Product classification
HS code for Fluorine: 2801.30
Fluorine, bromine.
Classification of fluorine under HS 2801.30
Fluorine is classified under HS code 2801.30 because it is a primary chemical element belonging to the halogen group. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI 1), products are classified according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 28 covers inorganic chemicals, and heading 2801 specifically lists fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine. Fluorine is the most electronegative and reactive of all elements, typically handled as a compressed gas in specialized cylinders. The classification 2801.30 is a shared subheading for both fluorine and bromine. This classification is strictly for the pure elemental form; once fluorine is reacted with other elements to form compounds, it moves to other headings such as 2826 (fluorides) or 2812 (halides). The determination of this code relies on the chemical purity and the absence of other bonding elements that would categorize it as a compound rather than a pure halogen element. Furthermore, the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) for heading 2801 clarify that these elements remain classified here even if they are put up in small quantities for retail sale or as laboratory reagents. The physical state of the product—usually a pale yellow gas—is a key identifier for customs authorities. Importers must ensure that the purity levels meet the criteria for elemental halogens to avoid misclassification into the broader category of inorganic acids.
- Covers
- Elemental fluorine gas
- Compressed fluorine in cylinders
- Liquid fluorine (refrigerated)
- Bromine (as it shares the 2801.30 subheading)
- High-purity fluorine for semiconductor etching
- Also under 2801.30
- Lanxess Bromine
- Solvay Fluorine
- Honeywell Fluorine
- Albemarle Bromine
Codes often confused with 2801.30
Common mistake. Fluorine is frequently misclassified under HS code 2811.11, which is the code for hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid). While fluorine is used to produce this acid, the elemental gas and the acid are distinct chemical entities. Another common error is using 2812.19 for other halides; however, 2812 is reserved for non-metal halides and oxides, not the pure elements themselves. Additionally, natural minerals containing fluorine, such as fluorspar, must be classified in Chapter 25 (2529.21/22) rather than Chapter 28.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280130 (the code used for fluorine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280130 (the code used for fluorine) in UN Comtrade data was Israel, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 62% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 280130, not only fluorine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Israel $154M 43% of world exports
- 2 Jordan* ~$74M 21% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Japan $52M 14% of world exports
World total: $357M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $213M 62% of world imports
- 2 India $29M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $13M 3.9% of world imports
The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $343M 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 fluorine
Brazil classifies fluorine under NCM 2801.30.00: HS 2801.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fluorine
What is the HS code for Fluorine?
The HS code for Fluorine is 280130 (Fluorine; bromine). The HS code for elemental fluorine is 2801.30, which also includes bromine.
How do I classify Fluorine for customs?
Fluorine is classified under HS code 280130 — Fluorine; bromine. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is fluorine gas classified differently if it is liquid?
No, elemental fluorine remains under 2801.30 regardless of whether it is in a gaseous or liquefied state, provided it is not mixed with other elements.
Which countries are the top exporters of fluorine (HS 280130)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280130 (the code used for fluorine) in UN Comtrade data were Israel ($154M, 43% of world exports), Jordan (about $74M) and Japan ($52M). World exports came to about $357M, 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 fluorine (HS 280130)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280130 (the code used for fluorine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($213M, 62% of world imports), India ($29M) and the Netherlands ($13M). World imports came to about $343M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Fluorine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280130 for Fluorine 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 fluorine in Brazil?
In Brazil, fluorine (HS 280130) is classified under NCM 2801.30.00.