Product classification
HS code for Cerium carbonate: 2846.10
Cerium compounds.
Classification of cerium carbonate under HS 2846.10
Cerium carbonate is classified under HS code 2846.10, which specifically encompasses compounds, inorganic or organic, of rare-earth metals, of yttrium or of scandium or of mixtures of these metals, with a specific sub-designation for cerium compounds. As a rare-earth compound, cerium carbonate is grouped here because the Harmonized System (HS) nomenclature prioritizes the chemical nature of rare-earth elements over the general carbonate classification found elsewhere in Chapter 28. This classification applies regardless of whether the compound is chemically defined or not, provided it is a compound of cerium. The material is often used in the manufacturing of glass, ceramics, and as a precursor for cerium oxide catalysts. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, the heading 2846 is the most specific description for this substance, as it identifies the rare-earth metal component which is the defining characteristic of the product's chemical identity and commercial value.
- Covers
- Cerium(III) carbonate
- Hydrated cerium carbonate
- Cerous carbonate
- Rare-earth carbonate concentrates where cerium is the predominant metal
- Cerium carbonate powder for industrial polishing applications
- Also under 2846.10
- Solvay (Rhône-Poulenc)
- Lynas Rare Earths
- Neo Performance Materials.
Codes often confused with 2846.10
Common mistake. Cerium carbonate is frequently misclassified under HS code 2836.99, which covers "other carbonates." However, Chapter 28, Note 1 and the specific structure of heading 2846 dictate that compounds of rare-earth metals must be classified in 2846, taking precedence over general carbonate headings. Another common error is using HS code 2846.90, which is reserved for rare-earth compounds other than those of cerium. Importers must ensure that if the compound contains cerium as the primary rare-earth element, 2846.10 is the only correct subheading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284610 (the code used for cerium carbonate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284610 (the code used for cerium carbonate) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 23% 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 284610, not only cerium carbonate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $100M 46% of world exports
- 2 France $50M 23% of world exports
- 3 China $23M 11% of world exports
World total: $219M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $53M 23% of world imports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$37M 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 South Korea $32M 14% of world imports
World total: $232M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 cerium carbonate
Brazil splits HS 2846.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2846.10.10Ceric oxide
- 2846.10.90Other cerium compounds
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cerium carbonate
What is the HS code for Cerium carbonate?
The HS code for Cerium carbonate is 284610 (Cerium compounds). The correct HS code for cerium carbonate is 2846.10, which falls under the category of cerium compounds.
How do I classify Cerium carbonate for customs?
Cerium carbonate is classified under HS code 284610 — Cerium compounds. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is cerium carbonate considered a hazardous material for shipping?
While classification for customs (HS code) is 2846.10, shipping regulations depend on the purity and physical form; however, it is generally treated as a non-hazardous chemical unless mixed with other regulated substances.
Which countries are the top exporters of cerium carbonate (HS 284610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284610 (the code used for cerium carbonate) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($100M, 46% of world exports), France ($50M) and China ($23M). World exports came to about $219M, 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 cerium carbonate (HS 284610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284610 (the code used for cerium carbonate) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($53M, 23% of world imports), Taiwan (about $37M) and South Korea ($32M). World imports came to about $232M, 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 Cerium carbonate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284610 for Cerium carbonate 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 cerium carbonate in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 284610 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for cerium carbonate depends on the product's details: 2846.10.10 (Ceric oxide), 2846.10.90 (Other cerium compounds).