Product classification
HS code for Calcium borate: 2840.20
Borates, n.e.c. in heading no. 2840.
Classification of calcium borate under HS 2840.20
Calcium borate is classified under HS code 2840.20 as a chemical compound. Heading 2840 covers borates and peroxoborates. While natural calcium borates (like colemanite) are classified in Chapter 25 as mineral products, the refined or chemically produced calcium borate falls under Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals. Subheading 2840.20 is the residual category for "other" borates that are not disodium tetraborate (borax). The classification depends on the purity and the manufacturing process; if the product has been chemically treated to achieve a specific concentration or to remove impurities found in the natural ore, it is treated as a chemical product. This distinction is vital for customs purposes, as chemical products often face different regulatory requirements and tariff rates compared to raw minerals. Calcium borate is widely used in the glass and ceramic industries as a flux and in the production of fiberglass.
- Covers
- Refined calcium borate powder
- Synthetic calcium borate compounds
- Anhydrous calcium borate for industrial use
- Hydrated calcium borate chemicals
- Precipitated calcium borate
- Also under 2840.20
- Borax (20 Mule Team Borax)
- U.S. Borax (Rio Tinto)
- Eti Maden Borax
- Chemtura Borates
Codes often confused with 2840.20
Common mistake. Calcium borate is frequently misclassified under 2528.00, which covers "natural borates and concentrates thereof." The key difference is the level of processing; if the material is simply crushed or washed ore, it belongs in Chapter 25. If it has been chemically precipitated or refined to a high degree of purity, it belongs in 2840.20. Another misclassification occurs with 2840.11 or 2840.19, which are reserved specifically for disodium tetraborate (borax). Importers must ensure the cation (calcium vs. sodium) is correctly identified before selecting the code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284020 (the code used for calcium borate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284020 (the code used for calcium borate) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 11% 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 284020, not only calcium borate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $41M 28% of world exports
- 2 China $29M 20% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $20M 13% of world exports
World total: $149M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $22M 11% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $20M 10% of world imports
- 3 India $18M 9.4% of world imports
World total: $191M 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 calcium borate
Brazil classifies calcium borate under NCM 2840.20.00: HS 2840.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about calcium borate
What is the HS code for Calcium borate?
The HS code for Calcium borate is 284020 (Borates; n.e.c. in heading no. 2840). The HS code for refined or chemical calcium borate is 2840.20.
How do I classify Calcium borate for customs?
Calcium borate is classified under HS code 284020 — Borates; n.e.c. in heading no. 2840. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is natural colemanite classified under this code?
No, natural colemanite (a natural calcium borate) is classified under HS code 2528.00, provided it has not been chemically processed beyond basic mineral cleaning.
Which countries are the top exporters of calcium borate (HS 284020)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284020 (the code used for calcium borate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($41M, 28% of world exports), China ($29M) and Türkiye ($20M). World exports came to about $149M, 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 calcium borate (HS 284020)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284020 (the code used for calcium borate) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($22M, 11% of world imports), Brazil ($20M) and India ($18M). World imports came to about $191M, 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 Calcium borate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284020 for Calcium borate 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 calcium borate in Brazil?
In Brazil, calcium borate (HS 284020) is classified under NCM 2840.20.00.