Product classification
HS code for Irradiated fuel elements: 2844.50
Spent (irradiated) fuel elements (cartridges) of nuclear reactors.
Classification of irradiated fuel elements under HS 2844.50
Irradiated fuel elements, also known as spent nuclear fuel cartridges, are classified under HS code 284450. This classification falls within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals and radioactive isotopes. Heading 2844 is specifically for radioactive chemical elements and radioactive isotopes, including their compounds and mixtures. Subheading 284450 is dedicated to spent (irradiated) fuel elements of nuclear reactors. These elements consist of nuclear fuel (such as uranium or plutonium) that has been subjected to a neutron flux within a reactor core, resulting in the fission of atoms and the accumulation of fission products. The classification is based on the physical and chemical transformation of the fuel; once it has been irradiated, it is no longer considered a mechanical part of the reactor but rather a radioactive chemical substance. According to the HS Explanatory Notes, these elements are usually in the form of metal rods or cartridges containing the fuel material encased in a cladding (such as zirconium alloy). The high level of radioactivity and the specific isotopic composition of the spent fuel necessitate its placement in Chapter 28. This code is vital for international safety and security, as it tracks the movement of hazardous nuclear waste and materials subject to IAEA safeguards.
- Covers
- Spent nuclear fuel rods
- Irradiated uranium cartridges
- Depleted reactor fuel assemblies
- Irradiated mixed oxide (MOX) fuel elements
- Spent fuel bundles from research reactors
- Also under 2844.50
- Orano (reprocessing services)
- Sellafield Ltd (UK)
- various national nuclear waste agencies.
Codes often confused with 2844.50
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 840130, which covers non-irradiated (fresh) fuel elements. The distinction is critical: 840130 is for new fuel ready for use, while 284450 is for fuel that has already been used in a reactor. Another error is using 284410, which is for natural uranium, but this does not account for the irradiated state and the presence of fission products found in spent fuel.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284450 (the code used for irradiated fuel elements), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284450 (the code used for irradiated fuel elements) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Dominican Republic, with 35% of world imports. Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($146K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Qatar did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 21% of its imports here ($146K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 284450, not only irradiated fuel elements.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $252K 47% of world exports
- 2 Israel $195K 36% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $75K 14% of world exports
Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($146K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $541K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Dominican Republic $108K 35% of world imports
- 2 Qatar* ~$45K 15% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Barbados $30K 9.7% of world imports
Qatar did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 21% of its imports here ($146K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $305K 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 irradiated fuel elements
Brazil classifies irradiated fuel elements under NCM 2844.50.00: HS 2844.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about irradiated fuel elements
What is the HS code for Irradiated fuel elements?
The HS code for Irradiated fuel elements is 284450 (Spent (irradiated) fuel elements (cartridges) of nuclear reactors). The HS code for spent (irradiated) fuel elements of nuclear reactors is 284450.
How do I classify Irradiated fuel elements for customs?
Irradiated fuel elements is classified under HS code 284450 — Spent (irradiated) fuel elements (cartridges) of nuclear reactors. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is spent fuel in Chapter 28 instead of Chapter 84?
While fresh fuel is considered a reactor part (8401), spent fuel is classified by its radioactive chemical properties and isotopic content, which places it in the chemical chapter (28).
Which countries are the top exporters of irradiated fuel elements (HS 284450)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284450 (the code used for irradiated fuel elements) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($252K, 47% of world exports), Israel ($195K) and South Africa ($75K). World exports came to about $541K, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($146K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of irradiated fuel elements (HS 284450)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284450 (the code used for irradiated fuel elements) in UN Comtrade data were the Dominican Republic ($108K, 35% of world imports), Qatar (about $45K) and Barbados ($30K). World imports came to about $305K, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Qatar did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 21% of its imports here ($146K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Is the HS code for Irradiated fuel elements the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284450 for Irradiated fuel elements 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 irradiated fuel elements in Brazil?
In Brazil, irradiated fuel elements (HS 284450) is classified under NCM 2844.50.00.