HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2845.20 – Boron enriched in boron-10 and its compounds
HS code 2845.20 is the 6-digit subheading for boron enriched in boron-10 and its compounds. It is used for boron carbide enriched in B-10, boric acid enriched in B-10, boron trifluoride enriched in B-10, boron-10 metal and boron-10 neutron detectors.
What HS 2845.20 covers
This HS code covers boron that has been enriched in the boron-10 isotope, along with its chemical compounds. Boron-10 is highly prized for its exceptional neutron absorption capabilities, making it indispensable for control rods in nuclear reactors, neutron shielding, and as a key component in neutron detectors. It also finds specialized applications in medical therapies, such as Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) for cancer treatment. Trade in enriched boron involves specialized chemical companies, nuclear energy suppliers, and medical research facilities. Due to its strategic importance in nuclear applications, its international trade is subject to strict controls and non-proliferation safeguards. The market is primarily driven by the nuclear power industry and advanced medical research requiring precise neutron capture properties.
- Covers
- Boron carbide enriched in B-10
- Boric acid enriched in B-10
- Boron trifluoride enriched in B-10
- Boron-10 metal
- Boron-10 neutron detectors
- Boron-10 for BNCT.
- Examples
- 3M (boron-10 products)
- EaglePicher Technologies
- various nuclear material suppliers.
Codes often confused with 2845.20
Common mistake. This is distinct from natural boron (2804.50) or other boron compounds not enriched in boron-10 (2810.00). The 'enriched in boron-10' aspect is the critical differentiator.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 284520, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 284520 in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 74% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 75% 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 Japan $16M 74% of world exports
- 2 United States $4.8M 22% of world exports
- 3 China $585K 2.6% of world exports
World total: $22M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $14M 75% of world imports
- 2 France $1.3M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 Georgia $1.2M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $18M 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 2845.20
Brazil does not split HS 2845.20: its NCM code is 2845.20.00.
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 2845.20
What is HS code 284520?
HS code 284520 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Boron enriched in boron-10 and its compounds. This HS code covers boron that has been enriched in the boron-10 isotope, along with its chemical compounds. Boron-10 is highly prized for its exceptional neutron absorption capabilities, making it indispensable for control rods in nuclear reactors, neutron shielding, and as a key component in neutron detectors. It also finds specialized applications in medical therapies, such as Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) for cancer treatment. Trade in enriched boron involves specialized chemical companies, nuclear energy suppliers, and medical research facilities. Due to its strategic importance in nuclear applications, its international trade is subject to strict controls and non-proliferation safeguards. The market is primarily driven by the nuclear power industry and advanced medical research requiring precise neutron capture properties.
What products fall under HS code 284520?
Boron carbide enriched in B-10, Boric acid enriched in B-10, Boron trifluoride enriched in B-10, Boron-10 metal, Boron-10 neutron detectors, Boron-10 for BNCT.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 284520?
This is distinct from natural boron (2804.50) or other boron compounds not enriched in boron-10 (2810.00). The 'enriched in boron-10' aspect is the critical differentiator.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 284520?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 284520 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($16M, 74% of world exports), the United States ($4.8M) and China ($585K). World exports came to about $22M, 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 284520?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 284520 in UN Comtrade data were China ($14M, 75% of world imports), France ($1.3M) and Georgia ($1.2M). World imports came to about $18M, 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 284520 structured?
HS code 284520 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 284520?
In Brazil, HS code 284520 is NCM 2845.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.