Product classification
HS code for Argon: 2804.21
Gases, rare, argon.
Classification of argon under HS 2804.21
Argon is classified under HS code 280421, which specifically covers "Gases, rare; argon." This classification is found within Chapter 28, dedicated to inorganic chemicals, and precisely identifies argon as a distinct rare gas. The code applies to argon in its elemental form, whether gaseous or liquefied, and regardless of its purity level, provided it remains essentially argon. This specific designation is crucial for international trade, ensuring that this particular inert gas is accurately categorized and distinguished from other rare gases or gas mixtures. The clarity of this code facilitates consistent customs procedures globally.
- Covers
- Gaseous argon (compressed)
- Liquid argon (cryogenic)
- High-purity argon
- Industrial grade argon
- Argon for welding applications (pure)
- Argon for lighting applications (pure)
- Also under 2804.21
- Praxair Argon
- Messer Argon
- Nippon Sanso Argon
- Airgas Argon
Codes often confused with 2804.21
Common mistake. A common misclassification for argon could occur with HS 280429, which covers "Other rare gases." However, since argon has its own specific subheading (280421), it should not be classified under the general "other rare gases" category. HS 280429 is reserved for rare gases such as neon, krypton, and xenon. Another potential area of confusion might be with other elemental gases like HS 280410 (Hydrogen) or HS 280430 (Nitrogen); however, these are chemically distinct elements and are therefore classified separately. It is important to note that mixtures containing argon with other gases are typically classified differently, often under HS 285390.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280421 (the code used for argon), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280421 (the code used for argon) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 11% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 280421, not only argon.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $62M 16% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $38M 9.7% of world exports
- 3 United States $28M 7.2% of world exports
World total: $389M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $46M 11% of world imports
- 2 Italy $38M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 United States $24M 5.8% of world imports
The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $425M 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 argon
Brazil classifies argon under NCM 2804.21.00: HS 2804.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about argon
What is the HS code for Argon?
The HS code for Argon is 280421 (Gases, rare; argon). The HS code for Argon is 280421, specifically designated for argon as a rare gas.
How do I classify Argon for customs?
Argon is classified under HS code 280421 — Gases, rare; argon. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is argon gas mixture classified under HS 280421?
HS 280421 specifically covers pure argon. Mixtures containing argon with other gases, such as those used in welding (e.g., argon-CO2 mixtures) or specialized industrial applications, are typically classified under different HS codes. These mixtures often fall under HS 285390, which covers "Other inorganic compounds; liquid air; compressed air; amalgams other than amalgams of precious metals," or other relevant headings depending on the specific composition and intended use, provided they do not form a distinct chemical compound.
Which countries are the top exporters of argon (HS 280421)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280421 (the code used for argon) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($62M, 16% of world exports), Belgium ($38M) and the United States ($28M). World exports came to about $389M, 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 argon (HS 280421)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280421 (the code used for argon) in UN Comtrade data were France ($46M, 11% of world imports), Italy ($38M) and the United States ($24M). World imports came to about $425M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Argon the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280421 for Argon 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 argon in Brazil?
In Brazil, argon (HS 280421) is classified under NCM 2804.21.00.