Product classification

HS code for Cadmium sulphide: 2830.90

Sulphides and polysulphides, whether or not chemically defined, other than sulphides of sodium.

Classification of cadmium sulphide under HS 2830.90

Cadmium sulphide is classified under HS code 2830.90, which encompasses sulphides and polysulphides, whether or not chemically defined, excluding sodium sulphides. This classification is primarily driven by the chemical nature of the substance as an inorganic compound. Within the Harmonized System, Chapter 28 is dedicated to inorganic chemicals, precious metals, and rare-earth metals. Heading 2830 specifically addresses sulphides. Cadmium sulphide (CdS) is a binary compound of sulfur and cadmium. The classification remains consistent regardless of the physical form—be it powder, crystals, or lumps—provided it remains a chemically defined compound. If the product is prepared as a pigment, however, the classification may shift to Chapter 32. The distinction is crucial: Chapter 28 covers the chemical itself, while Chapter 32 covers preparations used in the coloring industry. Furthermore, if the cadmium sulphide is in the form of a natural mineral (greenockite), it would be classified under Chapter 26 as an ore. For international trade, 2830.90 is the standard for the pure or technical grade chemical used in laboratory settings or as a precursor in industrial manufacturing. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI 1), classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since cadmium sulphide is a distinct chemical compound, it fits the criteria for Chapter 28. The Explanatory Notes to heading 2830 further clarify that this heading includes sulphides of non-metals and sulphides of metals, with specific exclusions for certain minerals and precious metal sulphides. This ensures that high-purity chemicals are distinguished from raw ores or finished pigments.

Covers
  • Synthetic cadmium sulphide
  • Cadmium monosulphide
  • High-purity cadmium sulphide for semiconductor applications
  • Technical grade cadmium sulphide powder
  • Cadmium yellow (unmixed chemical)
Also under 2830.90
  • Sigma-Aldrich Zinc Sulphide
  • Alfa Aesar Molybdenum Disulphide
  • Merck KGaA Barium Sulphide
  • Dow Chemical Polysulphide Polymers

Codes often confused with 2830.90

Common mistake. 3206.49 (Cadmium-based pigments and preparations) is the most frequent error. This occurs when the cadmium sulphide is mixed with other substances to function as a coloring agent. Another common error is 2830.10, which is reserved specifically for sodium sulphides. Additionally, natural greenockite must be classified under 2617.90 as an ore rather than a chemical.

3206.49Colouring matter; other preparations n.e.c. in item no. 3206.42830.10Sulphides; of sodium, whether or not chemically defined2617.90Ores and concentrates n.e.c. in chapter 26; other than antimony

Top exporters and importers of HS 283090 (the code used for cadmium sulphide), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283090 (the code used for cadmium sulphide) in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 30% 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 283090, not only cadmium sulphide.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Austria $140M
  2. 2 Philippines $131M
  3. 3 Germany $42M

World total: $463M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $56M
  2. 2 South Korea $33M
  3. 3 Italy $31M

World total: $344M 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 cadmium sulphide

Brazil splits HS 2830.90 into 8 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 cadmium sulphide

What is the HS code for Cadmium sulphide?

The HS code for Cadmium sulphide is 283090 (Sulphides and polysulphides; whether or not chemically defined, other than sulphides of sodium). The HS code for chemically defined cadmium sulphide is 2830.90.

How do I classify Cadmium sulphide for customs?

Cadmium sulphide is classified under HS code 283090 — Sulphides and polysulphides; whether or not chemically defined, other than sulphides of sodium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is cadmium sulphide considered a hazardous material for shipping?

Yes, cadmium compounds are generally classified as hazardous substances due to their toxicity and environmental impact, requiring specific labeling and documentation under international maritime and air transport regulations.

Which countries are the top exporters of cadmium sulphide (HS 283090)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283090 (the code used for cadmium sulphide) in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($140M, 30% of world exports), the Philippines ($131M) and Germany ($42M). World exports came to about $463M, 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 sulphide (HS 283090)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 283090 (the code used for cadmium sulphide) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($56M, 16% of world imports), South Korea ($33M) and Italy ($31M). World imports came to about $344M, 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 sulphide the same in all countries?

The base HS code 283090 for Cadmium sulphide 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 sulphide in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 283090 into 8 NCM codes, so the right one for cadmium sulphide depends on the product's details: 2830.90.11 (Molybdenum disulphide), 2830.90.12 (Barium sulphide), 2830.90.13 (Potassium sulphide), 2830.90.14 (Lead sulphide), 2830.90.15 (Strontium sulphide), 2830.90.16 (Zinc sulphide), and more.