HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2845.10 – Heavy water (deuterium oxide)
HS code 2845.10 is the 6-digit subheading for heavy water (deuterium oxide). It is used for reactor-grade heavy water, deuterium oxide for NMR, deuterium-labeled solvents, high-purity D2O for research and heavy water for fiber optics.
What HS 2845.10 covers
Heavy water, or deuterium oxide (D2O), is a form of water containing a higher concentration of deuterium, a heavier hydrogen isotope. Its primary use is as a neutron moderator and coolant in certain types of nuclear reactors, particularly CANDU reactors, due to its low neutron absorption cross-section. Beyond nuclear energy, heavy water is vital in scientific research, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and in the production of deuterium-labeled compounds for pharmaceutical and biochemical studies. Trade involves specialized chemical manufacturers, nuclear power utilities, and research institutions worldwide. Key aspects include its strategic importance for nuclear energy programs and the associated non-proliferation controls, as well as its high purity requirements for scientific applications. The market is driven by both energy and advanced research demands.
- Covers
- Reactor-grade heavy water
- Deuterium oxide for NMR
- Deuterium-labeled solvents
- High-purity D2O for research
- Heavy water for fiber optics
- Deuterium gas.
- Examples
- Cameco (Canada)
- Indian Heavy Water Board
- Sigma-Aldrich (for research grade D2O).
Codes often confused with 2845.10
Common mistake. This is distinct from ordinary water (2201) and other isotopic compounds (284590). The specific chemical formula D2O and its isotopic enrichment are the defining characteristics.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 284510, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 284510 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 40% 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 India $74M 45% of world exports
- 2 Canada $32M 20% of world exports
- 3 Iran* ~$23M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $165M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $67M 40% of world imports
- 2 China $37M 22% of world imports
- 3 Switzerland $16M 9.6% of world imports
World total: $164M 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 2845.10
Brazil does not split HS 2845.10: its NCM code is 2845.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.45 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2845.10
What is HS code 284510?
HS code 284510 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Heavy water (deuterium oxide). Heavy water, or deuterium oxide (D2O), is a form of water containing a higher concentration of deuterium, a heavier hydrogen isotope. Its primary use is as a neutron moderator and coolant in certain types of nuclear reactors, particularly CANDU reactors, due to its low neutron absorption cross-section. Beyond nuclear energy, heavy water is vital in scientific research, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and in the production of deuterium-labeled compounds for pharmaceutical and biochemical studies. Trade involves specialized chemical manufacturers, nuclear power utilities, and research institutions worldwide. Key aspects include its strategic importance for nuclear energy programs and the associated non-proliferation controls, as well as its high purity requirements for scientific applications. The market is driven by both energy and advanced research demands.
What products fall under HS code 284510?
Reactor-grade heavy water, Deuterium oxide for NMR, Deuterium-labeled solvents, High-purity D2O for research, Heavy water for fiber optics, Deuterium gas.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 284510?
This is distinct from ordinary water (2201) and other isotopic compounds (284590). The specific chemical formula D2O and its isotopic enrichment are the defining characteristics.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 284510?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 284510 in UN Comtrade data were India ($74M, 45% of world exports), Canada ($32M) and Iran (about $23M). World exports came to about $165M, 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 284510?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 284510 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($67M, 40% of world imports), China ($37M) and Switzerland ($16M). World imports came to about $164M, 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 284510 structured?
HS code 284510 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (45) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 284510?
In Brazil, HS code 284510 is NCM 2845.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.