Product classification
HS code for Germanium powder: 8112.92
Gallium, germanium, indium, niobium (columbium) and vanadium, articles thereof, unwrought, including waste and scrap, powders.
Classification of germanium powder under HS 8112.92
Germanium powder is classified under HS code 8112.92. This classification is part of Chapter 81, which encompasses other base metals, cermets, and articles thereof. Specifically, heading 8112 covers metals like gallium, germanium, indium, niobium, and vanadium. The subheading 8112.92 is designated for these metals in their unwrought forms, including waste, scrap, and powders. The classification is based on the chemical purity and physical state of the element. As a base metal in powder form, it is distinguished from chemical compounds of germanium, which would fall under Chapter 28. The technical specifications of the powder, such as particle size and purity levels, are essential for confirming its status as a metal powder under this specific tariff line.
- Covers
- High-purity germanium powder
- Unwrought germanium metal
- Germanium waste and scrap
- Niobium powders
- Indium unwrought forms
- Gallium metal powders
- Vanadium unwrought metal
- Also under 8112.92
- Sumitomo Chemical (gallium compounds)
- Umicore (germanium substrates)
- Indium Corporation (indium alloys)
- CBMM (niobium products)
- EVRAZ (vanadium products)
- Apple (device components)
- Samsung (device components)
Codes often confused with 8112.92
Common mistake. Germanium powder is often confused with HS code 2825.60, which covers germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide. The distinction lies in whether the material is a pure metal (Chapter 81) or a chemical compound (Chapter 28). Another common misclassification occurs with 8112.99, which is intended for finished articles made of germanium rather than the raw powder or unwrought metal. Importers must also ensure they do not classify it under 2804.61 or 2804.69, which are reserved for silicon, despite germanium's similar semi-conductive properties.
Top exporters and importers of HS 811292 (the code used for germanium powder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 811292 (the code used for germanium powder) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 811292, not only germanium powder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $190M 33% of world exports
- 2 Germany $72M 13% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $56M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $567M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $209M 27% of world imports
- 2 China $142M 18% of world imports
- 3 Japan $98M 13% of world imports
World total: $779M 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 germanium powder
Brazil classifies germanium powder under NCM 8112.92.00: HS 8112.92 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about germanium powder
What is the HS code for Germanium powder?
The HS code for Germanium powder is 811292 (Gallium, germanium, indium, niobium (columbium) and vanadium; articles thereof, unwrought, including waste and scrap, powders). The HS code for germanium powder is 8112.92, which includes unwrought germanium and its powders.
How do I classify Germanium powder for customs?
Germanium powder is classified under HS code 811292 — Gallium, germanium, indium, niobium (columbium) and vanadium; articles thereof, unwrought, including waste and scrap, powders. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is germanium oxide classified under the same code?
No, germanium oxide is a chemical compound and is classified under HS code 2825.60, not with the base metal powders.
Which countries are the top exporters of germanium powder (HS 811292)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 811292 (the code used for germanium powder) in UN Comtrade data were China ($190M, 33% of world exports), Germany ($72M) and South Korea ($56M). World exports came to about $567M, 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 germanium powder (HS 811292)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 811292 (the code used for germanium powder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($209M, 27% of world imports), China ($142M) and Japan ($98M). World imports came to about $779M, 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 Germanium powder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 811292 for Germanium powder 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 germanium powder in Brazil?
In Brazil, germanium powder (HS 811292) is classified under NCM 8112.92.00.