Product classification

HS code for Catalytic preparations: 3815.90

Reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, unsupported, n.e.c. or included.

Classification of catalytic preparations under HS 3815.90

Catalytic preparations are classified under HS code 3815.90. This classification falls within Chapter 38, which covers miscellaneous chemical products. Heading 3815 is dedicated to reaction initiators, reaction accelerators, and catalytic preparations that are not elsewhere specified or included. The subheading 3815.90 is a residual category for "other" catalysts that are not "supported" catalysts. Supported catalysts (those consisting of active substances deposited on a carrier like silica or alumina) are classified under subheadings 3815.11 through 3815.19. Therefore, 3815.90 is used for unsupported catalytic preparations, such as mixtures based on compounds of cobalt, magnesium, or organic peroxides used as polymerization initiators. The classification is determined by the chemical nature of the product and its role in facilitating a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. This follows GRI 1, as the product is a chemical preparation specifically described by the text of heading 3815.

Covers
  • Unsupported chemical catalysts
  • Organic peroxide preparations used as initiators
  • Mixed catalysts not on a support
  • Polymerization accelerators for plastics manufacturing
  • Redox catalysts for industrial chemical synthesis
Also under 3815.90
  • BASF catalysts
  • Evonik catalysts
  • Johnson Matthey catalysts
  • Arkema initiators
  • Clariant catalysts

Codes often confused with 3815.90

Common mistake. Catalytic preparations are often confused with 3815.11 or 3815.19. The distinction lies in the presence of a support (a carrier). If the catalyst is coated onto a substrate, it must be classified under the 3815.1x series. Additionally, pure precious metals used as catalysts are classified in Chapter 71, and chemically defined compounds are often classified in Chapter 28 or 29 unless they are specifically prepared as catalysts.

3815.11Catalysts, supported; reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with nickel or nickel compounds as the active substance, n.e.c. or included3815.19Catalysts, supported; reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with an active substance other than nickel or precious metals or their compounds, n.e.c. or included38.15Reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations n.e.c. or included

Top exporters and importers of HS 381590 (the code used for catalytic preparations), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381590 (the code used for catalytic preparations) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 8.6% 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 381590, not only catalytic preparations.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $1.2B
  2. 2 Germany $1.0B
  3. 3 Japan $431M

World total: $4.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Thailand $417M
  2. 2 South Korea $337M
  3. 3 China $335M

World total: $4.9B 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 catalytic preparations

Brazil splits HS 3815.90 into 5 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 catalytic preparations

What is the HS code for Catalytic preparations?

The HS code for Catalytic preparations is 381590 (Reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, unsupported, n.e.c. or included). The HS code for unsupported catalytic preparations is 3815.90.

How do I classify Catalytic preparations for customs?

Catalytic preparations is classified under HS code 381590 — Reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, unsupported, n.e.c. or included. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the difference between 3815.19 and 3815.90?

3815.19 is for supported catalysts (on a carrier), while 3815.90 is for unsupported catalysts or other reaction initiators.

Which countries are the top exporters of catalytic preparations (HS 381590)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381590 (the code used for catalytic preparations) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.2B, 26% of world exports), Germany ($1.0B) and Japan ($431M). World exports came to about $4.6B, 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 catalytic preparations (HS 381590)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 381590 (the code used for catalytic preparations) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($417M, 8.6% of world imports), South Korea ($337M) and China ($335M). World imports came to about $4.9B, 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 Catalytic preparations the same in all countries?

The base HS code 381590 for Catalytic preparations 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 catalytic preparations in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 381590 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for catalytic preparations depends on the product's details: 3815.90.10 (Petroleum cracking catalysts), 3815.90.91 (Isoprenylaluminium (IPRA) catalysts), 3815.90.92 (Zinc oxide catalysts), 3815.90.93 (Rare-earth oxide catalysts), 3815.90.99 (Other reaction initiators and catalysts).