HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8109.91 – Zirconium; other than unwrought, n.e.c. in heading no. 8109, containing less than 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium by weight
HS code 8109.91 is the 6-digit subheading for zirconium, other than unwrought, n.e.c. in heading no. 8109, containing less than 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium by weight. It is used for nuclear-grade zirconium bars, zircaloy tubes, low-hafnium zirconium sheets, zirconium alloy rods (nuclear) and zirconium wire (low hafnium).
What HS 8109.91 covers
This code covers processed forms of zirconium, other than unwrought or waste/scrap, that maintain a very low hafnium content (less than 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium). This includes semi-finished products like bars, rods, plates, sheets, tubes, and wires, specifically manufactured for nuclear applications where hafnium's neutron absorption is undesirable. These materials are critical components for nuclear reactors, such as fuel cladding and structural elements. The trade involves highly specialized manufacturers and suppliers, often operating under strict international regulations and quality standards. Key importers and exporters are nations with advanced nuclear energy programs or those supplying components to such programs. The high value and strategic importance of these materials necessitate rigorous tracking and certification throughout the supply chain.
- Covers
- Nuclear-grade zirconium bars
- Zircaloy tubes
- Low-hafnium zirconium sheets
- Zirconium alloy rods (nuclear)
- Zirconium wire (low hafnium)
- Examples
- Zircaloy-4 fuel cladding tubes
- Nuclear reactor core components
- Zirconium alloy control rods
Codes often confused with 8109.91
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 810999 due to its low hafnium content, and from 810921 by being in a processed form (not unwrought powder). It can be confused with finished articles of zirconium in Chapter 84 or 85 if the item is a complete functional part.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 810991, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 810991 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 77% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 $189M 77% of world exports
- 2 Japan $15M 6.3% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $11M 4.3% of world exports
World total: $245M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $69M 19% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $61M 16% of world imports
- 3 Canada $45M 12% of world imports
World total: $374M 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 8109.91
Brazil does not split HS 8109.91: its NCM code is 8109.91.00.
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 8109.91
What is HS code 810991?
HS code 810991 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Zirconium; other than unwrought, n.e.c. in heading no. 8109, containing less than 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium by weight. This code covers processed forms of zirconium, other than unwrought or waste/scrap, that maintain a very low hafnium content (less than 1 part hafnium to 500 parts zirconium). This includes semi-finished products like bars, rods, plates, sheets, tubes, and wires, specifically manufactured for nuclear applications where hafnium's neutron absorption is undesirable. These materials are critical components for nuclear reactors, such as fuel cladding and structural elements. The trade involves highly specialized manufacturers and suppliers, often operating under strict international regulations and quality standards. Key importers and exporters are nations with advanced nuclear energy programs or those supplying components to such programs. The high value and strategic importance of these materials necessitate rigorous tracking and certification throughout the supply chain.
What products fall under HS code 810991?
Nuclear-grade zirconium bars, Zircaloy tubes, Low-hafnium zirconium sheets, Zirconium alloy rods (nuclear), Zirconium wire (low hafnium)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 810991?
This code is distinct from 810999 due to its low hafnium content, and from 810921 by being in a processed form (not unwrought powder). It can be confused with finished articles of zirconium in Chapter 84 or 85 if the item is a complete functional part.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 810991?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 810991 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($189M, 77% of world exports), Japan ($15M) and Sweden ($11M). World exports came to about $245M, 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 810991?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 810991 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($69M, 19% of world imports), South Korea ($61M) and Canada ($45M). World imports came to about $374M, 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 810991 structured?
HS code 810991 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 (91) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 810991?
In Brazil, HS code 810991 is NCM 8109.91.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.