HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8112.69 – Cadmium; other than waste and scrap
HS code 8112.69 is the 6-digit subheading for cadmium, other than waste and scrap. It is used for cadmium ingots, cadmium powder, cadmium rods, cadmium sheets and cadmium wire.
What HS 8112.69 covers
This HS code covers cadmium in all forms other than waste and scrap, meaning it includes unwrought cadmium, powders, and articles made from cadmium. Despite its toxicity, cadmium retains niche but critical applications. It is primarily used in the production of nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, certain specialized pigments for plastics and ceramics, corrosion-resistant coatings (cadmium plating), and in some semiconductor materials for solar cells and infrared detectors. Countries with advanced manufacturing sectors, particularly in electronics, aerospace, and specialized chemical production, such as the USA, Japan, and Germany, are key importers of primary cadmium and cadmium articles. Exporters typically include countries with significant zinc refining operations, as cadmium is often a byproduct, like China, South Korea, and Canada. Key aspects of trade involve navigating strict environmental regulations regarding its use and disposal, which have led to a decline in its overall consumption but sustained demand for specific high-performance applications. The market is characterized by specialized buyers and sellers, with a focus on purity and compliance.
- Covers
- Cadmium ingots
- Cadmium powder
- Cadmium rods
- Cadmium sheets
- Cadmium wire
- Cadmium anodes
- Cadmium telluride (CdTe)
- Examples
- Saft (NiCd batteries)
- First Solar (CdTe solar panels)
- Materion (specialty cadmium alloys)
- Umicore (cadmium compounds)
- Alfa Aesar (high-purity cadmium)
Codes often confused with 8112.69
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 811261 (cadmium waste and scrap), which covers materials intended for recycling or disposal. It's important to differentiate between primary forms/articles and hazardous waste for customs and environmental compliance.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 811269, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 811269 in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 58% 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 South Korea $14M 23% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $7.7M 12% of world exports
- 3 Canada $7.3M 12% of world exports
World total: $62M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $41M 58% of world imports
- 2 China $5.9M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 France $4.7M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $70M 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 8112.69
Brazil does not split HS 8112.69: its NCM code is 8112.69.00.
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 8112.69
What is HS code 811269?
HS code 811269 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cadmium; other than waste and scrap. This HS code covers cadmium in all forms other than waste and scrap, meaning it includes unwrought cadmium, powders, and articles made from cadmium. Despite its toxicity, cadmium retains niche but critical applications. It is primarily used in the production of nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, certain specialized pigments for plastics and ceramics, corrosion-resistant coatings (cadmium plating), and in some semiconductor materials for solar cells and infrared detectors. Countries with advanced manufacturing sectors, particularly in electronics, aerospace, and specialized chemical production, such as the USA, Japan, and Germany, are key importers of primary cadmium and cadmium articles. Exporters typically include countries with significant zinc refining operations, as cadmium is often a byproduct, like China, South Korea, and Canada. Key aspects of trade involve navigating strict environmental regulations regarding its use and disposal, which have led to a decline in its overall consumption but sustained demand for specific high-performance applications. The market is characterized by specialized buyers and sellers, with a focus on purity and compliance.
What products fall under HS code 811269?
Cadmium ingots, Cadmium powder, Cadmium rods, Cadmium sheets, Cadmium wire, Cadmium anodes, Cadmium telluride (CdTe)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 811269?
This code is distinct from 811261 (cadmium waste and scrap), which covers materials intended for recycling or disposal. It's important to differentiate between primary forms/articles and hazardous waste for customs and environmental compliance.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 811269?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 811269 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($14M, 23% of world exports), Belgium ($7.7M) and Canada ($7.3M). World exports came to about $62M, 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 811269?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 811269 in UN Comtrade data were India ($41M, 58% of world imports), China ($5.9M) and France ($4.7M). World imports came to about $70M, 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 811269 structured?
HS code 811269 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 (69) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 811269?
In Brazil, HS code 811269 is NCM 8112.69.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.