Product classification
HS code for Chromium oxide: 2819.90
Chromium oxides and hydroxides, excluding chromium trioxide.
Classification of chromium oxide under HS 2819.90
Chromium oxide is classified under HS code 2819.90, which falls within Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System, covering inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. This specific classification is determined by the chemical composition of the product as a separate chemically defined compound. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 2819 specifically covers chromium oxides and hydroxides. While chromium trioxide is carved out into its own subheading (2819.10), all other forms of chromium oxide, most notably chromium sesquioxide (Cr2O3), are relegated to the residual subheading 2819.90. This substance is typically a green, water-insoluble solid used in various industrial applications, including the production of chromium metal and as a refractory material. To qualify for this code, the product must not be mixed with other substances for use as a pigment, as that would shift the classification to Chapter 32.
- Covers
- Chromium sesquioxide (Cr2O3)
- Anhydrous chromium oxide
- Chromium oxide green (chemically pure)
- Chromic oxide
- Dichromium 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. A frequent point of confusion occurs between HS code 2819.90 and HS code 3206.20. While 2819.90 is reserved for chemically pure chromium oxide, 3206.20 is used for pigments and preparations based on chromium compounds. If the chromium oxide has been mixed with extenders, binders, or other chemicals to facilitate its use as a coloring agent, it must be classified under 3206.20. Additionally, chromium trioxide (chromic acid) is often confused with other oxides but must be strictly classified under 2819.10 due to its specific chemical structure and distinct subheading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281990 (the code used for chromium oxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281990 (the code used for chromium oxide) 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 oxide.
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 oxide
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 oxide
What is the HS code for Chromium oxide?
The HS code for Chromium oxide is 281990 (Chromium oxides and hydroxides; excluding chromium trioxide). The HS code for chemically pure chromium oxide (excluding chromium trioxide) is 2819.90.
How do I classify Chromium oxide for customs?
Chromium oxide is classified under HS code 281990 — Chromium oxides and hydroxides; excluding chromium trioxide. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 2819.90 differ from 2819.10?
HS code 2819.10 is specifically for chromium trioxide (CrO3), whereas 2819.90 covers all other chromium oxides, such as chromium sesquioxide (Cr2O3).
Which countries are the top exporters of chromium oxide (HS 281990)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281990 (the code used for chromium oxide) 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 oxide (HS 281990)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281990 (the code used for chromium oxide) 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 oxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281990 for Chromium oxide 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 oxide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 281990 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for chromium oxide depends on the product's details: 2819.90.10 (Other chromium oxides), 2819.90.20 (Chromium hydroxides).