Product classification

HS code for Ethylene oxide mixtures: 3824.81

Chemical products, mixtures and preparations, containing goods specified in Subheading Note 3 to this Chapter, containing oxirane (ethylene oxide).

Classification of ethylene oxide mixtures under HS 3824.81

Ethylene oxide mixtures are classified under HS code 3824.81. This classification is governed by Chapter 38, which covers miscellaneous chemical products, and specifically Heading 3824, which includes chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries not elsewhere specified. Subheading 3824.81 is specifically designated for mixtures containing oxirane (ethylene oxide). This classification is reinforced by Subheading Note 3 to Chapter 38, which identifies specific hazardous or regulated substances that must be classified within the 3824.81 to 3824.88 range. Because pure ethylene oxide is extremely flammable and explosive, it is commonly mixed with non-flammable carrier gases such as carbon dioxide or hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to facilitate safe handling during medical or industrial sterilization processes. Once the ethylene oxide is no longer a separate chemically defined compound but is instead part of a functional preparation, it exits Chapter 29 and enters Chapter 38.

Covers
  • Ethylene oxide and carbon dioxide mixtures
  • Ethylene oxide and hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) mixtures
  • Sterilizing gas mixtures containing oxirane
  • Fumigant preparations containing ethylene oxide
Also under 3824.81
  • Sterigenics EO Sterilization Blends
  • BASF Ethylene Oxide Derivatives (in mixtures)
  • Dow Chemical Specialty EO Formulations

Codes often confused with 3824.81

Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 2910.10, which is reserved for pure ethylene oxide. Importers often fail to distinguish between the pure gas and a stabilized mixture. Another common error involves HS code 3808.94, which covers disinfectants. While ethylene oxide mixtures are used for disinfection, the specific mention of oxirane mixtures in 3824.81 takes precedence over the more general disinfectant category in 3808. Additionally, mixtures containing other epoxides might be wrongly placed here; 3824.81 is strictly for those containing oxirane.

2910.10Epoxides, epoxyalcohols, epoxyphenols and epoxyethers; with a three-membered ring and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives; oxirane (ethylene oxide)3808.94Disinfectants; other than containing goods specified in Subheading Note 1 in this Chapter; put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles38.08Insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides, anti-sprouting products, plant growth regulators, disinfectants and the like, put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles

Top exporters and importers of HS 382481 (the code used for ethylene oxide mixtures), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382481 (the code used for ethylene oxide mixtures) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 73% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, 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 382481, not only ethylene oxide mixtures.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $28M
  2. 2 Belgium $2.6M
  3. 3 Malaysia $1.6M

World total: $39M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Egypt $6.4M
  2. 2 Canada $5.1M
  3. 3 Saudi Arabia $4.4M

World total: $40M 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 ethylene oxide mixtures

Brazil splits HS 3824.81 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 3824.81.10Propylene oxide with up to 30 % ethylene oxide
  • 3824.81.90Other mixtures containing ethylene oxide

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about ethylene oxide mixtures

What is the HS code for Ethylene oxide mixtures?

The HS code for Ethylene oxide mixtures is 382481 (Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; containing goods specified in Subheading Note 3 to this Chapter; containing oxirane (ethylene oxide)). The HS code for mixtures containing ethylene oxide (oxirane) is 3824.81, located within the miscellaneous chemical products chapter.

How do I classify Ethylene oxide mixtures for customs?

Ethylene oxide mixtures is classified under HS code 382481 — Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; containing goods specified in Subheading Note 3 to this Chapter; containing oxirane (ethylene oxide). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Why are these mixtures not in Chapter 29?

Chapter 29 is generally restricted to separate chemically defined compounds. Because these products are mixtures of ethylene oxide with other gases for specific applications, they are classified as chemical preparations in Chapter 38.

Which countries are the top exporters of ethylene oxide mixtures (HS 382481)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382481 (the code used for ethylene oxide mixtures) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($28M, 73% of world exports), Belgium ($2.6M) and Malaysia ($1.6M). World exports came to about $39M, 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 ethylene oxide mixtures (HS 382481)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 382481 (the code used for ethylene oxide mixtures) in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($6.4M, 16% of world imports), Canada ($5.1M) and Saudi Arabia ($4.4M). World imports came to about $40M, 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 Ethylene oxide mixtures the same in all countries?

The base HS code 382481 for Ethylene oxide mixtures 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 ethylene oxide mixtures in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 382481 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for ethylene oxide mixtures depends on the product's details: 3824.81.10 (Propylene oxide with up to 30 % ethylene oxide), 3824.81.90 (Other mixtures containing ethylene oxide).