HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3815.12 – Catalysts, supported; reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with precious metal or precious metal compounds as the active substance, n.e.c. or included
HS code 3815.12 is the 6-digit subheading for catalysts, supported, reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with precious metal or precious metal compounds as the active substance, n.e.c. or included. It is used for platinum-on-alumina catalyst, palladium-carbon catalyst, rhodium catalyst for hydroformylation, gold catalyst for oxidation and automotive catalytic converter (as a component).
What HS 3815.12 covers
This category covers supported catalysts, reaction initiators, accelerators, and catalytic preparations where precious metals or their compounds (e.g., platinum, palladium, rhodium, gold) are the active substance. These high-value catalysts are critical for a wide range of advanced industrial applications, including automotive catalytic converters, petroleum refining, pharmaceutical synthesis, and fine chemical production, due to their exceptional efficiency and selectivity. Trade is dominated by specialized chemical companies, automotive manufacturers, and refiners. Key considerations include the high cost of the precious metal raw materials, the importance of recycling and recovery processes, catalyst poisoning prevention, and performance under demanding operating conditions. Their high efficiency often allows for smaller quantities to achieve significant results.
- Covers
- Platinum-on-alumina catalyst
- Palladium-carbon catalyst
- Rhodium catalyst for hydroformylation
- Gold catalyst for oxidation
- Automotive catalytic converter (as a component)
- Fuel cell catalyst
- Pharmaceutical synthesis catalyst.
- Examples
- Johnson Matthey PGM Catalysts
- BASF Precious Metal Catalysts
- Umicore Automotive Catalysts
- Heraeus Precious Metal Catalysts
- Clariant Precious Metal Catalysts.
Codes often confused with 3815.12
Common mistake. Often confused with 381511 (nickel catalysts) or 381519 (other catalysts) if the specific precious metal content is not clearly declared or identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 381512, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 381512 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 27% 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 Germany $2.8B 23% of world exports
- 2 United States $1.5B 12% of world exports
- 3 North Macedonia $1.5B 12% of world exports
World total: $12.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $3.3B 27% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $1.4B 12% of world imports
- 3 China $1.2B 9.6% of world imports
World total: $12.2B 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 3815.12 3
Brazil splits HS 3815.12 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3815.12.10 Precious-metal honeycomb catalysts for exhaustsEm colmeia cerâmica ou metálica para conversão catalítica de gases de escape de veículos
- 3815.12.20 Precious-metal catalysts, particles under 500 µmCom tamanho de partícula inferior a 500 micrômetros (mícrons)
- 3815.12.90 Other supported precious-metal catalystsOutros
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 3815.12
What is HS code 381512?
HS code 381512 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Catalysts, supported; reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with precious metal or precious metal compounds as the active substance, n.e.c. or included. This category covers supported catalysts, reaction initiators, accelerators, and catalytic preparations where precious metals or their compounds (e.g., platinum, palladium, rhodium, gold) are the active substance. These high-value catalysts are critical for a wide range of advanced industrial applications, including automotive catalytic converters, petroleum refining, pharmaceutical synthesis, and fine chemical production, due to their exceptional efficiency and selectivity. Trade is dominated by specialized chemical companies, automotive manufacturers, and refiners. Key considerations include the high cost of the precious metal raw materials, the importance of recycling and recovery processes, catalyst poisoning prevention, and performance under demanding operating conditions. Their high efficiency often allows for smaller quantities to achieve significant results.
What products fall under HS code 381512?
Platinum-on-alumina catalyst, palladium-carbon catalyst, rhodium catalyst for hydroformylation, gold catalyst for oxidation, automotive catalytic converter (as a component), fuel cell catalyst, pharmaceutical synthesis catalyst.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 381512?
Often confused with 381511 (nickel catalysts) or 381519 (other catalysts) if the specific precious metal content is not clearly declared or identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 381512?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 381512 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.8B, 23% of world exports), the United States ($1.5B) and North Macedonia ($1.5B). World exports came to about $12.2B, 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 381512?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 381512 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($3.3B, 27% of world imports), Mexico ($1.4B) and China ($1.2B). World imports came to about $12.2B, 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 381512 structured?
HS code 381512 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 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 381512?
Brazil splits HS code 381512 into 3 NCM codes: 3815.12.10 (Precious-metal honeycomb catalysts for exhausts), 3815.12.20 (Precious-metal catalysts, particles under 500 µm), 3815.12.90 (Other supported precious-metal catalysts). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.