Product classification

HS code for Lithium silicate: 2839.90

Silicates, commercial alkali metal silicates, other than of sodium.

Classification of lithium silicate under HS 2839.90

Lithium silicate is classified under HS code 2839.90. This subheading covers silicates and commercial alkali metal silicates other than those of sodium. Since lithium is an alkali metal, its silicate form falls into this "other" category. The classification is based on the chemical structure of the compound, which consists of lithium and silicon oxides. It is frequently used in industrial applications such as concrete surface treatments, specialized coatings, and as a binder in welding rods. Under Chapter 28, the product must be a separate chemically defined compound. Lithium silicate is often sold as an aqueous solution, which is permitted under the chapter notes for Heading 2839. The classification is determined by the cation (lithium) and the anion (silicate), ensuring it is placed among other alkali metal silicates excluding sodium-based versions.

Covers
  • Lithium orthosilicate
  • Lithium metasilicate
  • Aqueous lithium silicate solutions
  • Concrete densifiers based on lithium silicate
  • Lithium silicate powder
Also under 2839.90

PQ Corporation Kasil, W. R. Grace & Co. Lithium Silicate, Evonik Potassium Silicate, Huber Engineered Materials Potassium Silicate

Codes often confused with 2839.90

Common mistake. Common misclassifications include 2839.11 or 2839.19, which are reserved for sodium silicates (water glass). Because sodium silicates are more common in trade, exporters often default to these codes. Additionally, if the product is a complex mixture for construction containing polymers or other additives, it might be wrongly classified under 3824.40 as a prepared additive for cements or mortars.

2839.11Silicates; sodium metasilicates2839.19Silicates; of sodium (excluding sodium metasilicates)3824.40Cements, mortars or concretes; their prepared additives

Top exporters and importers of HS 283990 (the code used for lithium silicate), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283990 (the code used for lithium silicate) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 9.1% 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 283990, not only lithium silicate.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $72M
  2. 2 China $57M
  3. 3 Netherlands $34M

World total: $289M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Canada $32M
  2. 2 Saudi Arabia $27M
  3. 3 China $24M

World total: $351M 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 silicate

Brazil splits HS 2839.90 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about lithium silicate

What is the HS code for Lithium silicate?

The HS code for Lithium silicate is 283990 (Silicates; commercial alkali metal silicates, other than of sodium). The HS code for lithium silicate is 2839.90.

How do I classify Lithium silicate for customs?

Lithium silicate is classified under HS code 283990 — Silicates; commercial alkali metal silicates, other than of sodium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Why is it not classified under 2839.19?

HS code 2839.19 is specifically for sodium silicates; lithium silicates must be classified under the "other" category of 2839.90 because lithium is a different alkali metal.

Which countries are the top exporters of lithium silicate (HS 283990)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283990 (the code used for lithium silicate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($72M, 25% of world exports), China ($57M) and the Netherlands ($34M). World exports came to about $289M, 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 silicate (HS 283990)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 283990 (the code used for lithium silicate) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($32M, 9.1% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($27M) and China ($24M). World imports came to about $351M, 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 silicate the same in all countries?

The base HS code 283990 for Lithium silicate 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 silicate in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 283990 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for lithium silicate depends on the product's details: 2839.90.10 (Magnesium silicate), 2839.90.20 (Aluminium silicate), 2839.90.30 (Zirconium silicate), 2839.90.40 (Lead silicate), 2839.90.50 (Potassium silicate), 2839.90.90 (Other silicates).