HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8112.59 – Thallium and articles thereof; other than unwrought thallium, powders or waste and scrap
HS code 8112.59 is the 6-digit subheading for thallium and articles thereof, other than unwrought thallium, powders or waste and scrap. It is used for thallium bromide-iodide crystals, thallium-doped scintillators, thallium infrared lenses, thallium-containing optical filters and thallium alloy components.
What HS 8112.59 covers
This HS code encompasses thallium and articles made from it, excluding the unwrought forms, powders, waste, and scrap. This means it covers semi-finished or finished products where thallium is a primary component, having undergone some degree of processing or manufacturing. Due to thallium's high toxicity, its applications are extremely niche and specialized, primarily in high-tech sectors. These articles might include specific components for infrared optical systems, specialized scintillators, or certain types of low-temperature thermometers. Importers are typically advanced manufacturing companies or research institutions in countries with strong electronics, aerospace, or medical technology industries, such as the United States, Germany, and Japan. Exporters would be specialized manufacturers capable of safely producing thallium-containing articles. Key considerations for trade include the stringent safety regulations governing the handling and transport of thallium, the high value of these specialized components, and the limited global demand. The market is driven by very specific technological requirements where thallium's unique properties are indispensable, despite its hazardous nature.
- Covers
- Thallium bromide-iodide crystals
- Thallium-doped scintillators
- Thallium infrared lenses
- Thallium-containing optical filters
- Thallium alloy components
- Thallium-based radiation detectors
- Examples
- Hamamatsu Photonics (infrared detectors)
- Saint-Gobain Crystals (scintillators)
- Thorlabs (optical components)
- Edmund Optics (specialty lenses)
- Teledyne FLIR (thermal imaging components)
Codes often confused with 8112.59
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 811251 (unwrought thallium, powders) and 811252 (thallium waste and scrap), as it covers processed articles rather than raw materials or scrap. Proper classification depends on the degree of manufacturing and the product's intended use.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 811259, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 811259 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 82% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 95% 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 $158K 82% of world exports
- 2 Togo* ~$15K 7.7% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Japan $14K 7.1% of world exports
World total: $194K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Malaysia $4.0M 95% of world imports
- 2 Romania $120K 2.8% of world imports
- 3 United States $50K 1.2% of world imports
World total: $4.2M 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 8112.59
Brazil does not split HS 8112.59: its NCM code is 8112.59.00.
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 8112.59
What is HS code 811259?
HS code 811259 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Thallium and articles thereof; other than unwrought thallium, powders or waste and scrap. This HS code encompasses thallium and articles made from it, excluding the unwrought forms, powders, waste, and scrap. This means it covers semi-finished or finished products where thallium is a primary component, having undergone some degree of processing or manufacturing. Due to thallium's high toxicity, its applications are extremely niche and specialized, primarily in high-tech sectors. These articles might include specific components for infrared optical systems, specialized scintillators, or certain types of low-temperature thermometers. Importers are typically advanced manufacturing companies or research institutions in countries with strong electronics, aerospace, or medical technology industries, such as the United States, Germany, and Japan. Exporters would be specialized manufacturers capable of safely producing thallium-containing articles. Key considerations for trade include the stringent safety regulations governing the handling and transport of thallium, the high value of these specialized components, and the limited global demand. The market is driven by very specific technological requirements where thallium's unique properties are indispensable, despite its hazardous nature.
What products fall under HS code 811259?
Thallium bromide-iodide crystals, Thallium-doped scintillators, Thallium infrared lenses, Thallium-containing optical filters, Thallium alloy components, Thallium-based radiation detectors
What are common misclassifications for HS code 811259?
This code is distinct from 811251 (unwrought thallium, powders) and 811252 (thallium waste and scrap), as it covers processed articles rather than raw materials or scrap. Proper classification depends on the degree of manufacturing and the product's intended use.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 811259?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 811259 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($158K, 82% of world exports), Togo (about $15K) and Japan ($14K). World exports came to about $194K, 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 811259?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 811259 in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($4.0M, 95% of world imports), Romania ($120K) and the United States ($50K). World imports came to about $4.2M, 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 811259 structured?
HS code 811259 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 (59) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 811259?
In Brazil, HS code 811259 is NCM 8112.59.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.