Product classification
HS code for Copper oxide: 2825.50
Copper oxides and hydroxides.
Classification of copper oxide under HS 2825.50
Copper oxide is classified under HS code 282550. This classification is found in Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, precious metals, and rare-earth metals. Specifically, heading 2825 is designated for hydrazine and hydroxylamine and their inorganic salts, as well as other inorganic bases and other metal oxides, hydroxides, and peroxides. Subheading 282550 is specifically reserved for copper oxides and hydroxides. To fall under this code, the product must be a separate chemically defined compound, as per Note 1 to Chapter 28. This means that the copper oxide must be produced through a chemical process and have a specific molecular structure, such as Cu2O (cuprous oxide) or CuO (cupric oxide). These compounds are widely used in various industries, including the manufacture of pigments, wood preservatives, and electronic components. The classification remains 282550 regardless of the purity level, provided it is not mixed with other substances to form a preparation. If the copper oxide is mixed with binders or other chemicals to create a finished paint or pigment, it may move to Chapter 32. However, in its pure chemical form, 282550 is the correct and internationally recognized code for both cuprous and cupric oxides.
- Covers
- Cupric oxide (Black copper oxide)
- Cuprous oxide (Red copper oxide)
- Copper hydroxide
- Technical grade copper oxide
- High-purity copper oxide for electronics
- Also under 2825.50
- Bayer (fungicides)
- BASF (catalysts)
- Sigma-Aldrich (reagents)
- Lonza (wood preservatives)
Codes often confused with 2825.50
Common mistake. Copper oxide is sometimes misclassified under HS code 283325, which is for copper sulfates. It is also frequently confused with HS code 3206, which covers prepared pigments and coloring matter. If the oxide is naturally occurring and not chemically processed, it might be incorrectly placed in 260300.
Top exporters and importers of HS 282550 (the code used for copper oxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282550 (the code used for copper oxide) 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 oxide.
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 oxide
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 oxide
What is the HS code for Copper oxide?
The HS code for Copper oxide is 282550 (Copper oxides and hydroxides). The HS code for copper oxides and hydroxides is 282550.
How do I classify Copper oxide for customs?
Copper oxide is classified under HS code 282550 — Copper oxides and hydroxides. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is copper hydroxide included in this code?
Yes, HS code 282550 specifically includes both copper oxides and copper hydroxides within the same subheading.
Which countries are the top exporters of copper oxide (HS 282550)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282550 (the code used for copper oxide) 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 oxide (HS 282550)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 282550 (the code used for copper oxide) 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 oxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 282550 for Copper 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 copper oxide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 282550 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for copper oxide depends on the product's details: 2825.50.10 (Cupric oxide, 98% CuO or more), 2825.50.90 (Other copper oxides and hydroxides).