Product classification
HS code for Aluminum oxide: 2818.20
Aluminium oxide, other than artificial corundum.
Classification of aluminum oxide under HS 2818.20
Harmonized System (HS) code 281820 is designated for aluminum oxide, specifically excluding artificial corundum. This classification falls under Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals. Aluminum oxide, also known as alumina, is a chemical compound of aluminum and oxygen. Its classification here emphasizes its identity as a distinct chemical substance rather than a manufactured article or a naturally occurring mineral in its raw state. The exclusion of artificial corundum is critical, as that specific form, often used as an abrasive or gemstone, has a separate classification within the same heading.
- Covers
- Non-corundum aluminum oxide
- Alumina (various forms, excluding abrasive grades or artificial gems)
- Calcined alumina
- Hydrated alumina (if not specifically classified elsewhere)
- Activated alumina (for desiccant or catalyst applications)
- Also under 2818.20
- BASF Activated Alumina
- Almatis Tabular Alumina
- Sasol Alumina
Codes often confused with 2818.20
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 281810, which is specifically for artificial corundum. While both are forms of aluminum oxide, 281820 explicitly excludes the artificial corundum covered by 281810 due to its distinct properties and uses. Another potential confusion is with 281830 (Aluminum hydroxide), a related but chemically distinct compound. Furthermore, natural corundum, if unworked, would typically fall under Chapter 25 (e.g., 2513 for pumice stone, emery, natural corundum) or Chapter 71 for precious stones, not under 281820.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281820 (the code used for aluminum oxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281820 (the code used for aluminum oxide) 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 aluminum oxide.
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 aluminum oxide
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 aluminum oxide
What is the HS code for Aluminum oxide?
The HS code for Aluminum oxide is 281820 (Aluminium oxide; other than artificial corundum). The HS code for aluminum oxide, excluding artificial corundum, is 281820.
How do I classify Aluminum oxide for customs?
Aluminum oxide is classified under HS code 281820 — Aluminium oxide; other than artificial corundum. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between natural and artificial corundum in HS classification?
Natural corundum, in its raw or unworked state, is generally classified under Chapter 25 or 71 depending on its form and quality. Artificial corundum, a manufactured product, is classified under HS code 281810. HS code 281820 specifically covers other forms of aluminum oxide, distinct from both natural and artificial corundum.
Which countries are the top exporters of aluminum oxide (HS 281820)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281820 (the code used for aluminum oxide) 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 aluminum oxide (HS 281820)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281820 (the code used for aluminum oxide) 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 Aluminum oxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281820 for Aluminum oxide 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 oxide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 281820 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for aluminum oxide depends on the product's details: 2818.20.10 (Calcined alumina), 2818.20.90 (Other aluminium oxide).