HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2844.42 – Radioactive elements; actinium-225, 227, californium-253, curium-240, 241, 242, 243, 244, einsteinium-253, 254, gadolinium-148, polonium-208, 209, 210, radium-223, uranium-230 or 232, compounds; alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures
HS code 2844.42 is the 6-digit subheading for radioactive elements, actinium-225, 227, californium-253, curium-240, 241, 242, 243, 244, einsteinium-253, 254, gadolinium-148, polonium-208, 209, 210, radium-223, uranium-230 or 232, compounds, alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures. It is used for actinium-225 for targeted alpha therapy, radium-223 dichloride, polonium-210 alpha sources, californium-253 neutron sources and uranium-230 medical isotopes.
What HS 2844.42 covers
This HS code covers specific, highly specialized radioactive elements and their compounds, alloys, dispersions, or mixtures, primarily used in advanced medical treatments and high-precision scientific research. These include isotopes like Actinium-225, Radium-223, and Polonium-210, which are crucial for targeted alpha therapy, cancer treatment, and specialized neutron sources. The international trade in these materials is extremely high-value and low-volume, involving a limited number of specialized manufacturers, research institutions, and hospitals. Exporters are typically countries with advanced nuclear research capabilities, while importers are often leading medical centers and pharmaceutical companies. Key aspects include stringent international regulations for safety, security, and non-proliferation, as well as the challenges associated with their short half-lives and complex handling requirements. The market is driven by breakthroughs in nuclear medicine and advanced scientific instrumentation.
- Covers
- Actinium-225 for targeted alpha therapy
- Radium-223 dichloride
- Polonium-210 alpha sources
- Californium-253 neutron sources
- Uranium-230 medical isotopes
- Gadolinium-148 for research.
- Examples
- Bayer Xofigo (Radium-223)
- Actinium Pharmaceuticals (Actinium-225)
- specialized neutron source manufacturers.
Codes often confused with 2844.42
Common mistake. This code is for specifically enumerated radioactive isotopes. It can be confused with 284443 (other radioactive elements) or 284444 (n.e.c. radioactive elements) if the specific isotope is not explicitly listed here.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 284442, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 284442 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% 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 $43M 38% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $26M 24% of world exports
- 3 Norway $19M 17% of world exports
World total: $112M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $25M 16% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $20M 13% of world imports
- 3 Spain $16M 11% of world imports
World total: $156M 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 2844.42
Brazil does not split HS 2844.42: its NCM code is 2844.42.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.44 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2844.42
What is HS code 284442?
HS code 284442 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Radioactive elements; actinium-225, 227, californium-253, curium-240, 241, 242, 243, 244, einsteinium-253, 254, gadolinium-148, polonium-208, 209, 210, radium-223, uranium-230 or 232, compounds; alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures. This HS code covers specific, highly specialized radioactive elements and their compounds, alloys, dispersions, or mixtures, primarily used in advanced medical treatments and high-precision scientific research. These include isotopes like Actinium-225, Radium-223, and Polonium-210, which are crucial for targeted alpha therapy, cancer treatment, and specialized neutron sources. The international trade in these materials is extremely high-value and low-volume, involving a limited number of specialized manufacturers, research institutions, and hospitals. Exporters are typically countries with advanced nuclear research capabilities, while importers are often leading medical centers and pharmaceutical companies. Key aspects include stringent international regulations for safety, security, and non-proliferation, as well as the challenges associated with their short half-lives and complex handling requirements. The market is driven by breakthroughs in nuclear medicine and advanced scientific instrumentation.
What products fall under HS code 284442?
Actinium-225 for targeted alpha therapy, Radium-223 dichloride, Polonium-210 alpha sources, Californium-253 neutron sources, Uranium-230 medical isotopes, Gadolinium-148 for research.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 284442?
This code is for specifically enumerated radioactive isotopes. It can be confused with 284443 (other radioactive elements) or 284444 (n.e.c. radioactive elements) if the specific isotope is not explicitly listed here.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 284442?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 284442 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($43M, 38% of world exports), the Netherlands ($26M) and Norway ($19M). World exports came to about $112M, 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 284442?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 284442 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($25M, 16% of world imports), Malaysia ($20M) and Spain ($16M). World imports came to about $156M, 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 284442 structured?
HS code 284442 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (44) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (42) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 284442?
In Brazil, HS code 284442 is NCM 2844.42.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.