HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2840.20 – Borates; n.e.c. in heading no. 2840
HS code 2840.20 is the 6-digit subheading for borates, n.e.c. in heading no. 2840. It is used for sodium borate, borax decahydrate, borax pentahydrate, anhydrous borax and calcium borate.
What HS 2840.20 covers
Borates, not elsewhere specified in heading 2840, are crucial inorganic compounds widely traded for their diverse industrial applications. They are primarily used in the manufacturing of glass, ceramics, detergents, fire retardants, and agricultural fertilizers. Major importers include countries with robust manufacturing sectors, particularly in Asia (China, India) and Europe (Germany, Italy), where these materials are essential inputs for various production processes. Exporters are typically countries rich in boron mineral deposits, such as Turkey, the United States, and Chile, which process raw borates into various forms for international markets. Key things to know include the purity levels, specific chemical forms (e.g., sodium borate, calcium borate), and their environmental impact, as some borates are regulated due to their potential toxicity. The global trade in borates is influenced by demand from construction, automotive, and electronics industries, making it a significant commodity in the chemical trade landscape.
- Covers
- Sodium borate
- Borax decahydrate
- Borax pentahydrate
- Anhydrous borax
- Calcium borate
- Zinc borate
- Boric acid salts
- Examples
- Borax (20 Mule Team Borax)
- U.S. Borax (Rio Tinto)
- Eti Maden Borax
- Chemtura Borates
Codes often confused with 2840.20
Common mistake. This code might be confused with 281000 (Boron oxides; boric acids) if the product is a pure acid rather than a salt, or with 284011 (Disodium tetraborate, anhydrous) if the specific form is not anhydrous.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 284020, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 284020 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 11% 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 United States $41M 28% of world exports
- 2 China $29M 20% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $20M 13% of world exports
World total: $149M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $22M 11% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $20M 10% of world imports
- 3 India $18M 9.4% of world imports
World total: $191M 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 code for 2840.20
Brazil does not split HS 2840.20: its NCM code is 2840.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.40 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2840.20
What is HS code 284020?
HS code 284020 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Borates; n.e.c. in heading no. 2840. Borates, not elsewhere specified in heading 2840, are crucial inorganic compounds widely traded for their diverse industrial applications. They are primarily used in the manufacturing of glass, ceramics, detergents, fire retardants, and agricultural fertilizers. Major importers include countries with robust manufacturing sectors, particularly in Asia (China, India) and Europe (Germany, Italy), where these materials are essential inputs for various production processes. Exporters are typically countries rich in boron mineral deposits, such as Turkey, the United States, and Chile, which process raw borates into various forms for international markets. Key things to know include the purity levels, specific chemical forms (e.g., sodium borate, calcium borate), and their environmental impact, as some borates are regulated due to their potential toxicity. The global trade in borates is influenced by demand from construction, automotive, and electronics industries, making it a significant commodity in the chemical trade landscape.
What products fall under HS code 284020?
Sodium borate, Borax decahydrate, Borax pentahydrate, Anhydrous borax, Calcium borate, Zinc borate, Boric acid salts
What are common misclassifications for HS code 284020?
This code might be confused with 281000 (Boron oxides; boric acids) if the product is a pure acid rather than a salt, or with 284011 (Disodium tetraborate, anhydrous) if the specific form is not anhydrous.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 284020?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 284020 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($41M, 28% of world exports), China ($29M) and Türkiye ($20M). World exports came to about $149M, 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 284020?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 284020 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($22M, 11% of world imports), Brazil ($20M) and India ($18M). World imports came to about $191M, 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 284020 structured?
HS code 284020 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (40) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 284020?
In Brazil, HS code 284020 is NCM 2840.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.