Product classification
HS code for Californium: 2844.42
Radioactive elements, actinium-225, 227, californium-253, curium-240, 241, 242, 243, 244, einsteinium-253, 254, gadolinium-148, polonium-208, 209, 210, radium-223, uranium-230 or 232, compounds, alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures.
Classification of californium under HS 2844.42
Californium is a synthetic radioactive chemical element classified under HS code 2844.42. This specific heading is reserved for radioactive elements and isotopes, including their compounds, alloys, dispersions, and ceramic products. Specifically, 2844.42 covers actinium-225, californium-253, and several other specific isotopes like curium and polonium. The classification is determined by the radioactive nature of the material and its specific isotopic identity. As a transuranium element, Californium is primarily used as a neutron source in various industrial and medical applications, such as neutron activation analysis and cancer treatment. The Harmonized System categorizes these materials based on their chemical properties and radioactive activity levels, ensuring that hazardous and regulated nuclear materials are tracked accurately across international borders. Because Californium is not found naturally in significant quantities and is produced in nuclear reactors, it is strictly categorized within the chemical chapter of the HS nomenclature, specifically under the sub-group for radioactive isotopes and their chemical derivatives.
- Covers
- Californium-252 (industrial neutron source)
- Californium-253 isotopes
- Californium oxides and halides
- Radioactive compounds containing californium
- Alloys and dispersions of californium
- Ceramic products containing californium isotopes
- Also under 2844.42
- Bayer Xofigo (Radium-223)
- Actinium Pharmaceuticals (Actinium-225)
- specialized neutron source manufacturers.
Codes often confused with 2844.42
Common mistake. Californium is often confused with HS code 2844.10, which is reserved for natural uranium and its compounds, or 2844.20, which covers enriched uranium and plutonium. It may also be misclassified under 2844.43, which is a residual category for other radioactive elements and isotopes not specifically named in 2844.41 or 2844.42. Precise identification of the isotope (e.g., Californium-253) is required to distinguish it from the general radioactive materials in 2844.43.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284442 (the code used for californium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284442 (the code used for californium) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 38% 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 284442, not only californium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $43M 38% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $26M 24% of world exports
- 3 Norway $19M 17% of world exports
World total: $112M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $25M 16% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $20M 13% of world imports
- 3 Spain $16M 11% of world imports
World total: $156M 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 californium
Brazil classifies californium under NCM 2844.42.00: HS 2844.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about californium
What is the HS code for Californium?
The HS code for Californium is 284442 (Radioactive elements; actinium-225, 227, californium-253, curium-240, 241, 242, 243, 244, einsteinium-253, 254, gadolinium-148, polonium-208, 209, 210, radium-223, uranium-230 or 232, compounds; alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures). The specific HS code for Californium (specifically Californium-253) and its compounds is 2844.42.
How do I classify Californium for customs?
Californium is classified under HS code 284442 — Radioactive elements; actinium-225, 227, californium-253, curium-240, 241, 242, 243, 244, einsteinium-253, 254, gadolinium-148, polonium-208, 209, 210, radium-223, uranium-230 or 232, compounds; alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are there special regulations for shipping Californium?
Yes, because it is a highly radioactive material classified under Chapter 28, it is subject to strict IAEA regulations, national nuclear safety permits, and specialized hazardous material (Class 7) transport requirements.
Which countries are the top exporters of californium (HS 284442)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284442 (the code used for californium) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($43M, 38% of world exports), the Netherlands ($26M) and Norway ($19M). World exports came to about $112M, 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 californium (HS 284442)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284442 (the code used for californium) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($25M, 16% of world imports), Malaysia ($20M) and Spain ($16M). World imports came to about $156M, 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 Californium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284442 for Californium 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 californium in Brazil?
In Brazil, californium (HS 284442) is classified under NCM 2844.42.00.