Product classification
HS code for Depleted uranium: 2844.30
Uranium, depleted in U235, thorium, their compounds, alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing uranium depleted in U235, thorium, compounds of these products.
Classification of depleted uranium under HS 2844.30
Depleted uranium is classified under HS code 2844.30 because it falls within the scope of Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals and radioactive elements. Specifically, heading 2844 applies to radioactive chemical elements and radioactive isotopes. Subheading 2844.30 is designated for uranium depleted in U235 and its compounds, as well as thorium and its compounds. The classification is determined by the isotopic composition of the material; depleted uranium is a byproduct of the enrichment process where the concentration of the fissile isotope U235 has been reduced below the natural level of approximately 0.71%. According to the General Rules for Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, the classification is dictated by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Note 6 to Chapter 28 confirms that heading 2844 applies only to the radioactive elements and isotopes mentioned in the text. The material remains under this code whether it is in the form of unwrought metal, waste and scrap, or chemical compounds like oxides and fluorides, provided the radioactive character remains the defining feature of the product.
- Covers
- Depleted uranium metal in unwrought forms
- Depleted uranium waste and scrap
- Thorium compounds and alloys
- Cermets containing depleted uranium
- Ceramic products containing thorium
- Mixtures of depleted uranium and thorium
- Also under 2844.30
- Orano (depleted uranium)
- Rosatom (depleted uranium)
- Cameco (thorium products)
- Materion (beryllium-thorium alloys)
- General Atomics (thorium fuel cycle research)
Codes often confused with 2844.30
Common mistake. Depleted uranium is frequently confused with natural uranium, which is classified under HS code 2844.10. The distinction lies entirely in the U235 content. It is also sometimes misclassified under 2612.10 (Uranium ores and concentrates), but once the material has been chemically processed or enriched/depleted, it must move to Chapter 28. Another common error involves classifying depleted uranium shielding or weights under the metal's base material code (such as 8113 for cermets), but the radioactive nature of the uranium component usually mandates classification in 2844.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284430 (the code used for depleted uranium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284430 (the code used for depleted uranium) in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 44% 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 284430, not only depleted uranium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Africa $38M 54% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $11M 15% of world exports
- 3 Australia $10M 15% of world exports
World total: $70M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $11M 44% of world imports
- 2 Canada $4.7M 18% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $1.4M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $26M 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 depleted uranium
Brazil classifies depleted uranium under NCM 2844.30.00: HS 2844.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about depleted uranium
What is the HS code for Depleted uranium?
The HS code for Depleted uranium is 284430 (Uranium; depleted in U235, thorium, their compounds, alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing uranium depleted in U235, thorium; compounds of these products). The international HS code for depleted uranium, its compounds, and thorium is 2844.30.
How do I classify Depleted uranium for customs?
Depleted uranium is classified under HS code 284430 — Uranium; depleted in U235, thorium, their compounds, alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing uranium depleted in U235, thorium; compounds of these products. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include thorium alloys?
Yes, HS code 2844.30 specifically includes thorium and its alloys, dispersions, and cermets.
Which countries are the top exporters of depleted uranium (HS 284430)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284430 (the code used for depleted uranium) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($38M, 54% of world exports), Sweden ($11M) and Australia ($10M). World exports came to about $70M, 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 depleted uranium (HS 284430)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284430 (the code used for depleted uranium) in UN Comtrade data were France ($11M, 44% of world imports), Canada ($4.7M) and the Netherlands ($1.4M). World imports came to about $26M, 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 Depleted uranium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284430 for Depleted uranium 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 depleted uranium in Brazil?
In Brazil, depleted uranium (HS 284430) is classified under NCM 2844.30.00.