Product classification
HS code for High purity silicon: 2804.61
Silicon, containing by weight not less than 99.99% of silicon.
Classification of high purity silicon under HS 2804.61
High purity silicon is classified under HS code 2804.61. This classification falls within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals and precious metals. Specifically, heading 2804 covers hydrogen, rare gases, and other non-metals. Silicon is classified here based on its chemical purity; subheading 2804.61 is reserved for silicon containing not less than 99.99% silicon by weight. This grade of silicon is often referred to as electronic-grade or solar-grade silicon. The classification is straightforward under GRI 1, as the subheading text explicitly defines the purity threshold. It is important to note that this code applies to silicon in its elemental form, typically as polycrystalline chunks, granules, or broken pieces, provided it has not been further processed into electronic components.
- Covers
- Polycrystalline silicon (99.99% purity or higher)
- Electronic grade silicon chunks
- Solar grade silicon granules
- High purity silicon ingots (unworked)
- Ultra-pure silicon powder for chemical vapor deposition
- Also under 2804.61
- Wacker Polysilicon
- Hemlock Semiconductor
- GCL-Poly
- REC Silicon
- Shin-Etsu Chemical Silicon Wafers
Codes often confused with 2804.61
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with silicon of lower purity (metallurgical grade), which falls under 2804.69. This lower grade typically contains between 98% and 99.9% silicon. Another critical distinction is between elemental silicon and doped silicon. If the silicon has been doped for use in electronics and is in the form of discs, wafers, or similar shapes, it must be classified under 3818.00. Furthermore, ferrosilicon, an alloy of iron and silicon, is classified in Chapter 72 under heading 7202.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280461 (the code used for high purity silicon), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280461 (the code used for high purity silicon) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 21% 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 280461, not only high purity silicon.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $949M 32% of world exports
- 2 Germany $886M 30% of world exports
- 3 China $379M 13% of world exports
World total: $3.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $627M 21% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$568M 19% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 China $521M 17% of world imports
World total: $3.0B 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 high purity silicon
Brazil classifies high purity silicon under NCM 2804.61.00: HS 2804.61 with 00 added.
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 high purity silicon
What is the HS code for High purity silicon?
The HS code for High purity silicon is 280461 (Silicon; containing by weight not less than 99.99% of silicon). The HS code for silicon containing at least 99.99% silicon by weight is 2804.61.
How do I classify High purity silicon for customs?
High purity silicon is classified under HS code 280461 — Silicon; containing by weight not less than 99.99% of silicon. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are silicon wafers classified under 2804.61?
No, silicon wafers that have been doped for electronic use are classified under HS code 3818.00, as they are considered chemical compounds or prepared materials for electronics.
Which countries are the top exporters of high purity silicon (HS 280461)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280461 (the code used for high purity silicon) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($949M, 32% of world exports), Germany ($886M) and China ($379M). 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 high purity silicon (HS 280461)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280461 (the code used for high purity silicon) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($627M, 21% of world imports), Vietnam (about $568M) and China ($521M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for High purity silicon the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280461 for High purity silicon 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 high purity silicon in Brazil?
In Brazil, high purity silicon (HS 280461) is classified under NCM 2804.61.00.