Product classification
HS code for Gold cyanide: 2843.30
Gold compounds.
Classification of gold cyanide under HS 2843.30
Gold cyanide is classified under HS code 2843.30, which covers gold compounds. This falls within Chapter 28, which is dedicated to inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. The classification is driven by the chemical transformation of the gold. Unlike metallic gold, which is found in Chapter 71, gold that has been chemically reacted to form a compound is strictly categorized in Chapter 28. Gold cyanide, typically appearing as potassium gold cyanide or sodium gold cyanide, is a complex salt used extensively in the electroplating industry. The Harmonized System treats these as chemical products rather than precious metal bullion because their primary value and use are derived from their chemical properties in industrial processes. The classification remains consistent whether the compound is in a solid crystalline form or a concentrated solution.
- Covers
- Potassium gold cyanide
- Sodium gold cyanide
- Gold(I) cyanide
- Gold(III) cyanide
- Aqueous gold cyanide solutions for plating
- 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 cyanide is often misclassified under HS code 2837, which covers cyanides and cyanide oxides of other metals. However, Note 1 to Chapter 28 specifies that compounds of precious metals (like gold) must be classified in heading 2843, regardless of the anion. Another error is attempting to classify it under 7108 as gold metal; this is incorrect because the gold is no longer in its elemental metallic state but is part of a chemical molecule.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284330 (the code used for gold cyanide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284330 (the code used for gold cyanide) 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 cyanide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$4.1B 52% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Türkiye $714M 9.0% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $679M 8.6% of world exports
World total: $7.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $5.3B 65% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$778M 9.6% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Singapore $319M 3.9% of world imports
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 cyanide
Brazil splits HS 2843.30 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2843.30.10Gold sulphide in gelatin dispersion
- 2843.30.90Other gold compounds
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about gold cyanide
What is the HS code for Gold cyanide?
The HS code for Gold cyanide is 284330 (Gold compounds). The HS code for gold cyanide and other gold compounds is 2843.30.
How do I classify Gold cyanide for customs?
Gold cyanide is classified under HS code 284330 — Gold compounds. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is gold cyanide classified as a chemical or a metal?
It is classified as a chemical compound under Chapter 28 because the gold is chemically bonded with cyanide, changing its physical and chemical nature.
Which countries are the top exporters of gold cyanide (HS 284330)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284330 (the code used for gold cyanide) 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 cyanide (HS 284330)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284330 (the code used for gold cyanide) 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 cyanide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284330 for Gold cyanide 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 cyanide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 284330 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for gold cyanide depends on the product's details: 2843.30.10 (Gold sulphide in gelatin dispersion), 2843.30.90 (Other gold compounds).