Product classification
HS code for Lithium oxide: 2825.20
Lithium oxide and hydroxide.
Classification of lithium oxide under HS 2825.20
Lithium oxide and lithium hydroxide are classified under HS code 2825.20. This classification is governed by the rules of Chapter 28, which encompasses inorganic chemicals. Heading 2825 is designated for hydrazine and hydroxylamine and their inorganic salts, as well as other inorganic bases and other metal oxides, hydroxides, and peroxides. Subheading 2825.20 specifically identifies lithium oxide and hydroxide. These substances are primary lithium chemicals used extensively in the manufacture of lubricating greases, glass, and ceramics. The classification remains consistent for both the anhydrous form and the monohydrate form of lithium hydroxide (LiOH.H2O), as the Harmonized System treats these variations as the same basic chemical entity. The determination is based on the chemical identity of the substances as inorganic bases or metal oxides/hydroxides, following the specific provisions of the 6-digit international nomenclature.
- Covers
- Lithium hydroxide monohydrate
- Anhydrous lithium hydroxide
- Lithium oxide (Li2O)
- Technical grade lithium hydroxide for grease production
- High-purity lithium hydroxide for battery electrolyte synthesis
- Also under 2825.20
- SQM lithium hydroxide
- Albemarle lithium hydroxide
- Ganfeng Lithium hydroxide
Codes often confused with 2825.20
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 2836.91, which is reserved for lithium carbonate. Although both are essential lithium chemicals, their chemical structures are distinct. Another error involves HS code 3824.99, where prepared binders or chemical products are classified. If lithium hydroxide is mixed with other additives to form a specific industrial preparation, it may move to Chapter 38. Furthermore, lithium oxide is sometimes confused with lithium peroxide; while both fall under heading 2825, lithium peroxide may be subject to different regional subheadings depending on the specific national tariff schedule, though they converge at the 4-digit level.
Top exporters and importers of HS 282520 (the code used for lithium oxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282520 (the code used for lithium oxide) 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 oxide.
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 oxide
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 oxide
What is the HS code for Lithium oxide?
The HS code for Lithium oxide is 282520 (Lithium oxide and hydroxide). The HS code for lithium oxide, as well as lithium hydroxide, is 2825.20.
How do I classify Lithium oxide for customs?
Lithium oxide is classified under HS code 282520 — Lithium oxide and hydroxide. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the HS code change for lithium hydroxide monohydrate?
No, lithium hydroxide monohydrate is classified under the same HS code as the anhydrous form, 2825.20, because the presence of water of crystallization does not alter its chemical classification in Chapter 28.
Which countries are the top exporters of lithium oxide (HS 282520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282520 (the code used for lithium oxide) 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 oxide (HS 282520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 282520 (the code used for lithium oxide) 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 oxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 282520 for Lithium 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 lithium oxide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 282520 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for lithium oxide depends on the product's details: 2825.20.10 (Lithium oxide), 2825.20.20 (Lithium hydroxide).