Product classification
HS code for Dental amalgam: 2843.90
Inorganic or organic compounds of precious metals, n.e.c., amalgams.
Classification of dental amalgam under HS 2843.90
Dental amalgam is classified under HS code 2843.90, which pertains to inorganic or organic compounds of precious metals and amalgams of precious metals. Dental amalgam is a restorative material used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay. It is a mixture of metals, consisting of liquid mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper. Because the primary components include precious metals (silver) and the resulting mixture is chemically defined as an amalgam, it falls under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. This chapter covers chemicals and precious metal compounds. Even though the product is used exclusively in dentistry, the General Rules for Interpretation (GRI) dictate that a product specifically described by its chemical composition in Chapter 28 takes precedence over more general medical headings when the product is not yet a finished medical device.
- Covers
- Silver-tin dental alloy powder
- Pre-capsulated dental amalgam (mercury and alloy)
- Non-gamma-2 dental amalgams
- High-copper dental amalgams
- Amalgams of silver and mercury for dental restoration
- Also under 2843.90
- Johnson Matthey (platinum group metal compounds)
- Heraeus (PGM chemicals)
- Umicore (PGM chemicals)
- BASF (catalyst precursors)
- Dentsply Sirona (dental amalgams)
Codes often confused with 2843.90
Common mistake. Dental amalgam is frequently misclassified under HS code 3006.40, which covers dental cements and other dental fillings. While 3006.40 is the correct code for composite resins and cements, metallic amalgams are specifically excluded from that heading and directed toward 2843.90 due to their precious metal content. Another error is using 7106.92 for silver alloys; however, once mercury is added to create an amalgam, 2843.90 becomes the specific code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284390 (the code used for dental amalgam), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284390 (the code used for dental amalgam) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 27% 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 284390, not only dental amalgam.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $2.7B 38% of world exports
- 2 Japan $1.6B 23% of world exports
- 3 United States $707M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $7.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $1.3B 27% of world imports
- 2 Germany $461M 9.5% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $408M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $4.8B 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 dental amalgam
Brazil splits HS 2843.90 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2843.90.11Lobaplatin and other listed platins, medicaments
- 2843.90.19Lobaplatin and other listed platins, other forms
- 2843.90.20Ruthenium trichloride solution, 17–27%
- 2843.90.30Hexachloroiridic acid solution, 17–27%
- 2843.90.40Ruthenium trichloride powder
- 2843.90.90Other precious metal compounds; amalgams
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about dental amalgam
What is the HS code for Dental amalgam?
The HS code for Dental amalgam is 284390 (Inorganic or organic compounds of precious metals, n.e.c.; amalgams). The correct HS code for dental amalgam, due to its silver and mercury composition, is 2843.90.
How do I classify Dental amalgam for customs?
Dental amalgam is classified under HS code 284390 — Inorganic or organic compounds of precious metals, n.e.c.; amalgams. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are composite white fillings classified under the same code?
No, composite (tooth-colored) fillings are classified under HS code 3006.40, as they are considered dental cements rather than metallic amalgams.
Which countries are the top exporters of dental amalgam (HS 284390)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284390 (the code used for dental amalgam) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.7B, 38% of world exports), Japan ($1.6B) and the United States ($707M). World exports came to about $7.2B, 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 dental amalgam (HS 284390)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284390 (the code used for dental amalgam) in UN Comtrade data were India ($1.3B, 27% of world imports), Germany ($461M) and Mexico ($408M). World imports came to about $4.8B, 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 Dental amalgam the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284390 for Dental amalgam 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 dental amalgam in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 284390 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for dental amalgam depends on the product's details: 2843.90.11 (Lobaplatin and other listed platins, medicaments), 2843.90.19 (Lobaplatin and other listed platins, other forms), 2843.90.20 (Ruthenium trichloride solution, 17–27%), 2843.90.30 (Hexachloroiridic acid solution, 17–27%), 2843.90.40 (Ruthenium trichloride powder), 2843.90.90 (Other precious metal compounds; amalgams).