HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2844.50 – Spent (irradiated) fuel elements (cartridges) of nuclear reactors
HS code 2844.50 is the 6-digit subheading for spent (irradiated) fuel elements (cartridges) of nuclear reactors. It is used for pressurized water reactor spent fuel assemblies, boiling water reactor spent fuel bundles, CANDU spent fuel bundles, research reactor spent fuel and reprocessed uranium (from spent fuel).
What HS 2844.50 covers
This HS code specifically covers spent (irradiated) fuel elements or cartridges from nuclear reactors. These materials are highly radioactive and contain a complex mixture of fission products and transuranic elements, making them extremely hazardous. Their international trade is highly restricted and primarily involves transfers between countries for reprocessing services or long-term geological storage. Importers are typically nations with advanced reprocessing capabilities or designated repositories, while exporters are countries operating nuclear power plants. Key issues surrounding spent fuel include stringent non-proliferation concerns, environmental safety, and the immense logistical and financial challenges associated with their safe management and disposal. The global market is driven by the need for responsible and secure handling of nuclear waste.
- Covers
- Pressurized water reactor spent fuel assemblies
- Boiling water reactor spent fuel bundles
- CANDU spent fuel bundles
- Research reactor spent fuel
- Reprocessed uranium (from spent fuel)
- Vitrified high-level waste.
- Examples
- Orano (reprocessing services)
- Sellafield Ltd (UK)
- various national nuclear waste agencies.
Codes often confused with 2844.50
Common mistake. This is distinct from fresh nuclear fuel (2844.10 or 2844.20) and other radioactive waste (284444). The key defining characteristic is 'spent (irradiated) fuel elements'.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 284450, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 284450 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Dominican Republic, with 35% of world imports. Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($146K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Qatar did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 21% of its imports here ($146K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $252K 47% of world exports
- 2 Israel $195K 36% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $75K 14% of world exports
Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($146K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $541K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Dominican Republic $108K 35% of world imports
- 2 Qatar* ~$45K 15% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Barbados $30K 9.7% of world imports
Qatar did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 21% of its imports here ($146K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $305K 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 2844.50
Brazil does not split HS 2844.50: its NCM code is 2844.50.00.
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 2844.50
What is HS code 284450?
HS code 284450 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Spent (irradiated) fuel elements (cartridges) of nuclear reactors. This HS code specifically covers spent (irradiated) fuel elements or cartridges from nuclear reactors. These materials are highly radioactive and contain a complex mixture of fission products and transuranic elements, making them extremely hazardous. Their international trade is highly restricted and primarily involves transfers between countries for reprocessing services or long-term geological storage. Importers are typically nations with advanced reprocessing capabilities or designated repositories, while exporters are countries operating nuclear power plants. Key issues surrounding spent fuel include stringent non-proliferation concerns, environmental safety, and the immense logistical and financial challenges associated with their safe management and disposal. The global market is driven by the need for responsible and secure handling of nuclear waste.
What products fall under HS code 284450?
Pressurized water reactor spent fuel assemblies, Boiling water reactor spent fuel bundles, CANDU spent fuel bundles, Research reactor spent fuel, Reprocessed uranium (from spent fuel), Vitrified high-level waste.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 284450?
This is distinct from fresh nuclear fuel (2844.10 or 2844.20) and other radioactive waste (284444). The key defining characteristic is 'spent (irradiated) fuel elements'.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 284450?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 284450 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($252K, 47% of world exports), Israel ($195K) and South Africa ($75K). World exports came to about $541K, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($146K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 284450?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 284450 in UN Comtrade data were the Dominican Republic ($108K, 35% of world imports), Qatar (about $45K) and Barbados ($30K). World imports came to about $305K, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Qatar did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 21% of its imports here ($146K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
How is HS code 284450 structured?
HS code 284450 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 (50) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 284450?
In Brazil, HS code 284450 is NCM 2844.50.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.