Product classification
HS code for Colloidal silver: 2843.10
Colloidal precious metals, whether or not chemically defined.
Classification of colloidal silver under HS 2843.10
Colloidal silver is classified under HS code 2843.10. This classification is based on the product's identity as a precious metal in a colloidal state. Chapter 28 covers inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. Heading 2843 specifically includes colloidal precious metals, whether or not they are chemically defined. Colloidal silver consists of elemental silver particles suspended in a liquid medium, typically demineralized water. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, heading 2843 covers silver in this specific physical state provided it is not put up for retail sale as a medicament. The classification is driven by the fact that the silver remains in its elemental form rather than forming a chemical compound like silver nitrate, which would fall under a different subheading within the same chapter.
- Covers
- Silver hydrosol
- Silver nanoparticles in aqueous suspension
- Colloidal silver proteins (if meeting colloidal definitions)
- Silver sol
- Also under 2843.10
- Sigma-Aldrich (various nanoparticles)
- Nanopartz (gold nanoparticles)
- BBI Solutions (gold nanoparticles)
- Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo (precious metal chemicals)
- Johnson Matthey (catalyst precursors)
Codes often confused with 2843.10
Common mistake. Colloidal silver is often misclassified under HS code 3004.90, which covers medicaments for retail sale. This happens because many colloidal silver products are marketed for health benefits. However, unless the product has clear therapeutic or prophylactic uses and is packaged accordingly, it remains in 2843.10. It is also sometimes confused with HS code 3824.99, a residual heading for chemical products and preparations. Since 2843.10 specifically names colloidal precious metals, it takes precedence over the more general heading 3824 according to GRI 3(a).
Top exporters and importers of HS 284310 (the code used for colloidal silver), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284310 (the code used for colloidal silver) in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 66% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 66% 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 284310, not only colloidal silver.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Türkiye $202M 66% of world exports
- 2 Romania $29M 9.4% of world exports
- 3 Italy $21M 6.7% of world exports
World total: $307M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$202M 66% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Indonesia $45M 15% of world imports
- 3 India $9.8M 3.2% of world imports
World total: $306M 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 code for colloidal silver
Brazil classifies colloidal silver under NCM 2843.10.00: HS 2843.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about colloidal silver
What is the HS code for Colloidal silver?
The HS code for Colloidal silver is 284310 (Colloidal precious metals; whether or not chemically defined). The HS code for Colloidal silver is 2843.10, which covers colloidal precious metals.
How do I classify Colloidal silver for customs?
Colloidal silver is classified under HS code 284310 — Colloidal precious metals; whether or not chemically defined. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the concentration of silver affect the HS code?
Generally, the concentration does not change the four-digit heading 2843, but if the silver is combined with other active ingredients for medical use, it may shift to Chapter 30.
Which countries are the top exporters of colloidal silver (HS 284310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284310 (the code used for colloidal silver) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($202M, 66% of world exports), Romania ($29M) and Italy ($21M). World exports came to about $307M, 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 colloidal silver (HS 284310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284310 (the code used for colloidal silver) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $202M, 66% of world imports), Indonesia ($45M) and India ($9.8M). World imports came to about $306M, 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 Colloidal silver the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284310 for Colloidal silver 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 colloidal silver in Brazil?
In Brazil, colloidal silver (HS 284310) is classified under NCM 2843.10.00.