Product classification
HS code for Aluminum hydroxide: 2818.30
Aluminium hydroxide.
Classification of aluminum hydroxide under HS 2818.30
HS code 281830 is specifically designated for "Aluminium hydroxide". This code falls under Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals. Aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) is a distinct chemical compound, and its classification here reflects its nature as a refined inorganic chemical substance, rather than a raw material ore or a fabricated aluminum product. This precise classification is essential for distinguishing it from other aluminum compounds or forms.
- Covers
- Aluminum trihydroxide
- Hydrated alumina
- Gibbsite
- Bayerite
- Boehmite (hydrated aluminum oxide, often grouped with hydroxide for classification purposes)
- Also under 2818.30
- Maalox (antacid)
- Alcoa ATH
- Huber ATH
Codes often confused with 2818.30
Common mistake. 281820 (Aluminium oxide, other than artificial corundum): Aluminum oxide (alumina) is chemically distinct from aluminum hydroxide. While both are aluminum compounds, the presence of hydroxyl groups (-OH) in hydroxide differentiates it. Misclassification can occur if the precise chemical formula and composition are not accurately considered. 260600 (Aluminium ores and concentrates): Aluminum hydroxide is a refined chemical product, not a raw ore like bauxite. Bauxite is the primary source for aluminum hydroxide, but it is a mineral mixture, not the pure chemical compound itself. 281810 (Artificial corundum): Artificial corundum is a manufactured abrasive form of aluminum oxide, not aluminum hydroxide. Their applications and chemical structures are entirely different.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281830 (the code used for aluminum hydroxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281830 (the code used for aluminum hydroxide) 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 aluminum hydroxide.
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 aluminum hydroxide
Brazil classifies aluminum hydroxide 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 aluminum hydroxide
What is the HS code for Aluminum hydroxide?
The HS code for Aluminum hydroxide is 281830 (Aluminium hydroxide). Aluminum hydroxide is classified under HS code 281830. This code is specifically allocated for the chemical compound "Aluminium hydroxide" within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals. This ensures its accurate identification as a distinct chemical substance for international trade.
How do I classify Aluminum hydroxide for customs?
Aluminum hydroxide is classified under HS code 281830 — Aluminium hydroxide. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between aluminum hydroxide and aluminum oxide for HS classification?
For HS classification, aluminum hydroxide (HS 281830) is a distinct chemical compound containing hydroxyl groups (Al(OH)3). Aluminum oxide (HS 281820), or alumina, is a different chemical compound (Al2O3) without hydroxyl groups. The presence or absence of these chemical groups is the fundamental differentiator for their respective HS codes.
Which countries are the top exporters of aluminum hydroxide (HS 281830)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281830 (the code used for aluminum hydroxide) 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 aluminum hydroxide (HS 281830)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281830 (the code used for aluminum hydroxide) 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 Aluminum hydroxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281830 for Aluminum hydroxide 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 aluminum hydroxide in Brazil?
In Brazil, aluminum hydroxide (HS 281830) is classified under NCM 2818.30.00.