Product classification
HS code for Boron carbide: 2849.90
Carbides, whether or not chemically defined, other than of calcium or silicon.
Classification of boron carbide under HS 2849.90
Boron carbide is classified under HS code 2849.90, which falls within Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System, covering inorganic chemicals. Specifically, heading 2849 is dedicated to carbides, which are chemical compounds consisting of carbon and another element. Boron carbide (B4C) is one of the hardest known materials, valued for its chemical resistance and nuclear properties. While the HS nomenclature provides specific subheadings for calcium carbide (2849.10) and silicon carbide (2849.20), boron carbide is not explicitly named at the six-digit level. Therefore, it is categorized under the residual subheading 2849.90, which encompasses 'other' carbides. This classification applies to the substance whether it is in the form of powder, grains, or unshaped solid masses, provided it is a chemically defined compound. The classification logic follows General Interpretative Rule 1, prioritizing the terms of the headings and the relevant chapter notes which define carbides as binary compounds of carbon.
- Covers
- Technical grade boron carbide powder
- Boron carbide abrasive grains for grinding
- Nuclear grade boron carbide used as a neutron absorber
- Sintered boron carbide in unfinished, unshaped forms
- Boron carbide crystals for industrial applications
- Also under 2849.90
- Kennametal (tungsten carbide tools)
- Sandvik Coromant (carbide inserts)
- Hyperion Materials (various carbides)
- Ceratizit (carbide components)
Codes often confused with 2849.90
Common mistake. Boron carbide is frequently confused with silicon carbide, which is classified under 2849.20. While both are used as abrasives, they are chemically distinct. Another common error is classifying finished articles made of boron carbide, such as ceramic armor plates or nozzles, under this code. Finished ceramic articles should be classified in Chapter 69 (e.g., 6903 or 6909). Additionally, mixtures of boron carbide with other binders or materials may be classified under 3824.99 as chemical preparations rather than pure carbides.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284990 (the code used for boron carbide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284990 (the code used for boron carbide) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% 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 284990, not only boron carbide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $170M 39% of world exports
- 2 Germany $72M 17% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $40M 9.2% of world exports
World total: $432M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $128M 16% of world imports
- 2 Japan $121M 15% of world imports
- 3 United States $109M 14% of world imports
World total: $806M 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 boron carbide
Brazil splits HS 2849.90 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2849.90.10Boron carbide
- 2849.90.20Tantalum carbide
- 2849.90.30Tungsten (wolfram) carbide
- 2849.90.90Other carbides
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about boron carbide
What is the HS code for Boron carbide?
The HS code for Boron carbide is 284990 (Carbides; whether or not chemically defined, other than of calcium or silicon). The HS code for boron carbide is 2849.90, which covers carbides other than those of calcium or silicon.
How do I classify Boron carbide for customs?
Boron carbide is classified under HS code 284990 — Carbides; whether or not chemically defined, other than of calcium or silicon. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is boron carbide classified differently if it is used for nuclear shielding?
No, the chemical substance itself remains under 2849.90. However, if it is manufactured into specific reactor components, it may be classified under 8401.40.
Which countries are the top exporters of boron carbide (HS 284990)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284990 (the code used for boron carbide) in UN Comtrade data were China ($170M, 39% of world exports), Germany ($72M) and South Korea ($40M). World exports came to about $432M, 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 boron carbide (HS 284990)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284990 (the code used for boron carbide) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($128M, 16% of world imports), Japan ($121M) and the United States ($109M). World imports came to about $806M, 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 Boron carbide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284990 for Boron carbide 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 boron carbide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 284990 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for boron carbide depends on the product's details: 2849.90.10 (Boron carbide), 2849.90.20 (Tantalum carbide), 2849.90.30 (Tungsten (wolfram) carbide), 2849.90.90 (Other carbides).