Product classification
HS code for Cobalt hydroxide: 2822.00
Cobalt oxides and hydroxides, commercial cobalt oxides.
Classification of cobalt hydroxide under HS 2822.00
Cobalt hydroxide is classified under HS code 2822.00. This heading is part of Chapter 28, which encompasses inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. Heading 2822 is a specific category for cobalt oxides and hydroxides, as well as commercial cobalt oxides. Cobalt hydroxides, such as cobaltous hydroxide (Co(OH)2) and cobaltic hydroxide (Co(OH)3), are chemical compounds used extensively in the production of rechargeable batteries, catalysts, and pigments. The classification under 2822.00 is straightforward as it covers these chemical compounds in their pure or commercially pure forms. It is important to distinguish these refined chemical products from cobalt ores or intermediate metallurgical products, which are classified elsewhere based on their degree of processing and purity.
- Covers
- Cobaltous hydroxide (Cobalt(II) hydroxide)
- Cobaltic hydroxide (Cobalt(III) hydroxide)
- Cobalt monoxide
- Cobaltic oxide
- Commercial grade cobalt oxides
- Also under 2822.00
- Umicore cobalt oxides
- BASF cobalt catalysts
- Eramet cobalt compounds
Codes often confused with 2822.00
Common mistake. Cobalt hydroxide is sometimes misclassified under 2605.00, which is reserved for cobalt ores and concentrates. It can also be confused with 3206.49 if it has been prepared specifically for use as a pigment. Furthermore, it should not be confused with 8105.20, which covers the unwrought cobalt metal.
Top exporters and importers of HS 282200 (the code used for cobalt hydroxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282200 (the code used for cobalt hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 21% of world imports. The DR Congo did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 35% of its exports here ($79M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher. Zambia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($67M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 282200, not only cobalt hydroxide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Belgium $105M 31% of world exports
- 2 China $96M 28% of world exports
- 3 DR Congo* ~$52M 15% of world exports · partner records ↗
The DR Congo did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 35% of its exports here ($79M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $341M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $97M 21% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $58M 13% of world imports
- 3 Namibia $50M 11% of world imports
Zambia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($67M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $466M 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. 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 cobalt hydroxide
Brazil splits HS 2822.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2822.00.10Tricobalt tetraoxide
- 2822.00.90Other cobalt oxides and hydroxides
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cobalt hydroxide
What is the HS code for Cobalt hydroxide?
The HS code for Cobalt hydroxide is 282200 (Cobalt oxides and hydroxides; commercial cobalt oxides). The HS code for cobalt oxides and hydroxides, including cobalt hydroxide, is 2822.00.
How do I classify Cobalt hydroxide for customs?
Cobalt hydroxide is classified under HS code 282200 — Cobalt oxides and hydroxides; commercial cobalt oxides. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is cobalt hydroxide considered a hazardous material for shipping?
While the HS code 2822.00 identifies the product for customs, cobalt compounds are often regulated as hazardous materials (Class 9 or Class 6.1) depending on their concentration and form.
Which countries are the top exporters of cobalt hydroxide (HS 282200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282200 (the code used for cobalt hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($105M, 31% of world exports), China ($96M) and the DR Congo (about $52M). World exports came to about $341M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The DR Congo did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 35% of its exports here ($79M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of cobalt hydroxide (HS 282200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 282200 (the code used for cobalt hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($97M, 21% of world imports), South Korea ($58M) and Namibia ($50M). World imports came to about $466M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Zambia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($67M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Cobalt hydroxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 282200 for Cobalt 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 cobalt hydroxide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 282200 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for cobalt hydroxide depends on the product's details: 2822.00.10 (Tricobalt tetraoxide), 2822.00.90 (Other cobalt oxides and hydroxides).