HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8109.21 – Zirconium; unwrought, powders, containing less than 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium by weight
HS code 8109.21 is the 6-digit subheading for zirconium, unwrought, powders, containing less than 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium by weight. It is used for nuclear-grade zirconium powder, low-hafnium zirconium sponge, zirconium ingots (low hafnium) and zirconium granules (low hafnium).
What HS 8109.21 covers
This specific HS code targets unwrought zirconium in powder form, distinguished by its very low hafnium content – less than 1 part hafnium per 500 parts zirconium. This low-hafnium zirconium is highly specialized and primarily used in nuclear applications, particularly for fuel rod cladding in nuclear reactors, due to hafnium's high neutron absorption cross-section. Countries with significant nuclear power industries or those involved in nuclear technology development are the primary importers and exporters. Key considerations in this trade include stringent purity requirements, safety regulations for handling radioactive materials (though zirconium itself is not radioactive, its use context is critical), and international non-proliferation treaties. The market is niche, dominated by a few specialized producers and consumers, making supply chain transparency and certification paramount.
- Covers
- Nuclear-grade zirconium powder
- Low-hafnium zirconium sponge
- Zirconium ingots (low hafnium)
- Zirconium granules (low hafnium)
- Examples
- Westinghouse nuclear fuel cladding material
- AREVA zirconium alloys
- Rosatom zirconium components
Codes often confused with 8109.21
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 810929, which covers unwrought zirconium powders with higher hafnium content, and 810991, which covers other forms of low-hafnium zirconium.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 810921, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 810921 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 63% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 34% 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 China $90M 63% of world exports
- 2 United States $43M 30% of world exports
- 3 Canada $6.1M 4.2% of world exports
World total: $144M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Russia* ~$39M 34% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 France $37M 32% of world imports
- 3 United States $28M 25% of world imports
World total: $115M 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 8109.21
Brazil does not split HS 8109.21: its NCM code is 8109.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 81.09 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8109.21
What is HS code 810921?
HS code 810921 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Zirconium; unwrought, powders, containing less than 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium by weight. This specific HS code targets unwrought zirconium in powder form, distinguished by its very low hafnium content – less than 1 part hafnium per 500 parts zirconium. This low-hafnium zirconium is highly specialized and primarily used in nuclear applications, particularly for fuel rod cladding in nuclear reactors, due to hafnium's high neutron absorption cross-section. Countries with significant nuclear power industries or those involved in nuclear technology development are the primary importers and exporters. Key considerations in this trade include stringent purity requirements, safety regulations for handling radioactive materials (though zirconium itself is not radioactive, its use context is critical), and international non-proliferation treaties. The market is niche, dominated by a few specialized producers and consumers, making supply chain transparency and certification paramount.
What products fall under HS code 810921?
Nuclear-grade zirconium powder, Low-hafnium zirconium sponge, Zirconium ingots (low hafnium), Zirconium granules (low hafnium)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 810921?
This code is distinct from 810929, which covers unwrought zirconium powders with higher hafnium content, and 810991, which covers other forms of low-hafnium zirconium.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 810921?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 810921 in UN Comtrade data were China ($90M, 63% of world exports), the United States ($43M) and Canada ($6.1M). World exports came to about $144M, 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 810921?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 810921 in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $39M, 34% of world imports), France ($37M) and the United States ($28M). World imports came to about $115M, 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 810921 structured?
HS code 810921 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (81) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 810921?
In Brazil, HS code 810921 is NCM 8109.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.