Product classification
HS code for Barium oxide: 2816.40
Oxides, hydroxides and peroxides, of strontium or barium.
Classification of barium oxide under HS 2816.40
Barium oxide is classified under HS code 2816.40. This code is part of Chapter 28, which encompasses inorganic chemicals. Heading 2816 specifically covers the oxides, hydroxides, and peroxides of strontium or barium. Barium oxide (BaO), also known as baryta, is a white, hygroscopic compound obtained by the thermal decomposition of barium carbonate or the oxidation of elemental barium. The classification is determined by General Interpretative Rule 1, as the product is specifically named in the subheading text for 2816.40. It is important to distinguish between the chemically pure or commercially pure barium oxide found in Chapter 28 and the natural mineral forms found in Chapter 25. Only the synthetic or chemically refined compound belongs in 2816.40. This substance is widely used in the manufacture of optical glass, cathode ray tubes, and as a catalyst in various organic chemical reactions, as well as a drying agent for solvents.
- Covers
- Barium oxide (BaO)
- Barium hydroxide
- Barium peroxide
- Anhydrous barium oxide
- Barium hydrate
- Also under 2816.40
- Solvay Barium Hydroxide
- Noah Chemicals Strontium Oxide
- Merck Barium Peroxide
Codes often confused with 2816.40
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with natural barium sulfate or natural barium carbonate, which are classified under 2511.10 and 2511.20 respectively. These are minerals rather than refined chemicals. Additionally, barium carbonate (synthetic) is classified under 2836.60. Importers often confuse these because they are all barium-based industrial chemicals, but the oxygen-based compounds (oxides/peroxides) are strictly isolated to 2816.40.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281640 (the code used for barium oxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281640 (the code used for barium oxide) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 74% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 29% 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 281640, not only barium oxide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $27M 74% of world exports
- 2 Germany $3.6M 9.8% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.6M 4.3% of world exports
World total: $37M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $13M 29% of world imports
- 2 Japan $11M 23% of world imports
- 3 United States $4.0M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $45M 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 barium oxide
Brazil splits HS 2816.40 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2816.40.10Barium hydroxide
- 2816.40.90Other strontium or barium (hydr)oxides, peroxides
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about barium oxide
What is the HS code for Barium oxide?
The HS code for Barium oxide is 281640 (Oxides, hydroxides and peroxides, of strontium or barium). The HS code for Barium oxide is 2816.40, which includes oxides, hydroxides, and peroxides of barium or strontium.
How do I classify Barium oxide for customs?
Barium oxide is classified under HS code 281640 — Oxides, hydroxides and peroxides, of strontium or barium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 2816.40 include barium hydroxide?
Yes, both the oxide and the hydroxide of barium are classified under the same subheading 2816.40.
Which countries are the top exporters of barium oxide (HS 281640)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281640 (the code used for barium oxide) in UN Comtrade data were China ($27M, 74% of world exports), Germany ($3.6M) and the United States ($1.6M). World exports came to about $37M, 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 barium oxide (HS 281640)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281640 (the code used for barium oxide) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($13M, 29% of world imports), Japan ($11M) and the United States ($4.0M). World imports came to about $45M, 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 Barium oxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281640 for Barium 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 barium oxide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 281640 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for barium oxide depends on the product's details: 2816.40.10 (Barium hydroxide), 2816.40.90 (Other strontium or barium (hydr)oxides, peroxides).