HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8112.51 – Thallium and articles thereof; unwrought thallium, powders
HS code 8112.51 is the 6-digit subheading for thallium and articles thereof, unwrought thallium, powders. It is used for thallium metal ingots, thallium powder, thallium granules, thallium pellets and thallium slugs.
What HS 8112.51 covers
This HS code specifically covers thallium in its unwrought forms and as powders, representing the raw or minimally processed state of this highly toxic heavy metal. Thallium is a byproduct of copper, lead, and zinc refining. While its use has significantly declined due to its toxicity, it still finds niche applications in specialized electronics, such as infrared detectors, low-temperature thermometers, and some optical lenses, as well as in medical imaging (thallium stress tests) and research. Countries with advanced electronics and medical technology industries, like the USA, Japan, and European nations, are typical importers for these specialized uses. Exporters are often countries with significant base metal refining operations where thallium is recovered, such as China, Kazakhstan, and Russia. Key considerations in trade include strict regulations surrounding its handling, transport, and disposal due to its extreme toxicity, making supply chains highly controlled and specialized. The market is small and driven by specific high-tech and medical demands, not general industrial use.
- Covers
- Thallium metal ingots
- Thallium powder
- Thallium granules
- Thallium pellets
- Thallium slugs
- Thallium flakes
- Examples
- Hamamatsu Photonics (infrared detectors)
- Philips Healthcare (medical imaging isotopes)
- Sigma-Aldrich (research chemicals)
- Alfa Aesar (high-purity thallium)
- American Elements (thallium metal)
Codes often confused with 8112.51
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 811252 (thallium waste and scrap) and 811259 (other wrought thallium articles), as it specifically covers the primary, unwrought forms and powders. Misclassification can occur if the material's form is not precisely identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 811251, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 811251 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 98% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 52% of world imports. Austria reports $415M of its chapter 81 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $23K 98% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $282 1.2% of world exports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$272 1.1% of world exports · partner records ↗
Austria reports $415M of its chapter 81 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $24K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $10K 52% of world imports
- 2 Thailand $3K 16% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $1K 7.6% of world imports
World total: $19K 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 8112.51
Brazil does not split HS 8112.51: its NCM code is 8112.51.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 81.12 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8112.51
What is HS code 811251?
HS code 811251 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Thallium and articles thereof; unwrought thallium, powders. This HS code specifically covers thallium in its unwrought forms and as powders, representing the raw or minimally processed state of this highly toxic heavy metal. Thallium is a byproduct of copper, lead, and zinc refining. While its use has significantly declined due to its toxicity, it still finds niche applications in specialized electronics, such as infrared detectors, low-temperature thermometers, and some optical lenses, as well as in medical imaging (thallium stress tests) and research. Countries with advanced electronics and medical technology industries, like the USA, Japan, and European nations, are typical importers for these specialized uses. Exporters are often countries with significant base metal refining operations where thallium is recovered, such as China, Kazakhstan, and Russia. Key considerations in trade include strict regulations surrounding its handling, transport, and disposal due to its extreme toxicity, making supply chains highly controlled and specialized. The market is small and driven by specific high-tech and medical demands, not general industrial use.
What products fall under HS code 811251?
Thallium metal ingots, Thallium powder, Thallium granules, Thallium pellets, Thallium slugs, Thallium flakes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 811251?
This code is distinct from 811252 (thallium waste and scrap) and 811259 (other wrought thallium articles), as it specifically covers the primary, unwrought forms and powders. Misclassification can occur if the material's form is not precisely identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 811251?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 811251 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($23K, 98% of world exports), South Korea ($282) and the United Arab Emirates (about $272). World exports came to about $24K, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Austria reports $415M of its chapter 81 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 811251?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 811251 in UN Comtrade data were China ($10K, 52% of world imports), Thailand ($3K) and Saudi Arabia ($1K). World imports came to about $19K, 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 811251 structured?
HS code 811251 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (81) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (51) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 811251?
In Brazil, HS code 811251 is NCM 8112.51.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.