Product classification
HS code for Arsenic: 2804.80
Arsenic.
Classification of arsenic under HS 2804.80
Arsenic, in its elemental form, is classified under HS code 280480. This classification falls within Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System, which is dedicated to inorganic chemicals; organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, of radioactive elements or of isotopes. Specifically, heading 2804 covers hydrogen, rare gases and other non-metals. Subheading 280480 is precisely designated for arsenic. This code is appropriate because it identifies arsenic as a distinct non-metal element, distinguishing it from its compounds or from materials where it is present as a component of a mixture or residue.
- Covers
- Elemental arsenic in various forms (e.g., powder, lumps, ingots)
- High-purity arsenic for semiconductor applications
- Arsenic metal for alloying purposes
- Also under 2804.80
- Alfa Aesar Arsenic
- American Elements Arsenic
- Materion (high-purity materials)
- Sumitomo Chemical (GaAs wafers, uses arsenic)
- Freiberger Compound Materials (GaAs wafers)
Codes often confused with 2804.80
Common mistake. Arsenic is frequently misclassified with its compounds or with arsenic-containing residues. For instance, arsenic trioxide (a common arsenic compound) is classified under HS code 281190, which covers other inorganic acids and other inorganic oxygen compounds of non-metals. Arsenic trichloride, another compound, falls under 281219. Furthermore, slag, ash, and residues containing arsenic, used for extraction, are classified under 262060. The key distinction for 280480 is that it applies exclusively to the elemental form of arsenic, not its chemical derivatives or raw materials from which it might be extracted.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280480 (the code used for arsenic), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280480 (the code used for arsenic) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 280480, not only arsenic.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $2.7M 35% of world exports
- 2 China $2.1M 28% of world exports
- 3 Japan $1.4M 18% of world exports
World total: $7.7M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.6M 25% of world imports
- 2 China $1.1M 11% of world imports
- 3 India $978K 9.6% of world imports
World total: $10M 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 arsenic
Brazil classifies arsenic under NCM 2804.80.00: HS 2804.80 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 arsenic
What is the HS code for Arsenic?
The HS code for Arsenic is 280480 (Arsenic). The HS code for elemental arsenic is 280480.
How do I classify Arsenic for customs?
Arsenic is classified under HS code 280480 — Arsenic. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is elemental arsenic considered an inorganic chemical?
Yes, in its elemental form, arsenic is classified under Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, due to its fundamental chemical nature as a non-metal.
Which countries are the top exporters of arsenic (HS 280480)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280480 (the code used for arsenic) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.7M, 35% of world exports), China ($2.1M) and Japan ($1.4M). World exports came to about $7.7M, 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 arsenic (HS 280480)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280480 (the code used for arsenic) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.6M, 25% of world imports), China ($1.1M) and India ($978K). World imports came to about $10M, 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 Arsenic the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280480 for Arsenic 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 arsenic in Brazil?
In Brazil, arsenic (HS 280480) is classified under NCM 2804.80.00.