HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2845.40 – Helium-3
HS code 2845.40 is the 6-digit subheading for helium-3. It is used for gaseous Helium-3, liquid Helium-3, helium-3 neutron detectors, helium-3 cryostats and helium-3 for medical imaging.
What HS 2845.40 covers
Helium-3 is a rare, stable isotope of helium with unique properties that make it highly valuable in various advanced technological and scientific applications. Its primary uses include neutron detection, cryogenics (especially for ultra-low temperature research), and as a potential fuel for aneutronic fusion power, though this remains largely theoretical. It is primarily obtained as a byproduct of tritium decay, making its supply extremely limited and expensive. International trade involves specialized gas suppliers, research institutions, and defense contractors. Key considerations include its scarcity, high cost, and strategic importance in sensitive applications, leading to strict export controls. The market is driven by cutting-edge research and high-tech defense needs.
- Covers
- Gaseous Helium-3
- Liquid Helium-3
- Helium-3 neutron detectors
- Helium-3 cryostats
- Helium-3 for medical imaging
- Helium-3 for quantum computing research.
- Examples
- Praxair (now Linde)
- Air Liquide
- various research equipment manufacturers.
Codes often confused with 2845.40
Common mistake. This is distinct from common helium-4 (2804.29) and other noble gases. The specific isotope 'Helium-3' is the defining characteristic.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 284540, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 284540 in UN Comtrade data was France, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 France $18M 34% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$18M 33% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Canada $12M 23% of world exports
World total: $54M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $18M 40% of world imports
- 2 France $9.1M 21% of world imports
- 3 United States $8.2M 19% of world imports
World total: $44M 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 2845.40
Brazil does not split HS 2845.40: its NCM code is 2845.40.00.
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 2845.40
What is HS code 284540?
HS code 284540 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Helium-3. Helium-3 is a rare, stable isotope of helium with unique properties that make it highly valuable in various advanced technological and scientific applications. Its primary uses include neutron detection, cryogenics (especially for ultra-low temperature research), and as a potential fuel for aneutronic fusion power, though this remains largely theoretical. It is primarily obtained as a byproduct of tritium decay, making its supply extremely limited and expensive. International trade involves specialized gas suppliers, research institutions, and defense contractors. Key considerations include its scarcity, high cost, and strategic importance in sensitive applications, leading to strict export controls. The market is driven by cutting-edge research and high-tech defense needs.
What products fall under HS code 284540?
Gaseous Helium-3, Liquid Helium-3, Helium-3 neutron detectors, Helium-3 cryostats, Helium-3 for medical imaging, Helium-3 for quantum computing research.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 284540?
This is distinct from common helium-4 (2804.29) and other noble gases. The specific isotope 'Helium-3' is the defining characteristic.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 284540?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 284540 in UN Comtrade data were France ($18M, 34% of world exports), Russia (about $18M) and Canada ($12M). World exports came to about $54M, 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 284540?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 284540 in UN Comtrade data were China ($18M, 40% of world imports), France ($9.1M) and the United States ($8.2M). World imports came to about $44M, 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 284540 structured?
HS code 284540 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 284540?
In Brazil, HS code 284540 is NCM 2845.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.