HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2850.00 – Hydrides, nitrides, azides, silicides and borides, whether or not chemically defined, other than compounds which are also carbides of heading no. 2849
HS code 2850.00 is the 6-digit subheading for hydrides, nitrides, azides, silicides and borides, whether or not chemically defined, other than compounds which are also carbides of heading no. 2849. It is used for lithium hydride, sodium borohydride, boron nitride, silicon nitride and magnesium nitride.
What HS 2850.00 covers
This HS code encompasses a diverse group of inorganic compounds: hydrides, nitrides, azides, silicides, and borides, provided they are not also classified as carbides under heading 2849. These materials are at the forefront of advanced materials science, offering unique properties that are critical for high-tech applications. For instance, nitrides like silicon nitride and boron nitride are used in high-temperature ceramics and electronics, while borides such as zirconium diboride are valued for extreme hardness and refractory properties. Hydrides find applications in energy storage and chemical synthesis, and silicides are used in high-temperature coatings and electronics. Trade in these compounds is highly specialized, catering to industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, and chemical manufacturing. Exporters are typically countries with advanced chemical and materials research capabilities, while importers are nations with sophisticated manufacturing sectors.
- Covers
- Lithium hydride
- Sodium borohydride
- Boron nitride
- Silicon nitride
- Magnesium nitride
- Zirconium boride
- Titanium silicide
- Calcium hydride
- Examples
- Saint-Gobain (boron nitride ceramics)
- Kyocera (silicon nitride components)
- Sigma-Aldrich (various lab-grade hydrides/nitrides)
- 3M (boron nitride thermal management)
Codes often confused with 2850.00
Common mistake. This code covers a broad range of compounds. It's important to differentiate them from carbides (2849xx) and other inorganic compounds (285390). The specific chemical structure (hydride, nitride, etc.) is key.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 285000, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 285000 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 14% 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 United States $180M 28% of world exports
- 2 China $150M 24% of world exports
- 3 Japan $89M 14% of world exports
World total: $636M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $97M 14% of world imports
- 2 China $96M 14% of world imports
- 3 India $85M 12% of world imports
World total: $708M 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 codes for 2850.00 3
Brazil splits HS 2850.00 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2850.00.10 Boron nitrideNitreto de boro
- 2850.00.20 Calcium silicideSilicieto de cálcio
- 2850.00.90 Other hydrides, nitrides, azides and similarOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.50 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2850.00
What is HS code 285000?
HS code 285000 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Hydrides, nitrides, azides, silicides and borides, whether or not chemically defined, other than compounds which are also carbides of heading no. 2849. This HS code encompasses a diverse group of inorganic compounds: hydrides, nitrides, azides, silicides, and borides, provided they are not also classified as carbides under heading 2849. These materials are at the forefront of advanced materials science, offering unique properties that are critical for high-tech applications. For instance, nitrides like silicon nitride and boron nitride are used in high-temperature ceramics and electronics, while borides such as zirconium diboride are valued for extreme hardness and refractory properties. Hydrides find applications in energy storage and chemical synthesis, and silicides are used in high-temperature coatings and electronics. Trade in these compounds is highly specialized, catering to industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, and chemical manufacturing. Exporters are typically countries with advanced chemical and materials research capabilities, while importers are nations with sophisticated manufacturing sectors.
What products fall under HS code 285000?
Lithium hydride, Sodium borohydride, Boron nitride, Silicon nitride, Magnesium nitride, Zirconium boride, Titanium silicide, Calcium hydride
What are common misclassifications for HS code 285000?
This code covers a broad range of compounds. It's important to differentiate them from carbides (2849xx) and other inorganic compounds (285390). The specific chemical structure (hydride, nitride, etc.) is key.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 285000?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 285000 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($180M, 28% of world exports), China ($150M) and Japan ($89M). World exports came to about $636M, 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 285000?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 285000 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($97M, 14% of world imports), China ($96M) and India ($85M). World imports came to about $708M, 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 285000 structured?
HS code 285000 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (50) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 285000?
Brazil splits HS code 285000 into 3 NCM codes: 2850.00.10 (Boron nitride), 2850.00.20 (Calcium silicide), 2850.00.90 (Other hydrides, nitrides, azides and similar). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.