HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2846.90 – Compounds, inorganic or organic (excluding cerium), of rare-earth metals, of yttrium, scandium or of mixtures of these metals
HS code 2846.90 is the 6-digit subheading for compounds, inorganic or organic (excluding cerium), of rare-earth metals, of yttrium, scandium or of mixtures of these metals. It is used for yttrium oxide, scandium oxide, neodymium compounds, dysprosium compounds and terbium compounds.
What HS 2846.90 covers
This HS code encompasses a critical category of inorganic and organic compounds derived from rare-earth metals (excluding cerium), yttrium, scandium, or mixtures thereof. These materials are indispensable in modern high-tech industries, serving as foundational components for advanced electronics, permanent magnets, catalysts, and specialized ceramics. International trade in these compounds is driven by the global demand for consumer electronics, electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and defense applications. Major importers are typically technologically advanced nations with robust manufacturing sectors, while exporters are often countries with significant rare-earth mining and processing capabilities. The supply chain for these materials is complex and often subject to geopolitical considerations due to their strategic importance and concentrated production. Understanding the specific application and purity level is crucial for trade. These compounds are vital for innovation across numerous high-growth sectors.
- Covers
- Yttrium oxide
- Scandium oxide
- Neodymium compounds
- Dysprosium compounds
- Terbium compounds
- Gadolinium compounds
- Europium compounds
- Samarium compounds
- Examples
- Compounds in LED phosphors
- catalysts for petroleum refining
- magnets for EV motors
- specialized optical glass
Codes often confused with 2846.90
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 284610 (Cerium compounds) or 280530 (Rare-earth metals, unwrought). The distinction lies in the presence of cerium and whether it's a compound or the pure metal.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 284690, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 284690 in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% 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 Malaysia $485M 24% of world exports
- 2 Laos* ~$426M 21% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 China $348M 17% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.6B 58% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$259M 9.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $180M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $2.7B 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 codes for 2846.90 4
Brazil splits HS 2846.90 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2846.90.10 Praseodymium oxideÓxido de praseodímio
- 2846.90.20 Chlorides of other rare-earth metalsCloretos dos demais metais das terras raras
- 2846.90.30 Gadopentetate dimeglumineGadopentetato de dimeglumina
- 2846.90.90 Other rare-earth, yttrium or scandium compoundsOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.46 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2846.90
What is HS code 284690?
HS code 284690 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Compounds, inorganic or organic (excluding cerium), of rare-earth metals, of yttrium, scandium or of mixtures of these metals. This HS code encompasses a critical category of inorganic and organic compounds derived from rare-earth metals (excluding cerium), yttrium, scandium, or mixtures thereof. These materials are indispensable in modern high-tech industries, serving as foundational components for advanced electronics, permanent magnets, catalysts, and specialized ceramics. International trade in these compounds is driven by the global demand for consumer electronics, electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and defense applications. Major importers are typically technologically advanced nations with robust manufacturing sectors, while exporters are often countries with significant rare-earth mining and processing capabilities. The supply chain for these materials is complex and often subject to geopolitical considerations due to their strategic importance and concentrated production. Understanding the specific application and purity level is crucial for trade. These compounds are vital for innovation across numerous high-growth sectors.
What products fall under HS code 284690?
Yttrium oxide, Scandium oxide, Neodymium compounds, Dysprosium compounds, Terbium compounds, Gadolinium compounds, Europium compounds, Samarium compounds
What are common misclassifications for HS code 284690?
This code is often confused with 284610 (Cerium compounds) or 280530 (Rare-earth metals, unwrought). The distinction lies in the presence of cerium and whether it's a compound or the pure metal.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 284690?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 284690 in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($485M, 24% of world exports), Laos (about $426M) and China ($348M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 284690?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 284690 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.6B, 58% of world imports), Vietnam (about $259M) and the United States ($180M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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.
How is HS code 284690 structured?
HS code 284690 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (46) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 284690?
Brazil splits HS code 284690 into 4 NCM codes: 2846.90.10 (Praseodymium oxide), 2846.90.20 (Chlorides of other rare-earth metals), 2846.90.30 (Gadopentetate dimeglumine), 2846.90.90 (Other rare-earth, yttrium or scandium compounds). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.