Product classification
HS code for Cadmium metal: 8112.69
Cadmium, other than waste and scrap.
Classification of cadmium metal under HS 8112.69
The classification of Cadmium metal under HS code 811269 is based on its identity as the chemical element Cadmium in its unwrought or semi-manufactured forms, specifically excluding waste and scrap. This code encompasses primary cadmium metal, such as ingots, billets, rods, or powders, that are ready for further processing or use in manufacturing. The distinction from waste and scrap is crucial, as it signifies material that has not been discarded or designated for recycling, but rather is in a usable, refined state. This classification ensures that pure cadmium metal, in its various non-waste forms, is appropriately categorized for international trade.
- Covers
- Cadmium ingots
- Cadmium billets
- Cadmium rods
- Cadmium powder
- Unwrought cadmium metal
- Refined cadmium in primary forms
- Also under 8112.69
- Saft (NiCd batteries)
- First Solar (CdTe solar panels)
- Materion (specialty cadmium alloys)
- Umicore (cadmium compounds)
- Alfa Aesar (high-purity cadmium)
Codes often confused with 8112.69
Common mistake. A primary area of common misclassification is with HS code 811261, which specifically covers cadmium waste and scrap. The distinction is critical: 811269 is for primary, unwrought cadmium metal, while 811261 is for material intended for recovery or recycling. Another potential confusion could arise with other unwrought base metals or rare-earth metals. For instance, HS 811292 covers other unwrought beryllium, chromium, germanium, etc., but not cadmium. It is essential to correctly identify the specific metal. Furthermore, cadmium compounds, which are chemical products, would be classified under Chapter 28, not Chapter 81, which is reserved for base metals.
Top exporters and importers of HS 811269 (the code used for cadmium metal), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 811269 (the code used for cadmium metal) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 58% 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 811269, not only cadmium metal.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $14M 23% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $7.7M 12% of world exports
- 3 Canada $7.3M 12% of world exports
World total: $62M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $41M 58% of world imports
- 2 China $5.9M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 France $4.7M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $70M 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 cadmium metal
Brazil classifies cadmium metal under NCM 8112.69.00: HS 8112.69 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cadmium metal
What is the HS code for Cadmium metal?
The HS code for Cadmium metal is 811269 (Cadmium; other than waste and scrap). The HS code for Cadmium metal, other than waste and scrap, is 811269. This code applies to unwrought or semi-manufactured forms of cadmium that are not designated as waste or scrap.
How do I classify Cadmium metal for customs?
Cadmium metal is classified under HS code 811269 — Cadmium; other than waste and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What forms of cadmium are included under HS 811269?
HS 811269 includes various unwrought and semi-manufactured forms of cadmium metal, such as ingots, billets, rods, and powders. The key criterion is that these forms represent primary cadmium metal ready for industrial use, rather than material classified as waste or scrap intended for reprocessing.
Which countries are the top exporters of cadmium metal (HS 811269)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 811269 (the code used for cadmium metal) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($14M, 23% of world exports), Belgium ($7.7M) and Canada ($7.3M). World exports came to about $62M, 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 cadmium metal (HS 811269)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 811269 (the code used for cadmium metal) in UN Comtrade data were India ($41M, 58% of world imports), China ($5.9M) and France ($4.7M). World imports came to about $70M, 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 Cadmium metal the same in all countries?
The base HS code 811269 for Cadmium metal 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 cadmium metal in Brazil?
In Brazil, cadmium metal (HS 811269) is classified under NCM 8112.69.00.