS code 282612 is NCM 2826.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.