HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2836.60 – Carbonates; barium carbonate
HS code 2836.60 is the 6-digit subheading for carbonates, barium carbonate. It is used for barium carbonate powder, barium carbonate granular, technical grade barium carbonate, ceramic grade barium carbonate and glass grade barium carbonate.
What HS 2836.60 covers
Barium carbonate, an inorganic compound, is classified under this HS code and holds specialized importance in international trade. It is primarily used in the production of specialty glass, particularly for cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and optical glass, where it enhances refractive index and reduces radiation emission. Other significant applications include the manufacture of ceramic glazes, bricks, and tiles, where it acts as a flux and prevents efflorescence. It's also used in the chemical industry for producing other barium compounds and in water treatment to remove sulfates. Countries with specialized glass manufacturing, ceramics industries, and chemical production facilities are key importers. Exporters are typically nations with access to barite ore (barium sulfate) and the chemical infrastructure to convert it into barium carbonate. Trade considerations include purity, particle size, and packaging, given its toxicity and specialized applications. Its demand is tied to niche industrial sectors, making it a less voluminous but critical chemical commodity.
- Covers
- Barium carbonate powder
- Barium carbonate granular
- Technical grade barium carbonate
- Ceramic grade barium carbonate
- Glass grade barium carbonate
- Barium carbonate precipitated
- Examples
- Solvay (barium chemicals)
- Sakai Chemical Industry (barium compounds)
- Barium & Chemicals Inc. (barium products)
- Noah Technologies (specialty chemicals)
Codes often confused with 2836.60
Common mistake. This code is specific for barium carbonate. It might be confused with 283699 (other carbonates) if its specific identity is not clear, or with 2837.11 (barium sulfate) if the raw material is mistaken for the processed carbonate.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 283660, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 283660 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 70% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 17% 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 $81M 70% of world exports
- 2 India $20M 17% of world exports
- 3 Japan $8.8M 7.6% of world exports
World total: $117M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $29M 17% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $20M 12% of world imports
- 3 Spain $14M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $170M 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 2836.60 2
Brazil splits HS 2836.60 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2836.60.10 Barium carbonate, 98% BaCO3 or moreCom um teor de BaCO3 igual ou superior a 98 %, em peso
- 2836.60.90 Other barium carbonateOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.36 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2836.60
What is HS code 283660?
HS code 283660 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Carbonates; barium carbonate. Barium carbonate, an inorganic compound, is classified under this HS code and holds specialized importance in international trade. It is primarily used in the production of specialty glass, particularly for cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and optical glass, where it enhances refractive index and reduces radiation emission. Other significant applications include the manufacture of ceramic glazes, bricks, and tiles, where it acts as a flux and prevents efflorescence. It's also used in the chemical industry for producing other barium compounds and in water treatment to remove sulfates. Countries with specialized glass manufacturing, ceramics industries, and chemical production facilities are key importers. Exporters are typically nations with access to barite ore (barium sulfate) and the chemical infrastructure to convert it into barium carbonate. Trade considerations include purity, particle size, and packaging, given its toxicity and specialized applications. Its demand is tied to niche industrial sectors, making it a less voluminous but critical chemical commodity.
What products fall under HS code 283660?
Barium carbonate powder, Barium carbonate granular, Technical grade barium carbonate, Ceramic grade barium carbonate, Glass grade barium carbonate, Barium carbonate precipitated
What are common misclassifications for HS code 283660?
This code is specific for barium carbonate. It might be confused with 283699 (other carbonates) if its specific identity is not clear, or with 2837.11 (barium sulfate) if the raw material is mistaken for the processed carbonate.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 283660?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 283660 in UN Comtrade data were China ($81M, 70% of world exports), India ($20M) and Japan ($8.8M). World exports came to about $117M, 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 283660?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 283660 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($29M, 17% of world imports), South Korea ($20M) and Spain ($14M). World imports came to about $170M, 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 283660 structured?
HS code 283660 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (36) 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 283660?
Brazil splits HS code 283660 into 2 NCM codes: 2836.60.10 (Barium carbonate, 98% BaCO3 or more), 2836.60.90 (Other barium carbonate). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.