Product classification
HS code for HCH mixtures: 3824.85
Chemical products, mixtures and preparations, containing goods specified in Subheading Note 3 to this Chapter, containing 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH (ISO)), including lindane (ISO, INN).
Classification of HCH mixtures under HS 3824.85
Classification of HCH mixtures under HS code 3824.85 is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Specifically, Chapter 38 covers miscellaneous chemical products. Heading 3824 is a residual heading for chemical products and preparations not elsewhere specified or included. Subheading 3824.85 was specifically created to track and control mixtures containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs) as defined by international environmental agreements like the Stockholm Convention. This code applies when the HCH (1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane) is part of a mixture or preparation, rather than being a pure, chemically defined compound. The inclusion of Lindane (the gamma isomer of HCH) within this subheading is critical for regulatory compliance, as Lindane is a restricted pesticide. The classification logic relies on the fact that the product is a \"preparation\" or \"mixture\" rather than a single chemical element or compound, which would typically fall under Chapter 28 or 29. Furthermore, the presence of HCH in any concentration that characterizes the mixture as an HCH-based preparation necessitates the use of this specific code to ensure proper monitoring of hazardous substances during international transit.
- Covers
- Lindane-based pesticide mixtures
- Technical HCH preparations
- Agricultural chemical formulations containing HCH
- Chemical binders containing hexachlorocyclohexane
- Industrial mixtures containing Lindane (ISO, INN)
- Also under 3824.85
- Suez Environmental Services (hazardous waste)
- Waste Management (chemical disposal)
- ALS Global (environmental analytical services)
Codes often confused with 3824.85
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 2903.81, which is reserved for pure, chemically defined HCH isomers. If the product is a mixture of HCH with other substances (like solvents or carriers), it must move to 3824.85. Another common error is using 3808.91, which covers insecticides put up for retail sale. While HCH is an insecticide, if it is imported as a bulk mixture for further processing, 3824.85 is often the more specific code for environmental tracking.
Top exporters and importers of HS 382485 (the code used for HCH mixtures), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382485 (the code used for HCH mixtures) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 53% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Nigeria, with 35% 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 382485, not only HCH mixtures.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $63K 53% of world exports
- 2 Germany $21K 18% of world exports
- 3 Italy $20K 17% of world exports
World total: $118K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Nigeria $240K 35% of world imports
- 2 Egypt $212K 31% of world imports
- 3 Norway $75K 11% of world imports
World total: $685K 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 HCH mixtures
Brazil classifies HCH mixtures under NCM 3824.85.00: HS 3824.85 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about HCH mixtures
What is the HS code for HCH mixtures?
The HS code for HCH mixtures is 382485 (Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; containing goods specified in Subheading Note 3 to this Chapter; containing 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH (ISO)), including lindane (ISO, INN)). The HS code for HCH mixtures, including those containing Lindane, is 3824.85.
How do I classify HCH mixtures for customs?
HCH mixtures is classified under HS code 382485 — Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; containing goods specified in Subheading Note 3 to this Chapter; containing 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH (ISO)), including lindane (ISO, INN). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is HCH classified in Chapter 38 instead of Chapter 29?
Chapter 29 is for separate chemically defined compounds. Once HCH is mixed with other ingredients to form a preparation or industrial mixture, it is classified under Chapter 38 as a miscellaneous chemical product.
Which countries are the top exporters of HCH mixtures (HS 382485)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382485 (the code used for HCH mixtures) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($63K, 53% of world exports), Germany ($21K) and Italy ($20K). World exports came to about $118K, 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 HCH mixtures (HS 382485)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 382485 (the code used for HCH mixtures) in UN Comtrade data were Nigeria ($240K, 35% of world imports), Egypt ($212K) and Norway ($75K). World imports came to about $685K, 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 HCH mixtures the same in all countries?
The base HS code 382485 for HCH 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 HCH mixtures in Brazil?
In Brazil, HCH mixtures (HS 382485) is classified under NCM 3824.85.00.