Product classification
HS code for Alumina: 2818.20
Aluminium oxide, other than artificial corundum.
Classification of alumina under HS 2818.20
Alumina, or aluminium oxide, is classified under HS code 2818.20. This classification falls within Chapter 28 (Inorganic Chemicals). Heading 2818 specifically covers artificial corundum, aluminium oxide, and aluminium hydroxide. The subheading 2818.20 is designated for aluminium oxide other than artificial corundum. This classification is determined by the chemical purity and physical state of the material. Alumina is typically produced from bauxite through the Bayer process and serves as the primary feedstock for aluminium metal production, as well as an abrasive and refractory material. To qualify for 2818.20, the substance must be a chemically defined aluminium oxide that has not been fused into artificial corundum, which is a distinct crystalline form classified elsewhere.
- Covers
- Calcined alumina
- Activated alumina (used as a desiccant or catalyst support)
- Metallurgical grade alumina
- Tabular alumina (non-fused)
- Hydrated alumina (when classified as an oxide)
- Also under 2818.20
- BASF Activated Alumina
- Almatis Tabular Alumina
- Sasol Alumina
Codes often confused with 2818.20
Common mistake. Alumina is frequently confused with 2818.10, which is the code for artificial corundum (fused alumina). The difference is that 2818.10 involves alumina that has been fused in an electric furnace. It is also sometimes misclassified under 2606.00, which is the code for aluminium ores and concentrates (bauxite). Once the bauxite has been chemically processed into aluminium oxide, it must move from Chapter 26 to Chapter 28.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281820 (the code used for alumina), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281820 (the code used for alumina) in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 13% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 281820, not only alumina.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Australia $6.2B 32% of world exports
- 2 Brazil $3.4B 18% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $2.3B 12% of world exports
World total: $19.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $2.4B 13% of world imports
- 2 Russia* ~$2.3B 12% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Bahrain* ~$1.4B 7.2% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $19.3B 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 codes for alumina
Brazil splits HS 2818.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2818.20.10Calcined alumina
- 2818.20.90Other aluminium oxide
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about alumina
What is the HS code for Alumina?
The HS code for Alumina is 281820 (Aluminium oxide; other than artificial corundum). The HS code for aluminium oxide (alumina), excluding artificial corundum, is 2818.20.
How do I classify Alumina for customs?
Alumina is classified under HS code 281820 — Aluminium oxide; other than artificial corundum. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is activated alumina classified differently?
No, activated alumina used for its adsorptive properties is generally classified under 2818.20, provided it remains chemically defined aluminium oxide.
Which countries are the top exporters of alumina (HS 281820)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281820 (the code used for alumina) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($6.2B, 32% of world exports), Brazil ($3.4B) and Indonesia ($2.3B). World exports came to about $19.6B, 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 alumina (HS 281820)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281820 (the code used for alumina) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($2.4B, 13% of world imports), Russia (about $2.3B) and Bahrain (about $1.4B). World imports came to about $19.3B, 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.
Is the HS code for Alumina the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281820 for Alumina is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for alumina in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 281820 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for alumina depends on the product's details: 2818.20.10 (Calcined alumina), 2818.20.90 (Other aluminium oxide).