Product classification
HS code for Artificial corundum: 2818.10
Aluminium oxide, artificial corundum.
Classification of artificial corundum under HS 2818.10
HS code 281810 is specifically designated for aluminium oxide and artificial corundum. This classification covers synthetic forms of aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) produced through various industrial processes, distinguishing them from naturally occurring corundum. Artificial corundum is highly valued for its hardness, chemical inertness, and high melting point, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. The code encompasses the material in its primary forms, prior to significant processing into finished articles, focusing on the chemical compound itself and its synthetic variant.
- Covers
- Fused alumina (e.g., white fused alumina, brown fused alumina)
- Calcined alumina
- Tabular alumina
- Bubble alumina
- Sintered alumina
- High-purity synthetic aluminium oxide powders and grains
- Also under 2818.10
- Norton Abrasives (using artificial corundum)
- Saint-Gobain (abrasive grains)
- Washington Mills (fused alumina)
Codes often confused with 2818.10
Common mistake. Misclassification can occur with related aluminium compounds or highly processed forms. HS code 281820 covers aluminium hydroxide, which is a distinct chemical compound (Al(OH)₃) and should not be confused with aluminium oxide. HS code 281830 covers other forms of aluminium oxide, which might include naturally occurring corundum or specific grades of aluminium oxide not considered "artificial corundum" in the context of 281810. Furthermore, if artificial corundum is processed into specific abrasive tools (e.g., grinding wheels), it would fall under Chapter 68. If it is used as a synthetic gemstone (e.g., synthetic ruby or sapphire), even though chemically identical, it might be classified under Chapter 71 (e.g., 710420 for unworked synthetic stones), depending on its form and intended use, as 281810 primarily covers the bulk industrial material.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281810 (the code used for artificial corundum), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281810 (the code used for artificial corundum) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 281810, not only artificial corundum.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $622M 55% of world exports
- 2 Germany $85M 7.6% of world exports
- 3 France $69M 6.1% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $161M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $144M 12% of world imports
- 3 Japan $135M 11% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 codes for artificial corundum
Brazil splits HS 2818.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2818.10.10White corundum, over 90% passing a 63 µm sieve
- 2818.10.90Other artificial corundum
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about artificial corundum
What is the HS code for Artificial corundum?
The HS code for Artificial corundum is 281810 (Aluminium oxide; artificial corundum). The HS code for artificial corundum, which is a synthetic form of aluminium oxide, is 281810.
How do I classify Artificial corundum for customs?
Artificial corundum is classified under HS code 281810 — Aluminium oxide; artificial corundum. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the primary use of artificial corundum classified under HS 281810?
Artificial corundum classified under HS 281810 is primarily used in industrial applications requiring high hardness and wear resistance, such as in the manufacture of abrasives (e.g., sandpaper, grinding wheels), refractories (e.g., furnace linings), and advanced ceramics.
Which countries are the top exporters of artificial corundum (HS 281810)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281810 (the code used for artificial corundum) in UN Comtrade data were China ($622M, 55% of world exports), Germany ($85M) and France ($69M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 artificial corundum (HS 281810)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281810 (the code used for artificial corundum) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($161M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($144M) and Japan ($135M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 Artificial corundum the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281810 for Artificial corundum 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 artificial corundum in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 281810 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for artificial corundum depends on the product's details: 2818.10.10 (White corundum, over 90% passing a 63 µm sieve), 2818.10.90 (Other artificial corundum).