HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2843.21 – Silver compounds; silver nitrates
HS code 2843.21 is the 6-digit subheading for silver compounds, silver nitrates. It is used for silver nitrate crystals, silver nitrate solution, photographic grade silver nitrate, reagent grade silver nitrate and medical grade silver nitrate.
What HS 2843.21 covers
This specific HS code is dedicated solely to silver nitrate, a crucial silver compound. Silver nitrate is a white crystalline solid, highly soluble in water, and sensitive to light, making it a versatile chemical. Its primary uses span traditional photography (as a key component in photographic emulsions), medicine (as an antiseptic, cauterizing agent, and in ophthalmic solutions), and as a precursor for synthesizing other silver compounds and in electroplating. Importers and exporters include chemical manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and photographic material suppliers. The trade value of silver nitrate is significantly influenced by global silver prices, and its handling requires care due to its corrosive and light-sensitive properties.
- Covers
- Silver nitrate crystals
- Silver nitrate solution
- Photographic grade silver nitrate
- Reagent grade silver nitrate
- Medical grade silver nitrate
- High-purity silver nitrate
- Examples
- Sigma-Aldrich (reagent silver nitrate)
- Alfa Aesar (silver nitrate)
- Merck KGaA (silver nitrate)
- Johnson Matthey (precious metal chemicals)
- Umicore (precious metal chemicals)
Codes often confused with 2843.21
Common mistake. This is a very specific code for silver nitrate; confusion could arise with other silver compounds classified under 284329 if the precise chemical identity is not confirmed.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 284321, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 284321 in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 28% 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 Kingdom $159M 35% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $97M 21% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $66M 14% of world exports
World total: $457M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $95M 28% of world imports
- 2 Czechia $53M 16% of world imports
- 3 Germany $38M 11% of world imports
World total: $339M 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 2843.21
Brazil does not split HS 2843.21: its NCM code is 2843.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.43 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2843.21
What is HS code 284321?
HS code 284321 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Silver compounds; silver nitrates. This specific HS code is dedicated solely to silver nitrate, a crucial silver compound. Silver nitrate is a white crystalline solid, highly soluble in water, and sensitive to light, making it a versatile chemical. Its primary uses span traditional photography (as a key component in photographic emulsions), medicine (as an antiseptic, cauterizing agent, and in ophthalmic solutions), and as a precursor for synthesizing other silver compounds and in electroplating. Importers and exporters include chemical manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and photographic material suppliers. The trade value of silver nitrate is significantly influenced by global silver prices, and its handling requires care due to its corrosive and light-sensitive properties.
What products fall under HS code 284321?
Silver nitrate crystals, Silver nitrate solution, Photographic grade silver nitrate, Reagent grade silver nitrate, Medical grade silver nitrate, High-purity silver nitrate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 284321?
This is a very specific code for silver nitrate; confusion could arise with other silver compounds classified under 284329 if the precise chemical identity is not confirmed.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 284321?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 284321 in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($159M, 35% of world exports), the Netherlands ($97M) and Belgium ($66M). World exports came to about $457M, 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 284321?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 284321 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($95M, 28% of world imports), Czechia ($53M) and Germany ($38M). World imports came to about $339M, 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 284321 structured?
HS code 284321 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (43) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 284321?
In Brazil, HS code 284321 is NCM 2843.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.