Product classification
HS code for Borax decahydrate: 2840.19
Borates, disodium tetraborate (refined borax), other than anhydrous.
Classification of borax decahydrate under HS 2840.19
Borax decahydrate is classified under HS code 2840.19. This subheading is a residual category for disodium tetraborates that are not anhydrous. Decahydrate refers to the presence of ten molecules of water for every molecule of sodium tetraborate (Na2B4O7·10H2O). In the Harmonized System, refined borates are categorized based on their chemical purity and hydration state. Since 2840.11 is reserved for the anhydrous form, all hydrated versions, including the decahydrate, fall into 2840.19. This product is widely used in the production of detergents, cosmetics, and as a buffering agent in chemical laboratories. It is essential to distinguish these refined chemical products from naturally occurring borates found in mineral form. The classification depends on the product being a chemically defined compound of high purity, typically exceeding 95%.
- Covers
- Sodium tetraborate decahydrate
- Refined borax 10-mol
- Borax crystals (hydrated)
- Technical grade borax decahydrate
- Also under 2840.19
- 20 Mule Team Borax
- Borax Decahydrate (Rio Tinto)
- US Borax Borax Pentahydrate
- Eti Maden Borax Decahydrate
Codes often confused with 2840.19
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs when borax decahydrate is placed under 2840.11. This is incorrect because 2840.11 is strictly for anhydrous (water-free) borax. Another common error is using HS code 2528.00, which is for natural borates. While borax decahydrate can be found in nature (as the mineral tincal), the refined version used in industry and laboratories is a chemical product of Chapter 28. Additionally, it should not be confused with other borates like sodium metaborate, which falls under 2840.20. Proper documentation of the hydration level (10H2O) is necessary to justify the use of 2840.19.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284019 (the code used for borax decahydrate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284019 (the code used for borax decahydrate) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 71% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% 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 284019, not only borax decahydrate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $304M 71% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $44M 10% of world exports
- 3 Guatemala $15M 3.5% of world exports
World total: $427M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $487M 43% of world imports
- 2 India $84M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 United States $74M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 borax decahydrate
Brazil classifies borax decahydrate under NCM 2840.19.00: HS 2840.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about borax decahydrate
What is the HS code for Borax decahydrate?
The HS code for Borax decahydrate is 284019 (Borates; disodium tetraborate (refined borax), other than anhydrous). The HS code for refined borax decahydrate is 2840.19.
How do I classify Borax decahydrate for customs?
Borax decahydrate is classified under HS code 284019 — Borates; disodium tetraborate (refined borax), other than anhydrous. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is laundry borax classified under this code?
If the laundry borax is pure refined borax decahydrate, it falls under 2840.19. However, if it is a prepared detergent mixture with other surfactants or builders, it may be classified under 3402.
Which countries are the top exporters of borax decahydrate (HS 284019)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284019 (the code used for borax decahydrate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($304M, 71% of world exports), the Netherlands ($44M) and Guatemala ($15M). World exports came to about $427M, 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 borax decahydrate (HS 284019)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284019 (the code used for borax decahydrate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($487M, 43% of world imports), India ($84M) and the United States ($74M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Borax decahydrate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284019 for Borax decahydrate 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 borax decahydrate in Brazil?
In Brazil, borax decahydrate (HS 284019) is classified under NCM 2840.19.00.