Product classification
HS code for Helium-3: 2845.40
Helium-3.
Classification of helium-3 under HS 2845.40
Helium-3 is classified under HS code 2845.40. This classification is distinct from standard helium because Helium-3 is a specific isotope. Under the Harmonized System, Chapter 28, Note 6 defines isotopes for the purposes of heading 2845. This heading includes isotopes other than those of heading 28.44, which is reserved for radioactive isotopes and their compounds. Since Helium-3 is a stable, non-radioactive isotope, it is excluded from 28.44 and must be classified under 2845. The subheading 2845.40 specifically identifies Helium-3. This classification takes precedence over heading 2804 (where standard helium is found) because of the specific nature of the product as an isotope. GIR 1 and 6 are applied here to ensure that the most specific description is used. Helium-3 is a rare isotope of helium with a nucleus containing two protons and one neutron, making it highly valuable for specialized applications such as neutron detection, cryogenics, and quantum computing research. Even when mixed with other gases, if the Helium-3 component is the primary isotope of interest for its isotopic properties, this code is typically applied by customs authorities globally.
- Covers
- Helium-3 gas in high-pressure cylinders
- Helium-3 used in dilution refrigerators
- Isotopically enriched helium samples
- Helium-3 for use in neutron detectors
- Compounds containing the Helium-3 isotope
- Also under 2845.40
- Praxair (now Linde)
- Air Liquide
- various research equipment manufacturers.
Codes often confused with 2845.40
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for Helium-3 is HS code 2804.29, which is the code for standard, naturally occurring helium. While Helium-3 is a form of helium, the HS system prioritizes the classification of isotopes under heading 2845. Another potential error involves HS code 2844.40, which covers radioactive isotopes. Because Helium-3 is stable and not radioactive, it must remain in 2845.40. Importers must ensure that the isotopic purity is documented to justify the use of 2845.40 over the general helium code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284540 (the code used for helium-3), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284540 (the code used for helium-3) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% 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 284540, not only helium-3.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $18M 34% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$18M 33% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Canada $12M 23% of world exports
World total: $54M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $18M 40% of world imports
- 2 France $9.1M 21% of world imports
- 3 United States $8.2M 19% of world imports
World total: $44M 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 helium-3
Brazil classifies helium-3 under NCM 2845.40.00: HS 2845.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about helium-3
What is the HS code for Helium-3?
The HS code for Helium-3 is 284540 (Helium-3). The HS code for Helium-3 is 2845.40, which is the specific subheading for this stable isotope.
How do I classify Helium-3 for customs?
Helium-3 is classified under HS code 284540 — Helium-3. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is Helium-3 not classified with regular helium?
The Harmonized System contains a specific heading (2845) for isotopes. Because Helium-3 is an isotope, it is classified based on its atomic structure rather than as a general rare gas under 2804.
Which countries are the top exporters of helium-3 (HS 284540)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284540 (the code used for helium-3) in UN Comtrade data were France ($18M, 34% of world exports), Russia (about $18M) and Canada ($12M). World exports came to about $54M, 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 helium-3 (HS 284540)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284540 (the code used for helium-3) in UN Comtrade data were China ($18M, 40% of world imports), France ($9.1M) and the United States ($8.2M). World imports came to about $44M, 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 Helium-3 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284540 for Helium-3 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 helium-3 in Brazil?
In Brazil, helium-3 (HS 284540) is classified under NCM 2845.40.00.