HS Code 28.49 – Carbides, whether or not chemically defined

HS code 2849 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Carbides, whether or not chemically defined. Heading 2849 of the Harmonized System covers carbides, whether or not chemically defined. This broad classification encompasses inorganic compounds formed between carbon and a less electronegative element, typically a metal or a metalloid. It includes both chemically defined (stoichiometric) carbides, such as silicon carbide (SiC) and tungsten carbide (WC), and those that are not chemically defined, which may include mixtures or solid solutions. The scope is extensive, covering ionic, covalent, and interstitial carbides. However, the heading explicitly excludes carbides that are also compounds of mercury (classified in 2852) and phosphides (classified in 2853). Additionally, ferro-alloys containing carbides, where the iron content is predominant and the product functions as an alloy, are generally classified in Chapter 72. Key sub-categories within this heading are distinguished by the metallic or metalloid element, such as silicon carbide, calcium carbide, tungsten carbide, titanium carbide, and boron carbide, each with distinct industrial applications. Proper classification is crucial for trade compliance to ensure correct duty rates and adherence to specific regulations, particularly for reactive carbides like calcium carbide, which generates acetylene gas upon contact with water, necessitating specialized handling and transport protocols. Historically, carbides have played vital roles, from early industrial abrasives to modern high-performance materials. This heading firmly positions these fundamental inorganic compounds within Chapter 28, which is dedicated to inorganic chemicals.

Silicon carbide powder, silicon carbide grains, silicon carbide abrasives (raw material), calcium carbide lumps, calcium carbide granules, tungsten carbide powder, tungsten carbide hardmetals (unworked), titanium carbide powder, boron carbide powder, chromium carbide powder, zirconium carbide powder, tantalum carbide powder, niobium carbide powder, vanadium carbide powder, molybdenum carbide powder, hafnium carbide powder, silicon carbide refractory materials (raw form), silicon carbide for semiconductors (raw material), cemented tungsten carbide (unworked shapes), silicon carbide for ceramic armor, silicon carbide for brake discs (raw material), iron carbide powder, manganese carbide powder, barium carbide.

Traders often confuse carbides in 2849 with ferro-alloys containing carbides, which fall under Chapter 72 (Iron and Steel). If the product is primarily an iron alloy where carbide is an alloying element (e.g., ferro-silicon carbide), it belongs in Chapter 72, not 2849. Heading 2849 is for carbides as *chemical compounds* or *materials*, not as constituents within metallic alloys that are predominantly metals. Another common mistake is classifying articles made from carbides, such as finished grinding wheels (6804) or ceramic armor plates (6815), under 2849. This heading is for the carbide *material itself* (powders, grains, unworked shapes), not manufactured articles derived from it.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2849 in UN Comtrade data were China ($555M, 41% of world exports), Germany ($147M) and the United States ($88M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2849 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($281M, 14% of world imports), Germany ($266M) and Japan ($254M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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.

HS code 2849 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (49) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.