Product classification
HS code for Lithium hydroxide: 2825.20
Lithium oxide and hydroxide.
Classification of lithium hydroxide under HS 2825.20
Lithium hydroxide is classified under HS code 2825.20, which specifically covers lithium oxide and hydroxide. As an inorganic chemical, it is categorized within Chapter 28, which deals with inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. The classification is straightforward because the Harmonized System provides a specific subheading for lithium-based oxides and hydroxides. This chemical is widely used in the production of lithium greases and as an electrolyte in certain types of batteries, but its classification remains based on its chemical identity rather than its end-use application. According to the Chapter 28 notes, products must be separate chemically defined compounds to stay within this chapter. Lithium hydroxide, whether in anhydrous or monohydrate form, meets this criteria. The purity of the compound does not generally affect its classification under 2825.20, provided it has not been mixed with other substances to create a preparation.
- Covers
- Anhydrous lithium hydroxide
- Lithium hydroxide monohydrate
- Technical grade lithium hydroxide powder
- Battery-grade lithium hydroxide
- Lithium hydroxide crystals
- Also under 2825.20
- SQM lithium hydroxide
- Albemarle lithium hydroxide
- Ganfeng Lithium hydroxide
Codes often confused with 2825.20
Common mistake. A common error is 2836.91, which is the code for lithium carbonates. While both are lithium salts used in battery production, they are chemically distinct. Another potential error is 3811.21 if the hydroxide is already blended into a lubricant additive. Some may also try to use 2805.19 for lithium metal, but that is reserved for the element in its pure metallic form, not the hydroxide compound.
Top exporters and importers of HS 282520 (the code used for lithium hydroxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282520 (the code used for lithium hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 54% 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 282520, not only lithium hydroxide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $614M 40% of world exports
- 2 Chile $263M 17% of world exports
- 3 United States $212M 14% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $820M 54% of world imports
- 2 Japan $332M 22% of world imports
- 3 China $202M 13% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 lithium hydroxide
Brazil splits HS 2825.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2825.20.10Lithium oxide
- 2825.20.20Lithium hydroxide
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lithium hydroxide
What is the HS code for Lithium hydroxide?
The HS code for Lithium hydroxide is 282520 (Lithium oxide and hydroxide). The HS code for lithium hydroxide is 2825.20.
How do I classify Lithium hydroxide for customs?
Lithium hydroxide is classified under HS code 282520 — Lithium oxide and hydroxide. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is it classified differently if used in batteries?
No, as a separate chemically defined compound, it remains under 2825.20 regardless of its intended use in battery manufacturing or industrial greases.
Which countries are the top exporters of lithium hydroxide (HS 282520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282520 (the code used for lithium hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data were China ($614M, 40% of world exports), Chile ($263M) and the United States ($212M). 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 lithium hydroxide (HS 282520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 282520 (the code used for lithium hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($820M, 54% of world imports), Japan ($332M) and China ($202M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Lithium hydroxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 282520 for Lithium 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 lithium hydroxide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 282520 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for lithium hydroxide depends on the product's details: 2825.20.10 (Lithium oxide), 2825.20.20 (Lithium hydroxide).