HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2849.10 – Carbides; of calcium, whether or not chemically defined
HS code 2849.10 is the 6-digit subheading for carbides, of calcium, whether or not chemically defined. It is used for calcium carbide lumps, calcium carbide powder, acetylene-grade calcium carbide and desulfurization-grade calcium carbide.
What HS 2849.10 covers
This HS code covers calcium carbide, a compound primarily known for its role in generating acetylene gas and its use in metallurgical processes. Historically, it was crucial for carbide lamps and is still vital in many developing economies for welding and cutting applications where acetylene is produced on-site. In modern industry, calcium carbide is extensively used in steelmaking as a desulfurizing agent and as a fuel source. Its trade is driven by the demand from the steel industry, chemical manufacturing (for acetylene-derived chemicals), and welding sectors globally. Exporters are typically countries with access to limestone and coal, the raw materials for its production, while importers are nations with active steel production and fabrication industries. Handling requires care due to its reactivity with water, producing flammable acetylene gas.
- Covers
- Calcium carbide lumps
- Calcium carbide powder
- Acetylene-grade calcium carbide
- Desulfurization-grade calcium carbide
- Examples
- Used in welding gas production
- desulfurization in steel mills
- carbide lamps
Codes often confused with 2849.10
Common mistake. Can be confused with other carbides like silicon carbide (284920) or other metal carbides (284990), but 284910 is exclusively for calcium carbide.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 284910, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 284910 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 7.7% 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 China $82M 41% of world exports
- 2 Slovakia $45M 23% of world exports
- 3 Germany $16M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $198M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $20M 7.7% of world imports
- 2 France $19M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 Poland $15M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $265M 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 2849.10
Brazil does not split HS 2849.10: its NCM code is 2849.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.49 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2849.10
What is HS code 284910?
HS code 284910 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Carbides; of calcium, whether or not chemically defined. This HS code covers calcium carbide, a compound primarily known for its role in generating acetylene gas and its use in metallurgical processes. Historically, it was crucial for carbide lamps and is still vital in many developing economies for welding and cutting applications where acetylene is produced on-site. In modern industry, calcium carbide is extensively used in steelmaking as a desulfurizing agent and as a fuel source. Its trade is driven by the demand from the steel industry, chemical manufacturing (for acetylene-derived chemicals), and welding sectors globally. Exporters are typically countries with access to limestone and coal, the raw materials for its production, while importers are nations with active steel production and fabrication industries. Handling requires care due to its reactivity with water, producing flammable acetylene gas.
What products fall under HS code 284910?
Calcium carbide lumps, Calcium carbide powder, Acetylene-grade calcium carbide, Desulfurization-grade calcium carbide
What are common misclassifications for HS code 284910?
Can be confused with other carbides like silicon carbide (284920) or other metal carbides (284990), but 284910 is exclusively for calcium carbide.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 284910?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 284910 in UN Comtrade data were China ($82M, 41% of world exports), Slovakia ($45M) and Germany ($16M). World exports came to about $198M, 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 284910?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 284910 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($20M, 7.7% of world imports), France ($19M) and Poland ($15M). World imports came to about $265M, 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 284910 structured?
HS code 284910 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (49) 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 284910?
In Brazil, HS code 284910 is NCM 2849.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.