Product classification
HS code for Lithium carbonate: 2836.91
Carbonates, lithium carbonate.
Classification of lithium carbonate under HS 2836.91
Lithium carbonate is classified under HS code 2836.91. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1, which states that classification is governed by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Lithium carbonate is a separate chemically defined inorganic compound. Chapter 28 covers inorganic chemicals, and heading 2836 is designated for carbonates and peroxocarbonates. Within this heading, subheading 2836.91 is specifically reserved for lithium carbonate. This classification applies to the substance regardless of its purity level, encompassing both technical grade used in ceramics and high-purity battery grade used in the manufacturing of lithium-ion battery cathodes. The chemical formula Li2CO3 defines its placement here, provided it has not been mixed with other ingredients to form a preparation or put up in measured doses for medical use.
- Covers
- Technical grade lithium carbonate (99% purity)
- Battery grade lithium carbonate (99.5% or higher purity)
- Pharmaceutical grade lithium carbonate in bulk form
- Lithium carbonate powder for industrial glass manufacturing
- Lithium carbonate used as a flux in ceramic glazes
- Also under 2836.91
- SQM Lithium Carbonate
- Albemarle Lithium Carbonate
- Ganfeng Lithium Carbonate
- Livent Lithium Carbonate
Codes often confused with 2836.91
Common mistake. Lithium carbonate is frequently confused with HS code 2825.20, which covers lithium oxide and hydroxide. While both are primary lithium chemicals, the carbonate structure (CO3) necessitates classification under 2836. Another common error involves pharmaceutical-grade lithium carbonate. If it is put up in measured doses, such as tablets or capsules for the treatment of bipolar disorder, it must be classified under heading 3004 as a medicament. However, bulk lithium carbonate intended for pharmaceutical manufacturing remains in 2836.91. Additionally, mixtures containing lithium carbonate for specific metallurgical uses may be classified in Chapter 38 if they no longer meet the definition of a separate chemically defined compound.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283691 (the code used for lithium carbonate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283691 (the code used for lithium carbonate) in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 72% of world imports. Japan reports $555M of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 283691, not only lithium carbonate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Chile $1.9B 65% of world exports
- 2 Argentina $650M 22% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $116M 3.9% of world exports
World total: $3.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.3B 72% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $338M 10% of world imports
- 3 United States $163M 5.0% of world imports
Japan reports $555M of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $3.3B 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 lithium carbonate
Brazil classifies lithium carbonate under NCM 2836.91.00: HS 2836.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lithium carbonate
What is the HS code for Lithium carbonate?
The HS code for Lithium carbonate is 283691 (Carbonates; lithium carbonate). The international HS code for lithium carbonate is 2836.91.
How do I classify Lithium carbonate for customs?
Lithium carbonate is classified under HS code 283691 — Carbonates; lithium carbonate. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is battery-grade lithium carbonate classified differently than industrial grade?
No, both battery-grade and industrial-grade lithium carbonate are classified under HS code 2836.91, as the HS system generally does not distinguish between different purity levels for this specific chemical compound.
Which countries are the top exporters of lithium carbonate (HS 283691)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283691 (the code used for lithium carbonate) in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($1.9B, 65% of world exports), Argentina ($650M) and South Korea ($116M). World exports came to about $3.0B, 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 lithium carbonate (HS 283691)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283691 (the code used for lithium carbonate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.3B, 72% of world imports), South Korea ($338M) and the United States ($163M). World imports came to about $3.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Japan reports $555M of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Lithium carbonate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283691 for Lithium carbonate 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 lithium carbonate in Brazil?
In Brazil, lithium carbonate (HS 283691) is classified under NCM 2836.91.00.