HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3815.11 – Catalysts, supported; reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with nickel or nickel compounds as the active substance, n.e.c. or included
HS code 3815.11 is the 6-digit subheading for catalysts, supported, reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with nickel or nickel compounds as the active substance, n.e.c. or included. It is used for nickel hydrogenation catalyst, raney nickel catalyst, nickel-based reforming catalyst, nickel methanation catalyst and nickel catalyst for fatty acid hydrogenation.
What HS 3815.11 covers
This HS code specifically covers supported catalysts, reaction initiators, accelerators, and catalytic preparations where nickel or nickel compounds are the active substance. These specialized materials are indispensable in numerous industrial chemical processes, particularly in petrochemical refining, hydrogenation of edible oils, and the production of various organic chemicals. Major importers and exporters are typically large chemical manufacturers, oil refineries, and specialized catalyst producers. Key aspects of trade include the catalyst's specific activity and selectivity for desired reactions, its lifespan, regeneration capabilities, and the safe handling and disposal of spent catalysts. The 'supported' aspect means the active nickel component is dispersed on a carrier material.
- Covers
- Nickel hydrogenation catalyst
- Raney nickel catalyst
- Nickel-based reforming catalyst
- Nickel methanation catalyst
- Nickel catalyst for fatty acid hydrogenation
- Nickel catalyst for syngas production
- Nickel catalyst for selective oxidation.
- Examples
- BASF Nickel Catalysts
- Johnson Matthey Nickel Catalysts
- Clariant Nickel Catalysts
- Haldor Topsoe Nickel Catalysts
- Evonik Nickel Catalysts.
Codes often confused with 3815.11
Common mistake. Can be confused with 381512 (precious metal catalysts) or 381519 (other catalysts) if the active substance is not precisely identified as nickel or its compounds.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 381511, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 381511 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 11% 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 $469M 32% of world exports
- 2 Denmark $232M 16% of world exports
- 3 France $171M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $144M 11% of world imports
- 2 China $129M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 United States $84M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 3815.11
Brazil does not split HS 3815.11: its NCM code is 3815.11.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 38.15 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3815.11
What is HS code 381511?
HS code 381511 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Catalysts, supported; reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with nickel or nickel compounds as the active substance, n.e.c. or included. This HS code specifically covers supported catalysts, reaction initiators, accelerators, and catalytic preparations where nickel or nickel compounds are the active substance. These specialized materials are indispensable in numerous industrial chemical processes, particularly in petrochemical refining, hydrogenation of edible oils, and the production of various organic chemicals. Major importers and exporters are typically large chemical manufacturers, oil refineries, and specialized catalyst producers. Key aspects of trade include the catalyst's specific activity and selectivity for desired reactions, its lifespan, regeneration capabilities, and the safe handling and disposal of spent catalysts. The 'supported' aspect means the active nickel component is dispersed on a carrier material.
What products fall under HS code 381511?
Nickel hydrogenation catalyst, Raney nickel catalyst, nickel-based reforming catalyst, nickel methanation catalyst, nickel catalyst for fatty acid hydrogenation, nickel catalyst for syngas production, nickel catalyst for selective oxidation.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 381511?
Can be confused with 381512 (precious metal catalysts) or 381519 (other catalysts) if the active substance is not precisely identified as nickel or its compounds.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 381511?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 381511 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($469M, 32% of world exports), Denmark ($232M) and France ($171M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 381511?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 381511 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($144M, 11% of world imports), China ($129M) and the United States ($84M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 381511 structured?
HS code 381511 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (38) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (15) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 381511?
In Brazil, HS code 381511 is NCM 3815.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.