Product classification
HS code for Curium: 2844.42
Radioactive elements, actinium-225, 227, californium-253, curium-240, 241, 242, 243, 244, einsteinium-253, 254, gadolinium-148, polonium-208, 209, 210, radium-223, uranium-230 or 232, compounds, alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures.
Classification of curium under HS 2844.42
Curium is classified under HS code 2844.42. This code is part of Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. Specifically, heading 2844 is reserved for radioactive chemical elements and radioactive isotopes. Curium is a transuranic radioactive element, and the subheading 2844.42 specifically lists isotopes such as Curium-240, 241, 242, 243, and 244, along with their compounds, alloys, and dispersions. The classification is driven by the radioactive nature of the material rather than its chemical form (e.g., whether it is a pure metal or a ceramic mixture). Because curium is produced synthetically in nuclear reactors and is highly regulated, its classification is strictly monitored to ensure compliance with international safety and security standards for nuclear materials.
- Covers
- Curium-244 oxide sources
- Radioactive curium-242 compounds
- Alloys containing curium isotopes
- Ceramic products containing curium dispersions
- Curium-243 radioactive mixtures
- Also under 2844.42
- Bayer Xofigo (Radium-223)
- Actinium Pharmaceuticals (Actinium-225)
- specialized neutron source manufacturers.
Codes often confused with 2844.42
Common mistake. Curium is often confused with other radioactive elements in the same heading. For instance, it might be misclassified under 2844.10 (Natural uranium) or 2844.20 (Enriched uranium or plutonium) if the specific isotope is not identified. It may also be confused with 2844.41, which covers Actinium-225 and Tritium. Another error is attempting to classify curium compounds under general inorganic chemical codes in Chapter 28 (like 2825 for metal oxides); however, Note 1 to Chapter 28 dictates that radioactive elements and isotopes always take precedence and must be classified in heading 2844.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284442 (the code used for curium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284442 (the code used for curium) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% 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 284442, not only curium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $43M 38% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $26M 24% of world exports
- 3 Norway $19M 17% of world exports
World total: $112M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $25M 16% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $20M 13% of world imports
- 3 Spain $16M 11% of world imports
World total: $156M 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 code for curium
Brazil classifies curium under NCM 2844.42.00: HS 2844.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about curium
What is the HS code for Curium?
The HS code for Curium is 284442 (Radioactive elements; actinium-225, 227, californium-253, curium-240, 241, 242, 243, 244, einsteinium-253, 254, gadolinium-148, polonium-208, 209, 210, radium-223, uranium-230 or 232, compounds; alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures). The HS code for Curium and its specific isotopes (240 through 244) is 2844.42.
How do I classify Curium for customs?
Curium is classified under HS code 284442 — Radioactive elements; actinium-225, 227, californium-253, curium-240, 241, 242, 243, 244, einsteinium-253, 254, gadolinium-148, polonium-208, 209, 210, radium-223, uranium-230 or 232, compounds; alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are all curium isotopes under this code?
No, only the isotopes specifically listed in the 2844.42 subheading are included. Other isotopes or radioactive residues may fall under 2844.43 or 2844.44 depending on their activity and specific nomenclature.
Which countries are the top exporters of curium (HS 284442)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284442 (the code used for curium) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($43M, 38% of world exports), the Netherlands ($26M) and Norway ($19M). World exports came to about $112M, 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 curium (HS 284442)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284442 (the code used for curium) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($25M, 16% of world imports), Malaysia ($20M) and Spain ($16M). World imports came to about $156M, 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 Curium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284442 for Curium 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 curium in Brazil?
In Brazil, curium (HS 284442) is classified under NCM 2844.42.00.