Product classification
HS code for Chemical catalysts: 3815.19
Catalysts, 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 included.
Classification of chemical catalysts under HS 3815.19
Chemical catalysts are classified under HS code 3815.19 when they are supported catalysts that do not utilize nickel or precious metals as their active substance. Heading 3815 covers reaction initiators, reaction accelerators, and catalytic preparations. The structure of this heading is based on the active component of the catalyst. Subheading 3815.11 is for nickel-based catalysts, and 3815.12 is for those using precious metals (like platinum, palladium, or rhodium). Subheading 3815.19 serves as the category for all other supported catalysts, such as those using cobalt, molybdenum, vanadium, or various oxides on a substrate like silica, alumina, or activated carbon. The supported nature means the active chemical is dispersed on a carrier material to increase surface area and efficiency. This classification is vital for the chemical industry, as it distinguishes between different chemical compositions which may have varying duty rates or environmental regulations. Classification is determined by GRI 1 and 6 based on the chemical composition of the active species.
- Covers
- Cobalt-based catalysts on an alumina support
- Molybdenum catalysts for hydrodesulfurization
- Vanadium pentoxide catalysts for sulfuric acid production
- Polymerization catalysts on a silica carrier
- Oxidation catalysts using non-precious metal oxides
- Also under 3815.19
- BASF Zeolite Catalysts
- Clariant Base Metal Catalysts
- Topsoe Iron Catalysts
- Evonik Catalysts
- Grace Davison Catalysts.
Codes often confused with 3815.19
Common mistake. The most common error is misclassifying these under 3815.12 if there is any trace of precious metal; however, 3815.12 is only for catalysts where a precious metal is the primary active constituent. Another error is using 2843 for precious metal compounds, but if the substance is a prepared catalyst, Chapter 38 takes precedence. Additionally, unsupported catalysts (those consisting of a single chemical element or compound) may be classified in Chapter 28 or 29 depending on their purity and composition, rather than 3815.
Top exporters and importers of HS 381519 (the code used for chemical catalysts), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381519 (the code used for chemical catalysts) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% 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 381519, not only chemical catalysts.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.3B 25% of world exports
- 2 China $725M 14% of world exports
- 3 Germany $688M 13% of world exports
World total: $5.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $625M 12% of world imports
- 2 China $603M 11% of world imports
- 3 United States $448M 8.5% of world imports
World total: $5.3B 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 chemical catalysts
Brazil classifies chemical catalysts under NCM 3815.19.00: HS 3815.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chemical catalysts
What is the HS code for Chemical catalysts?
The HS code for Chemical catalysts is 381519 (Catalysts, 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 included). The HS code for supported catalysts with an active substance other than nickel or precious metals is 3815.19.
How do I classify Chemical catalysts for customs?
Chemical catalysts is classified under HS code 381519 — Catalysts, 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 included. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the catalyst is just a pure metal mesh?
If it is an unsupported metal mesh (like a platinum gauze), it is usually classified by its constituent material in Chapter 71 or the respective base metal chapter, rather than as a catalytic preparation in 3815.
Which countries are the top exporters of chemical catalysts (HS 381519)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381519 (the code used for chemical catalysts) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.3B, 25% of world exports), China ($725M) and Germany ($688M). World exports came to about $5.3B, 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 chemical catalysts (HS 381519)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 381519 (the code used for chemical catalysts) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($625M, 12% of world imports), China ($603M) and the United States ($448M). World imports came to about $5.3B, 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 Chemical catalysts the same in all countries?
The base HS code 381519 for Chemical catalysts 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 chemical catalysts in Brazil?
In Brazil, chemical catalysts (HS 381519) is classified under NCM 3815.19.00.