Product classification
HS code for Enriched uranium compounds: 2844.20
Uranium, enriched in U235, plutonium, their compounds, alloys dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing uranium enriched in U235, plutonium or compounds of these products.
Classification of enriched uranium compounds under HS 2844.20
HS code 2844.20 is reserved for radioactive chemical elements and radioactive isotopes that have been processed to increase the concentration of specific fissile isotopes, primarily Uranium-235 or Plutonium. Classification here is strictly governed by the isotopic composition. This code encompasses uranium enriched in U235, plutonium, and their various chemical compounds, including oxides, fluorides, and nitrates. It also includes alloys, dispersions, and cermets containing these radioactive materials. The classification is based on the chemical and physical state of the material as it enters international trade. Because these materials are highly regulated under international non-proliferation treaties, the HS code serves as a primary identifier for regulatory oversight. The material must be in a form that is identifiable as a chemical compound or a specific metallurgical mixture rather than a finished fuel assembly, which might fall under different machinery codes depending on the level of fabrication. Under the Harmonized System, Chapter 28 covers inorganic chemicals, but radioactive elements are specifically carved out into heading 2844. The distinction between enriched, natural, and depleted uranium is fundamental to the structure of this heading. Enriched uranium is defined as uranium in which the content of the isotope 235 is greater than that of natural uranium (0.711%). This technical threshold is the primary determinant for classification under 2844.20. Importers must provide detailed isotopic analysis reports to confirm the enrichment levels, as this affects both the duty rate and the required export/import licenses from nuclear regulatory bodies.
- Covers
- Uranium hexafluoride (UF6) enriched in U235
- Enriched uranium dioxide (UO2) powder
- Plutonium dioxide and other plutonium compounds
- Alloys containing enriched uranium or plutonium
- Cermets containing enriched fissile materials
- Mixtures of enriched uranium and thorium
- Also under 2844.20
- Urenco (enriched uranium)
- Rosatom (enriched uranium, plutonium)
- Orano (enriched uranium, MOX fuel)
- Westinghouse (nuclear fuel fabrication)
- General Electric (nuclear fuel fabrication)
Codes often confused with 2844.20
Common mistake. Enriched uranium is often confused with natural uranium, which is classified under HS code 2844.10. The difference lies entirely in the U235 percentage. Another common misclassification occurs with depleted uranium, which falls under HS code 2844.30. Furthermore, finished nuclear fuel elements (cartridges) ready for insertion into a reactor are classified under HS code 8401.30, even though they contain enriched uranium, because they are considered parts of nuclear reactors rather than simple chemical compounds.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284420 (the code used for enriched uranium compounds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284420 (the code used for enriched uranium compounds) in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 40% 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 284420, not only enriched uranium compounds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Russia* ~$3.2B 33% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 France $3.0B 31% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $1.7B 17% of world exports
World total: $9.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $4.4B 40% of world imports
- 2 China $1.3B 12% of world imports
- 3 Sweden $1.2B 11% of world imports
World total: $10.8B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 enriched uranium compounds
Brazil classifies enriched uranium compounds under NCM 2844.20.00: HS 2844.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about enriched uranium compounds
What is the HS code for Enriched uranium compounds?
The HS code for Enriched uranium compounds is 284420 (Uranium; enriched in U235, plutonium, their compounds, alloys dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing uranium enriched in U235, plutonium or compounds of these products). The HS code for uranium enriched in U235, plutonium, and their compounds is 2844.20.
How do I classify Enriched uranium compounds for customs?
Enriched uranium compounds is classified under HS code 284420 — Uranium; enriched in U235, plutonium, their compounds, alloys dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing uranium enriched in U235, plutonium or compounds of these products. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are radioactive isotopes for medical use classified here?
No, radioactive isotopes for medical or industrial use that do not contain fissile material like enriched uranium or plutonium are generally classified under HS code 2844.40.
Which countries are the top exporters of enriched uranium compounds (HS 284420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284420 (the code used for enriched uranium compounds) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $3.2B, 33% of world exports), France ($3.0B) and the Netherlands ($1.7B). World exports came to about $9.8B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of enriched uranium compounds (HS 284420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284420 (the code used for enriched uranium compounds) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.4B, 40% of world imports), China ($1.3B) and Sweden ($1.2B). World imports came to about $10.8B, 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 Enriched uranium compounds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284420 for Enriched uranium compounds 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 enriched uranium compounds in Brazil?
In Brazil, enriched uranium compounds (HS 284420) is classified under NCM 2844.20.00.