Product classification

HS code for Boric acid: 2810.00

Oxides of boron, boric acids.

Classification of boric acid under HS 2810.00

Boric acid, represented by the chemical formula H₃BO₃, is an inorganic compound of boron, oxygen, and hydrogen. Its classification under HS code 2810.00 is direct and unambiguous, as the heading explicitly encompasses "boric acids." This specific heading is located within Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System, which is dedicated to inorganic chemicals. Boric acid is a well-defined inorganic acid derived from boron, making its placement here consistent with the chemical nomenclature and structure of the chapter. The heading also includes "oxides of boron," indicating a broader coverage of related boron compounds.

Covers
  • Orthoboric acid
  • Metaboric acid
  • Tetraboric acid
  • Anhydrous boric acid
  • Various grades of boric acid (e.g., pharmaceutical, technical, agricultural), provided they retain their chemical identity as boric acid
Also under 2810.00
  • Etibank Boric Acid
  • US Borax Boric Acid
  • Borax Morarji Boric Acid
  • Sigma-Aldrich Boric Acid
  • Merck KGaA Boric Acid

Codes often confused with 2810.00

Common mistake. 2825.90: This general "other" category for inorganic acids and other inorganic compounds of non-metals is sometimes mistakenly considered. However, boric acid has a specific and dedicated heading (2810.00), rendering classification under the more general 2825.90 incorrect. 3808.91: Boric acid is utilized as an insecticide, fungicide, or disinfectant. If imported in bulk as a raw chemical, its classification remains under 2810.00. Only when boric acid is prepared, formulated, and packaged for specific retail end-uses as described in 3808.91 (e.g., as a ready-to-use insect bait or disinfectant spray) would it be classified under that heading. The distinction lies in its form and intended immediate use.

2840.20Borates; n.e.c. in heading no. 28402528.00Natural borates and concentrates thereof (whether or not calcined), but not including borates separated from natural brine; natural boric acid containing not more than 85 % of H3BO3 calculated on the dry weight2825.90Inorganic bases, metal oxides, hydroxides and peroxides; n.e.c. in heading no. 28253808.91Insecticides; other than containing goods specified in Subheading Notes 1 & 2 to this Chapter; put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles

Top exporters and importers of HS 281000 (the code used for boric acid), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281000 (the code used for boric acid) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% 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 281000, not only boric acid.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $212M
  2. 2 Chile $85M
  3. 3 Russia* ~$60M

World total: $502M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $283M
  2. 2 Brazil $72M
  3. 3 United States $45M

World total: $747M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 boric acid

Brazil splits HS 2810.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about boric acid

What is the HS code for Boric acid?

The HS code for Boric acid is 281000 (Oxides of boron; boric acids). The HS code for boric acid is 2810.00, which specifically covers "Oxides of boron; boric acids."

How do I classify Boric acid for customs?

Boric acid is classified under HS code 281000 — Oxides of boron; boric acids. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does the purity or grade of boric acid affect its HS classification?

No, the classification under 2810.00 applies to boric acids irrespective of their purity level (e.g., technical grade, pharmaceutical grade, or agricultural grade). As long as the substance is chemically identifiable as boric acid, its core HS classification remains within this heading. Purity may influence other regulatory requirements but not the fundamental HS code.

Which countries are the top exporters of boric acid (HS 281000)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281000 (the code used for boric acid) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($212M, 42% of world exports), Chile ($85M) and Russia (about $60M). World exports came to about $502M, 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 boric acid (HS 281000)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 281000 (the code used for boric acid) in UN Comtrade data were China ($283M, 38% of world imports), Brazil ($72M) and the United States ($45M). World imports came to about $747M, 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 Boric acid the same in all countries?

The base HS code 281000 for Boric acid 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 boric acid in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 281000 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for boric acid depends on the product's details: 2810.00.10 (Orthoboric acid), 2810.00.90 (Boron oxides and other boric acids).