Product classification
HS code for Helium: 2804.29
Gases, rare, other than argon.
Classification of helium under HS 2804.29
Helium is classified under HS code 2804.29, which is the specific designation for rare gases other than argon. This classification is governed by the General Interpretative Rules (GIR) 1 and 6. According to GIR 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Helium is an inorganic chemical element, placing it in Section VI, Chapter 28. Specifically, heading 2804 covers hydrogen, rare gases, and other non-metals. Within this heading, the rare gases are subdivided. Subheading 2804.21 is dedicated to argon, while 2804.29 serves as the residual category for other rare gases, which includes helium, neon, krypton, and xenon. The classification remains 2804.29 regardless of the gas's purity or its physical state, such as compressed gas or cryogenic liquid, provided it is not an isotope. The Explanatory Notes to heading 2804 clarify that these gases are obtained by the fractionation of liquid air or from certain natural gas sources. Helium's unique properties, such as its low boiling point and inertness, do not change its fundamental classification under this code unless it is presented in a form that would classify it as a medicament or a radioactive isotope.
- Covers
- Gaseous helium for industrial use
- Liquid helium for cryogenic applications
- High-purity helium for laboratory research
- Balloon-grade helium
- Helium-neon gas mixtures (where helium predominates)
- Also under 2804.29
- Airgas Helium
- Matheson Tri-Gas Neon
- Linde Krypton
- Praxair Xenon
Codes often confused with 2804.29
Common mistake. Helium is frequently confused with HS code 2804.21, which is reserved exclusively for argon. While both are rare gases, the Harmonized System provides a specific subheading for argon, leaving all other noble gases to 2804.29. Another common error is attempting to classify Helium-3 under this code; however, Helium-3 is an isotope and must be classified under 2845.40. Additionally, mixtures of helium with oxygen (heliox) used for medical purposes may sometimes be misclassified here, but if they are prepared for therapeutic use, they may fall under Chapter 30.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280429 (the code used for helium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280429 (the code used for helium) in UN Comtrade data was Qatar, with about 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% 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 280429, not only helium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Qatar* ~$870M 29% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 United States $453M 15% of world exports
- 3 Algeria* ~$451M 15% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $3.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $441M 15% of world imports
- 2 France $428M 15% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $267M 9.3% of world imports
World total: $2.9B 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 helium
Brazil splits HS 2804.29 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2804.29.10Liquid helium
- 2804.29.90Rare gases other than argon or liquid helium
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about helium
What is the HS code for Helium?
The HS code for Helium is 280429 (Gases, rare; other than argon). The HS code for helium is 2804.29, which covers rare gases other than argon.
How do I classify Helium for customs?
Helium is classified under HS code 280429 — Gases, rare; other than argon. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change for liquid helium?
No, the HS code 2804.29 applies to helium in both its gaseous and liquefied states, as the physical state does not alter its chemical classification under heading 2804.
Which countries are the top exporters of helium (HS 280429)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280429 (the code used for helium) in UN Comtrade data were Qatar (about $870M, 29% of world exports), the United States ($453M) and Algeria (about $451M). World exports came to about $3.0B, 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 (HS 280429)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280429 (the code used for helium) in UN Comtrade data were China ($441M, 15% of world imports), France ($428M) and South Korea ($267M). World imports came to about $2.9B, 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.
Is the HS code for Helium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280429 for Helium 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 in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 280429 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for helium depends on the product's details: 2804.29.10 (Liquid helium), 2804.29.90 (Rare gases other than argon or liquid helium).