Product classification
HS code for Cobalt oxide: 2822.00
Cobalt oxides and hydroxides, commercial cobalt oxides.
Classification of cobalt oxide under HS 2822.00
Cobalt oxides and hydroxides are classified under HS code 2822.00. This heading falls within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals and organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, of radioactive elements or of isotopes. Specifically, 2822.00 is reserved for separate chemically defined compounds of cobalt. According to the Chapter Notes, this heading includes cobaltous oxide (CoO), which is a grey, brown, or greenish powder, and cobaltic oxide (Co2O3), which is a black powder. It also covers commercial cobalt oxides, which are often mixtures of these oxides. These substances are typically produced by the roasting of cobalt ores or the thermal decomposition of cobalt salts like cobalt nitrate or carbonate. The classification is determined by the chemical nature of the product as an oxide or hydroxide of the base metal cobalt. It is a separate chemically defined compound, which distinguishes it from raw ores or metallic alloys.
- Covers
- Cobaltous oxide (cobalt monoxide)
- Cobaltic oxide (cobalt trioxide)
- Cobaltosic oxide (tri-cobalt tetroxide)
- Commercial cobalt oxides
- Cobalt hydroxides
- Also under 2822.00
- Umicore cobalt oxides
- BASF cobalt catalysts
- Eramet cobalt compounds
Codes often confused with 2822.00
Common mistake. Cobalt oxide is often confused with cobalt ore (HS code 2605.00). The distinction is that ore is a naturally occurring mineral, while the oxide is a chemically processed compound. Another common misclassification is with prepared pigments, opacifiers, and colors used in the ceramic or glass industries, which are classified under HS code 3207.10. If the cobalt oxide is mixed with other substances to form a prepared pigment, it must be moved to Chapter 32. Additionally, cobalt salts like cobalt sulfate (2833.29) are sometimes confused with oxides, but they belong to different headings within Chapter 28. Distinguishing between these requires verification of the chemical formula and intended industrial application.
Top exporters and importers of HS 282200 (the code used for cobalt oxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282200 (the code used for cobalt oxide) 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 oxide.
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 oxide
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 oxide
What is the HS code for Cobalt oxide?
The HS code for Cobalt oxide is 282200 (Cobalt oxides and hydroxides; commercial cobalt oxides). The HS code for cobalt oxides and hydroxides is 2822.00.
How do I classify Cobalt oxide for customs?
Cobalt oxide is classified under HS code 282200 — Cobalt oxides and hydroxides; commercial cobalt oxides. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is commercial cobalt oxide included in this code?
Yes, HS code 2822.00 specifically includes commercial cobalt oxides, which are often mixtures of various cobalt oxides and hydroxides.
Which countries are the top exporters of cobalt oxide (HS 282200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282200 (the code used for cobalt oxide) 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 oxide (HS 282200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 282200 (the code used for cobalt oxide) 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 oxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 282200 for Cobalt 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 cobalt oxide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 282200 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for cobalt oxide depends on the product's details: 2822.00.10 (Tricobalt tetraoxide), 2822.00.90 (Other cobalt oxides and hydroxides).