Product classification

HS code for Iron hydroxide: 2821.10

Iron oxides and hydroxides.

Classification of iron hydroxide under HS 2821.10

Iron hydroxide is classified under HS code 282110, which falls within Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System, covering inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. Specifically, heading 2821 is dedicated to iron oxides and hydroxides, including earth colors containing 70% or more by weight of combined iron evaluated as Fe2O3. The classification of iron hydroxide (such as ferric hydroxide or ferrous hydroxide) under this code is determined by its chemical composition as a chemically defined compound. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, the product is identified by its primary chemical structure. Iron hydroxides are typically produced through the precipitation of iron salts with alkaline solutions or through the oxidation of iron in moist environments. For customs purposes, it is essential to distinguish between synthetic iron hydroxides and natural earth pigments. If the substance is a synthetic chemical compound used as a precursor for pigments, catalysts, or water treatment chemicals, it remains firmly within 282110. The classification remains consistent regardless of the physical form, whether it is a dry powder, a paste, or a concentrated aqueous suspension, provided it has not been mixed with other substances to the point of becoming a prepared pigment or a diagnostic reagent.

Covers
  • Ferric hydroxide (Fe(OH)3)
  • Ferrous hydroxide (Fe(OH)2)
  • Hydrated iron oxides (synthetic)
  • Iron oxyhydroxide (Goethite)
  • Iron hydroxide polymorphs used in industrial catalysts
Also under 2821.10
  • Bayferrox pigments
  • Lanxess iron oxides
  • Cathay Industries iron oxides

Codes often confused with 2821.10

Common mistake. Iron hydroxide is frequently misclassified under HS code 253090, which covers natural earth colors. However, if the iron content (as Fe2O3) exceeds 70%, it must be moved to 2821. Another common error is using HS code 320611 or 320649, which are for prepared pigments. If the iron hydroxide has been mixed with binders, fillers, or other chemicals to create a finished paint or dye, it belongs in Chapter 32 rather than Chapter 28.

2530.90Mineral substances; n.e.c. in chapter 2528.21Iron oxides and hydroxides; earth colours containing 70% or more by weight of combined iron evaluated as Fe2o33206.11Colouring matter; pigments and preparations based on titanium dioxide, containing 80% or more by weight of titanium dioxide calculated on the dry matter3206.49Colouring matter; other preparations n.e.c. in item no. 3206.4

Top exporters and importers of HS 282110 (the code used for iron hydroxide), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282110 (the code used for iron hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% 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 282110, not only iron hydroxide.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $287M
  2. 2 United States $48M
  3. 3 Italy $43M

World total: $673M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $214M
  2. 2 China $76M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $38M

World total: $970M 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 iron hydroxide

Brazil splits HS 2821.10 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about iron hydroxide

What is the HS code for Iron hydroxide?

The HS code for Iron hydroxide is 282110 (Iron oxides and hydroxides). The primary HS code for iron hydroxide is 282110, which covers iron oxides and hydroxides.

How do I classify Iron hydroxide for customs?

Iron hydroxide is classified under HS code 282110 — Iron oxides and hydroxides. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is natural iron hydroxide classified differently?

Yes, if the iron hydroxide is a natural earth color containing less than 70% combined iron by weight, it is classified under heading 2530. Synthetic versions are always under 2821.

Which countries are the top exporters of iron hydroxide (HS 282110)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282110 (the code used for iron hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data were China ($287M, 43% of world exports), the United States ($48M) and Italy ($43M). World exports came to about $673M, 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 iron hydroxide (HS 282110)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 282110 (the code used for iron hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($214M, 22% of world imports), China ($76M) and the United Kingdom ($38M). World imports came to about $970M, 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 Iron hydroxide the same in all countries?

The base HS code 282110 for Iron hydroxide 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 iron hydroxide in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 282110 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for iron hydroxide depends on the product's details: 2821.10.11 (Ferric oxide, 85% Fe2O3 or more), 2821.10.19 (Other ferric oxide), 2821.10.20 (Magnetic iron oxide, 93% Fe3O4 or more), 2821.10.30 (Iron hydroxides), 2821.10.90 (Other iron oxides).