HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8401.30 – Fuel elements (cartridges); non-irradiated
HS code 8401.30 is the 6-digit subheading for fuel elements (cartridges), non-irradiated. It is used for uranium dioxide pellets, enriched uranium fuel rods, PWR fuel assemblies, BWR fuel bundles and CANDU fuel bundles.
What HS 8401.30 covers
This category covers non-irradiated nuclear fuel elements, often referred to as 'fresh' nuclear fuel or fuel cartridges. These are fabricated assemblies of enriched uranium or other fissile materials, designed for insertion into nuclear reactors to generate power. The trade of these elements is crucial for the operation of nuclear power plants worldwide, representing a significant component of a nation's energy security strategy. While non-irradiated, these materials are still radioactive and require strict handling, transportation, and security protocols. Importers are typically countries operating nuclear power reactors, while exporters possess the sophisticated capabilities for uranium enrichment and fuel fabrication. The market is highly regulated, with international safeguards ensuring peaceful use and preventing proliferation.
- Covers
- Uranium dioxide pellets
- Enriched uranium fuel rods
- PWR fuel assemblies
- BWR fuel bundles
- CANDU fuel bundles
- Research reactor fuel elements
- Thorium fuel elements
- Examples
- Westinghouse fuel assemblies
- Framatome (Areva) fuel
- TVEL fuel (Rosatom)
- GE-Hitachi fuel
Codes often confused with 8401.30
Common mistake. Often confused with radioactive materials (2844) or spent nuclear fuel (which is not typically traded as a commodity but managed as waste), but this code specifically covers *non-irradiated* fuel elements for reactors.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 840130, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 840130 in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% 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 Russia* ~$961M 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Sweden $889M 18% of world exports
- 3 Kazakhstan $645M 13% of world exports
World total: $4.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.2B 30% of world imports
- 2 France $487M 12% of world imports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$418M 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $3.9B 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 8401.30
Brazil does not split HS 8401.30: its NCM code is 8401.30.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8401.30
What is HS code 840130?
HS code 840130 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fuel elements (cartridges); non-irradiated. This category covers non-irradiated nuclear fuel elements, often referred to as 'fresh' nuclear fuel or fuel cartridges. These are fabricated assemblies of enriched uranium or other fissile materials, designed for insertion into nuclear reactors to generate power. The trade of these elements is crucial for the operation of nuclear power plants worldwide, representing a significant component of a nation's energy security strategy. While non-irradiated, these materials are still radioactive and require strict handling, transportation, and security protocols. Importers are typically countries operating nuclear power reactors, while exporters possess the sophisticated capabilities for uranium enrichment and fuel fabrication. The market is highly regulated, with international safeguards ensuring peaceful use and preventing proliferation.
What products fall under HS code 840130?
Uranium dioxide pellets, enriched uranium fuel rods, PWR fuel assemblies, BWR fuel bundles, CANDU fuel bundles, research reactor fuel elements, thorium fuel elements
What are common misclassifications for HS code 840130?
Often confused with radioactive materials (2844) or spent nuclear fuel (which is not typically traded as a commodity but managed as waste), but this code specifically covers *non-irradiated* fuel elements for reactors.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 840130?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 840130 in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $961M, 20% of world exports), Sweden ($889M) and Kazakhstan ($645M). World exports came to about $4.9B, 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 840130?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 840130 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 30% of world imports), France ($487M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $418M). World imports came to about $3.9B, 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 840130 structured?
HS code 840130 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 840130?
In Brazil, HS code 840130 is NCM 8401.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.