Product classification
HS code for Isotope compounds: 2845.90
Isotopes other than those of heading no. 2844, 2845.20, 2845.30 or 2845.40, compounds, inorganic or organic, of such isotopes, whether or not chemically defined.
Classification of isotope compounds under HS 2845.90
Isotope compounds are substances where the atoms of one or more elements have been replaced by specific isotopes, usually for research, medical, or industrial tracing purposes. The Harmonized System distinguishes between radioactive isotopes (Chapter 2844) and stable isotopes. Heading 2845 is dedicated to stable isotopes and their inorganic or organic compounds. Subheading 2845.90 serves as the residual category for these materials that are not specifically named in other subheadings like 2845.10 (heavy water) or 2845.20 (boron enriched in boron-10). The classification applies regardless of whether the compound is organic or inorganic, provided the isotopic enrichment is the defining characteristic. This includes compounds of carbon-13, nitrogen-15, or oxygen-18. These materials are vital in NMR spectroscopy and metabolic studies. The classification logic follows the principle that isotopic modification changes the fundamental nature of the chemical for trade purposes, moving it from its standard heading in Chapter 28 or 29 to the specialized isotope heading.
- Covers
- Carbon-13 labeled organic compounds
- Nitrogen-15 enriched salts
- Oxygen-18 labeled water (non-radioactive)
- Deuterated solvents (other than heavy water)
- Also under 2845.90
- Cambridge Isotope Laboratories
- Sigma-Aldrich
- Merck KGaA.
Codes often confused with 2845.90
Common mistake. The most common error is classifying these under HS code 2844, which is strictly for radioactive isotopes. Stable isotopes must stay in 2845. Additionally, heavy water is often incorrectly placed in 2845.90, but it has its own specific code, 2845.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284590 (the code used for isotope compounds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284590 (the code used for isotope compounds) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 284590, not only isotope compounds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $409M 27% of world exports
- 2 United States $338M 23% of world exports
- 3 Ireland $196M 13% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $276M 22% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $226M 18% of world imports
- 3 United States $154M 12% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 code for isotope compounds
Brazil classifies isotope compounds under NCM 2845.90.00: HS 2845.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about isotope compounds
What is the HS code for Isotope compounds?
The HS code for Isotope compounds is 284590 (Isotopes other than those of heading no. 2844, 2845.20, 2845.30 or 2845.40; compounds, inorganic or organic, of such isotopes, whether or not chemically defined). The HS code for stable isotope compounds not elsewhere specified is 2845.90.
How do I classify Isotope compounds for customs?
Isotope compounds is classified under HS code 284590 — Isotopes other than those of heading no. 2844, 2845.20, 2845.30 or 2845.40; compounds, inorganic or organic, of such isotopes, whether or not chemically defined. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include radioactive isotopes?
No, radioactive isotopes and their compounds are classified under heading 2844, which covers radioactive chemical elements and isotopes.
Which countries are the top exporters of isotope compounds (HS 284590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284590 (the code used for isotope compounds) in UN Comtrade data were China ($409M, 27% of world exports), the United States ($338M) and Ireland ($196M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 isotope compounds (HS 284590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284590 (the code used for isotope compounds) in UN Comtrade data were China ($276M, 22% of world imports), South Korea ($226M) and the United States ($154M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 Isotope compounds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284590 for Isotope compounds 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 isotope compounds in Brazil?
In Brazil, isotope compounds (HS 284590) is classified under NCM 2845.90.00.