Product classification
HS code for Industrial isotopes: 2844.43
Radioactive elements, isotopes and compounds, other alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing these elements, isotopes or compounds.
Classification of industrial isotopes under HS 2844.43
Industrial isotopes are classified under HS code 2844.43, which covers radioactive elements, isotopes, and their compounds, specifically those not mentioned in previous subheadings of 2844. Chapter 28 deals with inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. Heading 2844 is reserved for radioactive chemical elements and radioactive isotopes (including the fissile or fertile chemical elements and isotopes) and their compounds. Subheading 2844.43 specifically targets "other" radioactive elements and isotopes, often used in industrial radiography, thickness gauging, or as tracers in chemical processes. This classification is vital for the regulated transport and customs clearance of hazardous radioactive materials used in non-medical and non-energy sectors. The classification is driven by the radioactive nature of the material, which dictates its placement in heading 2844 regardless of its industrial application.
- Covers
- Cobalt-60 for industrial gamma radiography
- Iridium-192 sources for non-destructive testing
- Americium-241 used in industrial smoke detectors and gauges
- Cesium-137 for industrial flow meters
- Radioactive compounds for industrial tracing
- Sealed radioactive sources for thickness measurement
- Also under 2844.43
- Eckert & Ziegler (Cobalt-60)
- QSA Global (Iridium-192)
- various radiopharmaceutical companies.
Codes often confused with 2844.43
Common mistake. Industrial isotopes are frequently confused with 2844.10 (natural uranium) or 2844.20 (enriched uranium/plutonium). They are also often misclassified under 2845.90, which is for non-radioactive (stable) isotopes. In some cases, users mistakenly look at 3822 for diagnostic or laboratory reagents, but if the reagent is radioactive, the specific provisions of Chapter 28 (specifically 2844) take precedence over Chapter 38 according to the Chapter 28 Note 1.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284443 (the code used for industrial isotopes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284443 (the code used for industrial isotopes) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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 284443, not only industrial isotopes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $490M 20% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $374M 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $368M 15% of world exports
World total: $2.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $715M 26% of world imports
- 2 Germany $276M 10% of world imports
- 3 France $213M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $2.7B 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 codes for industrial isotopes
Brazil splits HS 2844.43 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2844.43.10Molybdenum-99 on alumina for technetium-99
- 2844.43.20Cobalt-60 radioactive isotope
- 2844.43.30Iodine-131 radioactive isotope
- 2844.43.90Other radioactive elements, isotopes, compounds
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about industrial isotopes
What is the HS code for Industrial isotopes?
The HS code for Industrial isotopes is 284443 (Radioactive elements, isotopes and compounds; other alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing these elements, isotopes or compounds). The HS code for radioactive industrial isotopes and their compounds (excluding fissile materials like uranium or plutonium) is 2844.43.
How do I classify Industrial isotopes for customs?
Industrial isotopes is classified under HS code 284443 — Radioactive elements, isotopes and compounds; other alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing these elements, isotopes or compounds. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are stable isotopes classified under this code?
No, stable (non-radioactive) isotopes are classified under HS code 2845.90. HS code 2844.43 is strictly for radioactive materials.
Which countries are the top exporters of industrial isotopes (HS 284443)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284443 (the code used for industrial isotopes) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($490M, 20% of world exports), the Netherlands ($374M) and Germany ($368M). World exports came to about $2.4B, 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 industrial isotopes (HS 284443)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284443 (the code used for industrial isotopes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($715M, 26% of world imports), Germany ($276M) and France ($213M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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 Industrial isotopes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284443 for Industrial isotopes 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 industrial isotopes in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 284443 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for industrial isotopes depends on the product's details: 2844.43.10 (Molybdenum-99 on alumina for technetium-99), 2844.43.20 (Cobalt-60 radioactive isotope), 2844.43.30 (Iodine-131 radioactive isotope), 2844.43.90 (Other radioactive elements, isotopes, compounds).