HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2852.90 – Inorganic or organic compounds of mercury; excluding amalgams, not chemically defined,
HS code 2852.90 is the 6-digit subheading for inorganic or organic compounds of mercury, excluding amalgams, not chemically defined,. It is used for mercury-containing waste mixtures, undefined mercury salt mixtures, mercury-contaminated industrial residues and spent mercury catalysts (undefined).
What HS 2852.90 covers
This HS code pertains to inorganic or organic compounds of mercury that are not chemically defined, excluding amalgams. This category typically includes mixtures, impure forms, or residues containing mercury compounds where the exact chemical composition is not precisely known or consistent. Given the severe environmental and health risks associated with mercury, trade in these 'not chemically defined' compounds is even more stringently controlled and minimal compared to their chemically defined counterparts. Such materials are often by-products or waste streams from industrial processes that historically used mercury. International movement is primarily for specialized waste management, recycling, or safe disposal, rather than for direct industrial application. Exporters and importers are usually highly specialized waste treatment facilities or companies operating under strict international and national environmental regulations, with a strong emphasis on containment and responsible handling.
- Covers
- Mercury-containing waste mixtures
- Undefined mercury salt mixtures
- Mercury-contaminated industrial residues
- Spent mercury catalysts (undefined)
- Examples
- Industrial by-products containing mercury compounds
- specific mercury-containing catalysts that are not pure
- mercury-contaminated soil for remediation
Codes often confused with 2852.90
Common mistake. This is for *not chemically defined* mercury compounds, distinguishing it from 285210 (chemically defined). Elemental mercury is 280540, and amalgams are 285390.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 285290, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 285290 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 67% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 45% 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 India $6.3M 67% of world exports
- 2 Singapore $840K 8.9% of world exports
- 3 United States $715K 7.6% of world exports
World total: $9.4M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$5.5M 45% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 France $1.2M 9.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $798K 6.6% of world imports
World total: $12M 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 2852.90
Brazil does not split HS 2852.90: its NCM code is 2852.90.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.52 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2852.90
What is HS code 285290?
HS code 285290 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Inorganic or organic compounds of mercury; excluding amalgams, not chemically defined,. This HS code pertains to inorganic or organic compounds of mercury that are not chemically defined, excluding amalgams. This category typically includes mixtures, impure forms, or residues containing mercury compounds where the exact chemical composition is not precisely known or consistent. Given the severe environmental and health risks associated with mercury, trade in these 'not chemically defined' compounds is even more stringently controlled and minimal compared to their chemically defined counterparts. Such materials are often by-products or waste streams from industrial processes that historically used mercury. International movement is primarily for specialized waste management, recycling, or safe disposal, rather than for direct industrial application. Exporters and importers are usually highly specialized waste treatment facilities or companies operating under strict international and national environmental regulations, with a strong emphasis on containment and responsible handling.
What products fall under HS code 285290?
Mercury-containing waste mixtures, Undefined mercury salt mixtures, Mercury-contaminated industrial residues, Spent mercury catalysts (undefined)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 285290?
This is for *not chemically defined* mercury compounds, distinguishing it from 285210 (chemically defined). Elemental mercury is 280540, and amalgams are 285390.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 285290?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 285290 in UN Comtrade data were India ($6.3M, 67% of world exports), Singapore ($840K) and the United States ($715K). World exports came to about $9.4M, 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 285290?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 285290 in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $5.5M, 45% of world imports), France ($1.2M) and Germany ($798K). World imports came to about $12M, 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 285290 structured?
HS code 285290 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (52) 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 285290?
In Brazil, HS code 285290 is NCM 2852.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.