Product classification
HS code for Borax pentahydrate: 2840.19
Borates, disodium tetraborate (refined borax), other than anhydrous.
Classification of borax pentahydrate under HS 2840.19
Borax pentahydrate is classified under HS code 2840.19. Similar to the decahydrate form, the pentahydrate version contains water of crystallization—specifically five molecules (Na2B4O7·5H2O). Because it is a hydrated form of refined disodium tetraborate, it cannot be classified under the anhydrous code (2840.11) and is instead placed in the "other" category of 2840.19. The pentahydrate form is often preferred in industrial settings over the decahydrate because it has a higher boron content per unit of weight and is less prone to caking during storage. The classification remains consistent across most international customs jurisdictions due to the specific chemical definitions provided in the Chapter 28 notes of the HS nomenclature. It is used extensively in agriculture as a micronutrient fertilizer and in the manufacture of fiberglass and heat-resistant glass.
- Covers
- Sodium tetraborate pentahydrate
- Refined borax 5-mol
- Etibor-48 or similar trade-named pentahydrates
- Granular borax pentahydrate
- 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. Borax pentahydrate is often misclassified under 2840.11 by importers who assume all industrial borax is anhydrous. However, the presence of five water molecules requires it to be in 2840.19. It is also sometimes confused with 2840.20, which covers "other borates" such as calcium borates or zinc borates. Since it is a disodium tetraborate, it must stay within the 2840.1X subheadings. Furthermore, if the product is intended for use as a fertilizer and is packaged for retail sale or contains specific additives, it might be argued into Chapter 31 (Fertilizers), though 2840.19 remains the standard for the pure chemical.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284019 (the code used for borax pentahydrate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284019 (the code used for borax pentahydrate) 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 pentahydrate.
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 pentahydrate
Brazil classifies borax pentahydrate 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 pentahydrate
What is the HS code for Borax pentahydrate?
The HS code for Borax pentahydrate is 284019 (Borates; disodium tetraborate (refined borax), other than anhydrous). The HS code for refined borax pentahydrate is 2840.19.
How do I classify Borax pentahydrate for customs?
Borax pentahydrate is classified under HS code 284019 — Borates; disodium tetraborate (refined borax), other than anhydrous. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does it differ from 2840.11?
HS code 2840.11 is for anhydrous borax (no water), while 2840.19 includes all hydrated forms, including pentahydrate (5 water molecules) and decahydrate (10 water molecules).
Which countries are the top exporters of borax pentahydrate (HS 284019)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284019 (the code used for borax pentahydrate) 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 pentahydrate (HS 284019)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284019 (the code used for borax pentahydrate) 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 pentahydrate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284019 for Borax pentahydrate 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 pentahydrate in Brazil?
In Brazil, borax pentahydrate (HS 284019) is classified under NCM 2840.19.00.