Product classification
HS code for Bromine: 2801.30
Fluorine, bromine.
Classification of bromine under HS 2801.30
Bromine is classified under HS code 2801.30. This code falls within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, precious metal compounds, and isotopes. Specifically, heading 2801 covers fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine (the halogens). Bromine is a halogen that exists as a heavy, volatile, reddish-brown liquid at room temperature. The classification is straightforward for the element in its pure, elemental form. According to the Chapter 28 notes, this heading includes these elements even if they contain impurities, provided they are not formulated for specific retail uses that would move them to another chapter. Bromine is a highly reactive element and is primarily traded in bulk for industrial applications. The HS code 2801.30 is used for bulk shipments of the element, which is a critical raw material in the manufacture of flame retardants, drilling fluids, agricultural chemicals, and various pharmaceutical intermediates. Because of its corrosive and toxic nature, its trade is also heavily regulated by transport safety standards (IMDG/IATA).
- Covers
- Elemental bromine
- Liquid bromine in bulk containers
- Technical grade bromine
- Pure bromine for laboratory use
- Also under 2801.30
- Lanxess Bromine
- Solvay Fluorine
- Honeywell Fluorine
- Albemarle Bromine
Codes often confused with 2801.30
Common mistake. Bromine is often misclassified with its various compounds. For example, sodium bromide or potassium bromide are classified under HS code 2827.51 and 2827.59 respectively, as they are metal salts (bromides) rather than the pure element. Another common error is confusing elemental bromine with organic bromine compounds, which are classified in Chapter 29 (e.g., methyl bromide under 2903.31). Additionally, if bromine is put up in the form of disinfectants for retail sale, it might be classified under HS code 3808.94. It is crucial to distinguish between the pure chemical element (2801.30) and its chemical derivatives or prepared mixtures.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280130 (the code used for bromine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280130 (the code used for bromine) in UN Comtrade data was Israel, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 62% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 280130, not only bromine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Israel $154M 43% of world exports
- 2 Jordan* ~$74M 21% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Japan $52M 14% of world exports
World total: $357M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $213M 62% of world imports
- 2 India $29M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $13M 3.9% of world imports
The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $343M 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 code for bromine
Brazil classifies bromine under NCM 2801.30.00: HS 2801.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bromine
What is the HS code for Bromine?
The HS code for Bromine is 280130 (Fluorine; bromine). The HS code for elemental bromine is 2801.30.
How do I classify Bromine for customs?
Bromine is classified under HS code 280130 — Fluorine; bromine. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is bromine considered a hazardous material for shipping?
Yes, bromine is highly corrosive and toxic. While its HS code is 2801.30, it must be shipped under strict dangerous goods regulations, typically assigned UN number 1744.
Which countries are the top exporters of bromine (HS 280130)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280130 (the code used for bromine) in UN Comtrade data were Israel ($154M, 43% of world exports), Jordan (about $74M) and Japan ($52M). World exports came to about $357M, 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 bromine (HS 280130)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280130 (the code used for bromine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($213M, 62% of world imports), India ($29M) and the Netherlands ($13M). World imports came to about $343M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Bromine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280130 for Bromine 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 bromine in Brazil?
In Brazil, bromine (HS 280130) is classified under NCM 2801.30.00.