Product classification
HS code for Copper hydroxide: 2825.50
Copper oxides and hydroxides.
Classification of copper hydroxide under HS 2825.50
Copper hydroxide is classified under HS code 2825.50. Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System covers inorganic chemicals, precious metals, and rare-earth metals. Heading 2825 is designated for hydrazine and hydroxylamine and their inorganic salts, as well as other inorganic bases and metal oxides, hydroxides, and peroxides. Subheading 2825.50 specifically identifies copper oxides and hydroxides. This classification is based on the chemical identity of the substance. Copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)2) is an inorganic base and a metal hydroxide. It is distinct from copper salts of inorganic acids (which would fall under 2833 for sulfates or 2834 for nitrates) because it is a basic oxide/hydroxide. The classification remains consistent regardless of the grade (technical or pharmaceutical), provided the substance is a separate chemically defined compound and not mixed with other ingredients for a specific functional use like a retail-ready pesticide.
- Covers
- Cupric hydroxide (pure or technical grade)
- Cuprous oxide (red copper oxide)
- Cupric oxide (black copper oxide)
- Copper hydroxide used as a chemical intermediate
- Copper hydroxide powder for industrial applications
- Also under 2825.50
- Bayer (fungicides)
- BASF (catalysts)
- Sigma-Aldrich (reagents)
- Lonza (wood preservatives)
Codes often confused with 2825.50
Common mistake. A common misclassification for copper hydroxide is HS code 3808.92, which covers fungicides. While copper hydroxide is frequently used as an active ingredient in fungicides, it only moves to Chapter 38 if it is prepared as a finished product (e.g., mixed with surfactants, carriers, or put up in retail packaging). If it is the pure chemical compound, it must stay in 2825.50. Another error is confusing it with copper sulfate (2833.25), which is a salt rather than a hydroxide.
Top exporters and importers of HS 282550 (the code used for copper hydroxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282550 (the code used for copper hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 16% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 282550, not only copper hydroxide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $182M 37% of world exports
- 2 Germany $60M 12% of world exports
- 3 Australia $48M 9.7% of world exports
World total: $499M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $101M 16% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $57M 9.2% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $36M 5.9% of world imports
The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $618M 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 copper hydroxide
Brazil splits HS 2825.50 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2825.50.10Cupric oxide, 98% CuO or more
- 2825.50.90Other copper oxides and hydroxides
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about copper hydroxide
What is the HS code for Copper hydroxide?
The HS code for Copper hydroxide is 282550 (Copper oxides and hydroxides). The HS code for copper hydroxide and copper oxides is 2825.50.
How do I classify Copper hydroxide for customs?
Copper hydroxide is classified under HS code 282550 — Copper oxides and hydroxides. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the purity level change the HS code?
Generally, no. As long as it is a separate chemically defined compound, it remains in 2825.50. However, if it is mixed with other substances for use as a pesticide, it moves to 3808.
Which countries are the top exporters of copper hydroxide (HS 282550)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282550 (the code used for copper hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($182M, 37% of world exports), Germany ($60M) and Australia ($48M). World exports came to about $499M, 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 copper hydroxide (HS 282550)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 282550 (the code used for copper hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data were China ($101M, 16% of world imports), South Korea ($57M) and Malaysia ($36M). World imports came to about $618M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Copper hydroxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 282550 for Copper 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 copper hydroxide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 282550 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for copper hydroxide depends on the product's details: 2825.50.10 (Cupric oxide, 98% CuO or more), 2825.50.90 (Other copper oxides and hydroxides).