HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3825.20 – Residual products of the chemical or allied industries, not elsewhere specified or included; sewage sludge
HS code 3825.20 is the 6-digit subheading for residual products of the chemical or allied industries, not elsewhere specified or included, sewage sludge. It is used for treated sewage sludge, dewatered sludge cake, biosolids for agricultural use, sludge for incineration and sludge for anaerobic digestion.
What HS 3825.20 covers
This HS code specifically covers sewage sludge, a semi-solid byproduct generated during wastewater treatment processes. It consists of organic matter, nutrients, and sometimes trace contaminants. International trade in sewage sludge primarily involves its use as a soil conditioner or fertilizer (after appropriate treatment), for energy recovery through anaerobic digestion (biogas production), or for disposal in specialized facilities. Key actors include municipal wastewater treatment plants, agricultural sectors seeking nutrient-rich amendments, and specialized waste management companies. Critical aspects of this trade are the stringent environmental and health regulations concerning its composition, treatment, and application, particularly regarding heavy metals and pathogens, and the necessity for proper stabilization before transboundary movement to ensure safety and prevent environmental harm.
- Covers
- Treated sewage sludge
- Dewatered sludge cake
- Biosolids for agricultural use
- Sludge for incineration
- Sludge for anaerobic digestion
- Composted biosolids
- Examples
- Biosolids pellets used as fertilizer
- treated sludge applied to agricultural land
- sludge sent to waste-to-energy plants
- raw sewage sludge from municipal treatment facilities
Codes often confused with 3825.20
Common mistake. This is distinct from general municipal waste (382510) or other organic wastes (e.g., agricultural residues, which might fall under Chapter 23 or 382590); its origin from wastewater treatment is the defining characteristic.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 382520, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 382520 in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 65% 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 Netherlands $1.4M 30% of world exports
- 2 Portugal $791K 17% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $663K 15% of world exports
World total: $4.5M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $10.0M 65% of world imports
- 2 Spain $1.4M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 Germany $630K 4.1% of world imports
World total: $15M 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 3825.20
Brazil does not split HS 3825.20: its NCM code is 3825.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 38.25 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3825.20
What is HS code 382520?
HS code 382520 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Residual products of the chemical or allied industries, not elsewhere specified or included; sewage sludge. This HS code specifically covers sewage sludge, a semi-solid byproduct generated during wastewater treatment processes. It consists of organic matter, nutrients, and sometimes trace contaminants. International trade in sewage sludge primarily involves its use as a soil conditioner or fertilizer (after appropriate treatment), for energy recovery through anaerobic digestion (biogas production), or for disposal in specialized facilities. Key actors include municipal wastewater treatment plants, agricultural sectors seeking nutrient-rich amendments, and specialized waste management companies. Critical aspects of this trade are the stringent environmental and health regulations concerning its composition, treatment, and application, particularly regarding heavy metals and pathogens, and the necessity for proper stabilization before transboundary movement to ensure safety and prevent environmental harm.
What products fall under HS code 382520?
Treated sewage sludge, dewatered sludge cake, biosolids for agricultural use, sludge for incineration, sludge for anaerobic digestion, composted biosolids
What are common misclassifications for HS code 382520?
This is distinct from general municipal waste (382510) or other organic wastes (e.g., agricultural residues, which might fall under Chapter 23 or 382590); its origin from wastewater treatment is the defining characteristic.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 382520?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 382520 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($1.4M, 30% of world exports), Portugal ($791K) and Thailand ($663K). World exports came to about $4.5M, 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 382520?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 382520 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($10.0M, 65% of world imports), Spain ($1.4M) and Germany ($630K). World imports came to about $15M, 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 382520 structured?
HS code 382520 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (38) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (25) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 382520?
In Brazil, HS code 382520 is NCM 3825.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.