Product classification
HS code for Alumina hydrate: 2818.30
Aluminium hydroxide.
Classification of alumina hydrate under HS 2818.30
Alumina hydrate, scientifically referred to as aluminium hydroxide, is classified under HS code 281830. This classification is situated within Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System, which encompasses inorganic chemicals and compounds of precious metals. The specific heading 2818 is divided into subheadings: 281820 for aluminium oxide and 281830 for aluminium hydroxide. The classification of alumina hydrate is determined by its chemical composition, specifically the presence of hydroxyl groups bonded to aluminium, which distinguishes it from the anhydrous oxide form. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, products are classified based on the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. For alumina hydrate, Chapter Note 1 to Chapter 28 is particularly relevant, as it specifies that the headings of this chapter apply only to separate chemically defined compounds. Alumina hydrate is typically produced via the Bayer process and is used extensively as a flame retardant in polymers and a feedstock for the production of aluminium fluoride. The classification remains 281830 regardless of whether the product is in powder or slurry form, provided it maintains its chemical identity. The presence of the hydroxide group is the defining characteristic that separates it from artificial corundum (281810) and aluminium oxide (281820).
- Covers
- Aluminium hydroxide powder
- Alumina trihydrate (ATH)
- Gibbsite
- Bayerite
- Amorphous aluminium hydroxide
- Also under 2818.30
- Maalox (antacid)
- Alcoa ATH
- Huber ATH
Codes often confused with 2818.30
Common mistake. Alumina hydrate is frequently confused with aluminium oxide, which falls under HS code 281820. The primary difference is the presence of chemically bound water in the hydrate. It is also sometimes misclassified as bauxite ore under HS code 260600; however, bauxite is a raw mineral, whereas alumina hydrate is a refined chemical product.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281830 (the code used for alumina hydrate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281830 (the code used for alumina hydrate) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 281830, not only alumina hydrate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $465M 22% of world exports
- 2 Brazil $258M 12% of world exports
- 3 China $248M 12% of world exports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $339M 16% of world imports
- 2 Japan $232M 11% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $157M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $2.2B 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 alumina hydrate
Brazil classifies alumina hydrate under NCM 2818.30.00: HS 2818.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about alumina hydrate
What is the HS code for Alumina hydrate?
The HS code for Alumina hydrate is 281830 (Aluminium hydroxide). The HS code for Alumina hydrate (aluminium hydroxide) is 281830.
How do I classify Alumina hydrate for customs?
Alumina hydrate is classified under HS code 281830 — Aluminium hydroxide. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is alumina hydrate the same as bauxite for customs purposes?
No, bauxite is the raw ore classified under 260600, while alumina hydrate is a processed inorganic chemical classified under 281830.
Which countries are the top exporters of alumina hydrate (HS 281830)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281830 (the code used for alumina hydrate) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($465M, 22% of world exports), Brazil ($258M) and China ($248M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 hydrate (HS 281830)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281830 (the code used for alumina hydrate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($339M, 16% of world imports), Japan ($232M) and South Korea ($157M). World imports came to about $2.2B, 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 hydrate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281830 for Alumina hydrate 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 hydrate in Brazil?
In Brazil, alumina hydrate (HS 281830) is classified under NCM 2818.30.00.