Product classification
HS code for Iron oxide: 2821.10
Iron oxides and hydroxides.
Classification of iron oxide under HS 2821.10
Iron oxide is classified under HS code 2821.10 because it is a chemically defined inorganic compound. This heading specifically covers iron oxides and hydroxides, which are essential industrial chemicals used in various applications ranging from magnetic recording media to catalysts. The classification is determined by the chemical purity and the specific molecular structure of the iron-oxygen bond. Under the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1, the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes dictate the classification. Chapter 28 covers inorganic chemicals, and heading 2821 is the specific provision for iron oxides. The subheading 2821.10 is designated for the primary oxides and hydroxides that do not meet the criteria for earth colors. This includes synthetic iron oxides produced through chemical precipitation or thermal decomposition of iron salts. The classification remains here regardless of the particle size, provided the material is not prepared as a pigment or mixed with other substances beyond the allowances of Chapter 28 notes.
- Covers
- Ferric oxide (Fe2O3)
- Ferrous oxide (FeO)
- Magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4)
- Ferric hydroxide
- Ferrous hydroxide
- Synthetic magnetite
- Also under 2821.10
- Bayferrox pigments
- Lanxess iron oxides
- Cathay Industries iron oxides
Codes often confused with 2821.10
Common mistake. Iron oxide is frequently confused with HS code 2821.20, which is reserved for earth colors containing 70% or more iron. It is also often misclassified under 3206.49 if it has been prepared as a finished pigment with additives. Furthermore, natural iron ores fall under 2601.11 or 2601.12, which are distinct from the chemically produced oxides in Chapter 28.
Top exporters and importers of HS 282110 (the code used for iron oxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282110 (the code used for iron oxide) 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 oxide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $287M 43% of world exports
- 2 United States $48M 7.1% of world exports
- 3 Italy $43M 6.4% of world exports
World total: $673M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $214M 22% of world imports
- 2 China $76M 7.8% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $38M 3.9% of world imports
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 oxide
Brazil splits HS 2821.10 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2821.10.11Ferric oxide, 85% Fe2O3 or more
- 2821.10.19Other ferric oxide
- 2821.10.20Magnetic iron oxide, 93% Fe3O4 or more
- 2821.10.30Iron hydroxides
- 2821.10.90Other iron oxides
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about iron oxide
What is the HS code for Iron oxide?
The HS code for Iron oxide is 282110 (Iron oxides and hydroxides). The HS code for chemically pure iron oxides and hydroxides is 2821.10.
How do I classify Iron oxide for customs?
Iron oxide is classified under HS code 282110 — Iron oxides and hydroxides. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include natural iron ore?
No, natural iron ores are classified in heading 2601. HS code 2821.10 is specifically for chemically produced or purified oxides.
Which countries are the top exporters of iron oxide (HS 282110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282110 (the code used for iron oxide) 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 oxide (HS 282110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 282110 (the code used for iron oxide) 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 oxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 282110 for Iron oxide 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 oxide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 282110 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for iron oxide 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).