Product classification
HS code for Chromium hydroxide: 2819.90
Chromium oxides and hydroxides, excluding chromium trioxide.
Classification of chromium hydroxide under HS 2819.90
Chromium hydroxide is classified under HS code 2819.90 because it is an inorganic chemical compound consisting of chromium and hydroxyl groups. Within the Harmonized System, Chapter 28 is dedicated to inorganic chemicals, including precious metal compounds and radioactive elements. Specifically, heading 2819 covers chromium oxides and hydroxides. While chromium trioxide is specifically isolated under subheading 2819.10 due to its high industrial volume and specific chemical properties, all other chromium oxides and hydroxides, including chromium (III) hydroxide, fall under the residual subheading 2819.90. This classification is determined by the chemical composition of the substance rather than its intended industrial application, such as in tanning or pigment production. The substance must be a separate chemically defined element or compound to remain within Chapter 28; if it were mixed with other materials to form a prepared pigment, it would shift to Chapter 32.
- Covers
- Chromium (III) hydroxide
- Chromic hydroxide
- Hydrated chromic oxide
- Guignet's green (in its unmixed, pure chemical form)
- Chromic acid (in certain hydrated forms not classified as trioxide)
- Also under 2819.90
- Lanxess Chromium Oxide Green
- Shepherd Color Company Green 10C612
- BASF Chromium Oxide
Codes often confused with 2819.90
Common mistake. Chromium hydroxide is frequently misclassified under HS code 2819.10, which is strictly reserved for chromium trioxide (chromic anhydride). Another common error involves HS code 3206.20, which covers pigments and preparations based on chromium compounds. If the chromium hydroxide has been further processed or mixed with extenders and binders to function as a finished paint or dye, it must be moved to Chapter 32. Additionally, chromium ores are classified under 2610.00 and should not be confused with the refined chemical hydroxide.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281990 (the code used for chromium hydroxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281990 (the code used for chromium hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data was Kazakhstan, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Estonia, with 37% 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 281990, not only chromium hydroxide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Kazakhstan $105M 40% of world exports
- 2 China $57M 22% of world exports
- 3 Germany $42M 16% of world exports
World total: $261M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Estonia $103M 37% of world imports
- 2 China $27M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 Spain $25M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $278M 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 chromium hydroxide
Brazil splits HS 2819.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2819.90.10Other chromium oxides
- 2819.90.20Chromium hydroxides
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chromium hydroxide
What is the HS code for Chromium hydroxide?
The HS code for Chromium hydroxide is 281990 (Chromium oxides and hydroxides; excluding chromium trioxide). The HS code for chromium hydroxide is 2819.90, which covers chromium oxides and hydroxides other than chromium trioxide.
How do I classify Chromium hydroxide for customs?
Chromium hydroxide is classified under HS code 281990 — Chromium oxides and hydroxides; excluding chromium trioxide. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is chromium hydroxide classified differently if used for leather tanning?
No, the pure chemical compound remains under 2819.90. However, if it is sold as a prepared tanning substance mixed with other chemicals, it may fall under heading 3202.
Which countries are the top exporters of chromium hydroxide (HS 281990)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281990 (the code used for chromium hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data were Kazakhstan ($105M, 40% of world exports), China ($57M) and Germany ($42M). World exports came to about $261M, 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 chromium hydroxide (HS 281990)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281990 (the code used for chromium hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data were Estonia ($103M, 37% of world imports), China ($27M) and Spain ($25M). World imports came to about $278M, 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 Chromium hydroxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281990 for Chromium hydroxide 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 chromium hydroxide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 281990 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for chromium hydroxide depends on the product's details: 2819.90.10 (Other chromium oxides), 2819.90.20 (Chromium hydroxides).