Product classification

HS code for Gold chloride: 2843.30

Gold compounds.

Classification of gold chloride under HS 2843.30

Gold chloride and other gold compounds are classified under HS code 2843.30. This code is located within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, precious metal compounds, and isotopes. Heading 2843 specifically addresses inorganic or organic compounds of precious metals, whether or not they are chemically defined. Gold chloride, which often refers to chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) or gold trichloride (AuCl3), is a primary compound used in the industrial application of gold. The classification is driven by the fact that the gold is chemically bonded to other elements, such as chlorine, rather than being in its elemental metallic form. These compounds are essential in processes like gold plating, the production of purple of Cassius, and as catalysts in organic synthesis. For customs purposes, it is important to distinguish these chemical compounds from colloidal gold or amalgams, which are covered by different subheadings within the same heading. The product must be a distinct chemical compound where gold is the primary precious metal component to qualify for 2843.30.

Covers
  • Gold trichloride (AuCl3)
  • Chloroauric acid (HAuCl4)
  • Sodium tetrachloroaurate
  • Gold potassium cyanide
  • Gold oxide and other inorganic gold salts
Also under 2843.30
  • Heraeus (gold compounds for electronics)
  • Johnson Matthey (gold chemicals)
  • Umicore (gold chemicals)
  • Alfa Aesar (gold compounds)
  • Sigma-Aldrich (gold compounds)

Codes often confused with 2843.30

Common mistake. Gold chloride is sometimes misclassified under HS code 7108, which covers unwrought or semi-manufactured gold. However, Chapter 71 is for the metal itself, while Chapter 28 is for chemical compounds. It may also be confused with colloidal gold (2843.10) or silver compounds (2843.21/2843.29). Another error is classifying it under general chlorides in heading 2827, but precious metal compounds always take precedence in 2843.

71.08Gold (including gold plated with platinum) unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms, or in powder form2843.10Colloidal precious metals; whether or not chemically defined2843.21Silver compounds; silver nitrates2843.29Silver compounds; excluding silver nitrates28.27Chlorides; chloride oxides and chloride hydroxides; bromides and bromide oxides; iodides and iodide oxides28.43Colloidal precious metals; inorganic or organic compounds of precious metals, whether or not chemically defined; amalgams of precious metals

Top exporters and importers of HS 284330 (the code used for gold chloride), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284330 (the code used for gold chloride) in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 52% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 65% 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 284330, not only gold chloride.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$4.1B
  2. 2 Türkiye $714M
  3. 3 Switzerland $679M

World total: $7.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 India $5.3B
  2. 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$778M
  3. 3 Singapore $319M

World total: $8.1B 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 codes for gold chloride

Brazil splits HS 2843.30 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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

Questions about gold chloride

What is the HS code for Gold chloride?

The HS code for Gold chloride is 284330 (Gold compounds).

How do I classify Gold chloride for customs?

Gold chloride is classified under HS code 284330 — Gold compounds. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for chloroauric acid?

Chloroauric acid, a common form of gold chloride, is classified under HS code 2843.30.

Can gold chloride be classified in Chapter 71?

No, Chapter 71 is for metallic gold. Chemical compounds of gold, like gold chloride, must be classified in Chapter 28 under code 2843.30.

Which countries are the top exporters of gold chloride (HS 284330)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284330 (the code used for gold chloride) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $4.1B, 52% of world exports), Türkiye ($714M) and Switzerland ($679M). World exports came to about $7.9B, 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 gold chloride (HS 284330)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 284330 (the code used for gold chloride) in UN Comtrade data were India ($5.3B, 65% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $778M) and Singapore ($319M). World imports came to about $8.1B, 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 Gold chloride the same in all countries?

The base HS code 284330 for Gold chloride 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 gold chloride in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 284330 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for gold chloride depends on the product's details: 2843.30.10 (Gold sulphide in gelatin dispersion), 2843.30.90 (Other gold compounds).