Product classification
HS code for Brominated flame retardant mixtures: 3824.88
Chemical products, mixtures and preparations, containing goods specified in Subheading Note 3 to this Chapter, containing tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- or octabromodiphenyl ethers.
Classification of brominated flame retardant mixtures under HS 3824.88
Brominated flame retardant mixtures are classified under HS code 382488. This code falls within Chapter 38, which covers miscellaneous chemical products. Specifically, subheading 3824 refers to prepared binders for foundry moulds or cores; chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries (including those consisting of mixtures of natural products), not elsewhere specified or included. The further subdivision 382488 is highly specific, targeting mixtures and preparations containing goods specified in Subheading Note 3 to Chapter 38, which includes tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- or octabromodiphenyl ethers. This precise classification reflects international efforts to monitor and control the trade of certain brominated flame retardants due to their environmental persistence and potential toxicity, aligning with global environmental regulations.
- Covers
- Mixtures containing tetrabromodiphenyl ether (TBDE) for flame retardation
- Mixtures containing pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE) for flame retardation
- Mixtures containing hexabromodiphenyl ether (HBDE) for flame retardation
- Mixtures containing heptabromodiphenyl ether (HeptaBDE) for flame retardation
- Mixtures containing octabromodiphenyl ether (OctaBDE) for flame retardation
- Also under 3824.88
- Sims Lifecycle Services (e-waste recycling)
- hazardous waste management firms (e.g., Veolia)
- specialized analytical standard suppliers
Codes often confused with 3824.88
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for these mixtures include other flame retardant mixtures that do not contain the specific brominated diphenyl ethers mentioned, which would typically fall under HS 382499 (Other chemical products and preparations, not elsewhere specified or included). Pure, unmixed brominated diphenyl ethers are classified under Chapter 29, for example, HS 290930 for ethers and their halogenated derivatives. The critical distinction for 382488 is the product's form as a "mixture" or "preparation" and the explicit presence of the specified brominated diphenyl ethers, as defined by the Subheading Note.
Top exporters and importers of HS 382488 (the code used for brominated flame retardant mixtures), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382488 (the code used for brominated flame retardant mixtures) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 24% 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 382488, not only brominated flame retardant mixtures.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $912K 45% of world exports
- 2 Germany $526K 26% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $108K 5.3% of world exports
World total: $2.0M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $2.1M 24% of world imports
- 2 France $1.4M 16% of world imports
- 3 El Salvador $897K 10% of world imports
World total: $9.0M 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 brominated flame retardant mixtures
Brazil splits HS 3824.88 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3824.88.10Tetra- or pentabromodiphenyl ether mixtures
- 3824.88.20Hexa- to octabromodiphenyl ether mixtures
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about brominated flame retardant mixtures
What is the HS code for Brominated flame retardant mixtures?
The HS code for Brominated flame retardant mixtures is 382488 (Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; containing goods specified in Subheading Note 3 to this Chapter; containing tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- or octabromodiphenyl ethers). The HS code for brominated flame retardant mixtures containing tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- or octabromodiphenyl ethers is 382488. This classification is specific to mixtures containing these particular environmentally regulated substances.
How do I classify Brominated flame retardant mixtures for customs?
Brominated flame retardant mixtures is classified under HS code 382488 — Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; containing goods specified in Subheading Note 3 to this Chapter; containing tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- or octabromodiphenyl ethers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why are specific brominated diphenyl ethers singled out in this HS code?
These specific brominated diphenyl ethers are singled out due to their classification as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under international conventions like the Stockholm Convention. Their inclusion in a dedicated HS code facilitates monitoring and control of their international trade, reflecting global environmental protection efforts.
Which countries are the top exporters of brominated flame retardant mixtures (HS 382488)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382488 (the code used for brominated flame retardant mixtures) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($912K, 45% of world exports), Germany ($526K) and South Africa ($108K). World exports came to about $2.0M, 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 brominated flame retardant mixtures (HS 382488)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 382488 (the code used for brominated flame retardant mixtures) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($2.1M, 24% of world imports), France ($1.4M) and El Salvador ($897K). World imports came to about $9.0M, 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 Brominated flame retardant mixtures the same in all countries?
The base HS code 382488 for Brominated flame retardant mixtures 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 brominated flame retardant mixtures in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 382488 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for brominated flame retardant mixtures depends on the product's details: 3824.88.10 (Tetra- or pentabromodiphenyl ether mixtures), 3824.88.20 (Hexa- to octabromodiphenyl ether mixtures).