HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 28.45 – Isotopes other than those of heading no. 2844; compounds, inorganic or organic, of such isotopes, whether or not chemically defined
What HS 28.45 covers
Heading 2845 serves as a counterpart to 2844, specifically covering isotopes other than those of heading 2844, along with their inorganic or organic compounds, whether or not chemically defined. This classification is dedicated to stable (non-radioactive) isotopes and their compounds, which are distinct from the highly regulated radioactive materials. The scope includes a wide array of enriched stable isotopes of elements like hydrogen (deuterium), oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen, among others. These isotopes are not radioactive but are separated or enriched for specific applications where their unique atomic mass or nuclear properties are beneficial. Key sub-categories include deuterium oxide (heavy water), enriched carbon-13, oxygen-18, and nitrogen-15, as well as their various chemical compounds. This classification is vital for trade compliance as it differentiates these specialized chemical products from both radioactive isotopes (2844) and common, unenriched chemical compounds found elsewhere in Chapter 28. Accurate classification ensures proper customs valuation and regulatory adherence, although the regulatory burden is significantly lower than for radioactive materials. Historically, the development of isotope separation technologies has paved the way for advanced scientific research, medical diagnostics, and specialized industrial processes, making these materials indispensable in modern technology. This heading within Chapter 28 underscores the importance of isotopic composition as a defining characteristic for chemical classification.
- Covers
- Deuterium (heavy hydrogen)
- Deuterium oxide (heavy water)
- Carbon-13 (enriched isotope)
- Oxygen-18 (enriched isotope)
- Nitrogen-15 (enriched isotope)
- Deuterated chloroform
- Deuterated water (for NMR spectroscopy)
- Carbon-13 labeled compounds
- Nitrogen-15 labeled compounds
- Oxygen-18 labeled compounds
- Boron-10 (enriched isotope)
- Lithium-6 (enriched isotope)
- Sulfur-34 (enriched isotope)
- Silicon-28 (enriched isotope)
- Germanium-76 (enriched isotope)
- Stable isotope standards
- Stable isotope-enriched gases
- Deuterated solvents for spectroscopy
- Heavy water for nuclear moderation (non-radioactive use)
- Isotopic tracers for environmental studies
- Enriched uranium (non-radioactive isotopes, e.g., U-238 for specific uses)
- Examples
A research laboratory in the United States imports a high-purity consignment of Carbon-13 labeled glucose from a specialized chemical supplier in the UK for metabolic studies, typically transported by air freight due to its value and sensitivity. Another example involves a nuclear research facility in India importing heavy water (deuterium oxide) from Canada for use as a moderator in a research reactor, a transaction that, while not involving radioactive materials, still requires careful regulatory oversight and is often transported by sea. Furthermore, a manufacturer of advanced medical diagnostic equipment in Germany exports Oxygen-18 enriched water to a PET scan facility in Australia for the production of radiopharmaceuticals, usually via air cargo to maintain purity and supply chain integrity.
Subheadings under 28.45 5
Codes often confused with 28.45
Common mistake. A common misclassification for 2845 is confusing stable isotopes with their radioactive counterparts under 2844. For instance, classifying deuterium as radioactive tritium, or enriched Carbon-13 as radioactive Carbon-14. This error can lead to severe regulatory issues due to the vast difference in control for radioactive materials. Conversely, some might classify stable isotope compounds as generic chemical compounds (e.g., classifying deuterium oxide as just 'water' under 2201 or a simple oxide under 28XX), thereby missing the specific 'isotope' aspect which defines its value and specialized use. It's crucial to confirm whether the isotope is stable or radioactive and if it has been enriched beyond its natural abundance, as this determines its classification in 2845 vs. 2844 or other chemical headings.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 2845, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2845 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% 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 $409M 24% of world exports
- 2 United States $351M 20% of world exports
- 3 Ireland $196M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $344M 23% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $232M 16% of world imports
- 3 United States $228M 16% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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.
Questions about HS 28.45
What is HS code 2845?
HS code 2845 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Isotopes other than those of heading no. 2844; compounds, inorganic or organic, of such isotopes, whether or not chemically defined. Heading 2845 serves as a counterpart to 2844, specifically covering isotopes other than those of heading 2844, along with their inorganic or organic compounds, whether or not chemically defined. This classification is dedicated to stable (non-radioactive) isotopes and their compounds, which are distinct from the highly regulated radioactive materials. The scope includes a wide array of enriched stable isotopes of elements like hydrogen (deuterium), oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen, among others. These isotopes are not radioactive but are separated or enriched for specific applications where their unique atomic mass or nuclear properties are beneficial. Key sub-categories include deuterium oxide (heavy water), enriched carbon-13, oxygen-18, and nitrogen-15, as well as their various chemical compounds. This classification is vital for trade compliance as it differentiates these specialized chemical products from both radioactive isotopes (2844) and common, unenriched chemical compounds found elsewhere in Chapter 28. Accurate classification ensures proper customs valuation and regulatory adherence, although the regulatory burden is significantly lower than for radioactive materials. Historically, the development of isotope separation technologies has paved the way for advanced scientific research, medical diagnostics, and specialized industrial processes, making these materials indispensable in modern technology. This heading within Chapter 28 underscores the importance of isotopic composition as a defining characteristic for chemical classification.
What products fall under HS code 2845?
Deuterium (heavy hydrogen), Deuterium oxide (heavy water), Carbon-13 (enriched isotope), Oxygen-18 (enriched isotope), Nitrogen-15 (enriched isotope), Deuterated chloroform, Deuterated water (for NMR spectroscopy), Carbon-13 labeled compounds, Nitrogen-15 labeled compounds, Oxygen-18 labeled compounds, Boron-10 (enriched isotope), Lithium-6 (enriched isotope), Sulfur-34 (enriched isotope), Silicon-28 (enriched isotope), Germanium-76 (enriched isotope), Stable isotope standards, Stable isotope-enriched gases, Deuterated solvents for spectroscopy, Heavy water for nuclear moderation (non-radioactive use), Isotopic tracers for environmental studies, Enriched uranium (non-radioactive isotopes, e.g., U-238 for specific uses)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2845?
A common misclassification for 2845 is confusing stable isotopes with their radioactive counterparts under 2844. For instance, classifying deuterium as radioactive tritium, or enriched Carbon-13 as radioactive Carbon-14. This error can lead to severe regulatory issues due to the vast difference in control for radioactive materials. Conversely, some might classify stable isotope compounds as generic chemical compounds (e.g., classifying deuterium oxide as just 'water' under 2201 or a simple oxide under 28XX), thereby missing the specific 'isotope' aspect which defines its value and specialized use. It's crucial to confirm whether the isotope is stable or radioactive and if it has been enriched beyond its natural abundance, as this determines its classification in 2845 vs. 2844 or other chemical headings.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2845?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2845 in UN Comtrade data were China ($409M, 24% of world exports), the United States ($351M) and Ireland ($196M). World exports came to about $1.7B, 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 2845?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2845 in UN Comtrade data were China ($344M, 23% of world imports), South Korea ($232M) and the United States ($228M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 2845 structured?
HS code 2845 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (45) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.