Product classification

HS code for Magnesium carbonate: 2836.99

Carbonates, n.e.c. in heading no. 2836 and other than lithium or strontium.

Classification of magnesium carbonate under HS 2836.99

Magnesium carbonate is classified under HS code 2836.99. This heading covers carbonates, peroxocarbonates, and commercial ammonium carbonate containing ammonium carbamate. Since magnesium carbonate is not specifically named in its own subheading (unlike lithium or strontium carbonates), it falls into the "other" category of 2836.99. This classification applies to the chemically produced or synthetic version of the compound. The product is an inorganic chemical used in various industries, including rubber manufacturing, cosmetics, and as an anti-caking agent in food. Classification is governed by Chapter 28, which includes separate chemically defined compounds. The purity and manufacturing process are key factors, as naturally occurring magnesium carbonate is excluded from this chapter and classified under minerals.

Covers
  • Synthetic magnesium carbonate (light or heavy)
  • Precipitated magnesium carbonate
  • Hydrated magnesium carbonate (synthetic)
  • Industrial grade magnesium carbonate powder
Also under 2836.99
  • Magnesium Carbonate (pharmaceutical grade)
  • Zinc Carbonate (industrial grade)
  • Lanthanum Carbonate (medical use)

Codes often confused with 2836.99

Common mistake. Magnesium carbonate is frequently misclassified under HS code 2519.90, which covers natural magnesium carbonate (magnesite). If the product is mined and not chemically processed, it must stay in Chapter 25. Additionally, if magnesium carbonate is prepared as a medicament (e.g., an antacid), it should be classified under heading 3004. Finally, "gym chalk" which is often pure magnesium carbonate, is sometimes misclassified as sports equipment in 9506.

2519.10Magnesium carbonate (magnesite); natural2519.90Magnesia, fused or dead-burned (sintered); whether or not containing small quantities of other oxides added before sintering, other magnesium oxide, whether or not pure, (not natural magnesium carbonate)30.04Medicaments; (not goods of heading no. 3002, 3005 or 3006) consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic use, put up in measured doses (incl. those in the form of transdermal admin. systems) or packed for retail sale95.06Gymnastics, athletics, other sports (including table tennis) or outdoor games equipment, n.e.c. in this chapter, swimming pools and paddling pools

Top exporters and importers of HS 283699 (the code used for magnesium carbonate), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283699 (the code used for magnesium carbonate) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 283699, not only magnesium carbonate.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $304M
  2. 2 Germany $216M
  3. 3 Poland $101M

World total: $984M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $121M
  2. 2 Malaysia $86M
  3. 3 India $49M

The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.

World total: $1.0B 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 magnesium carbonate

Brazil splits HS 2836.99 into 5 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 magnesium carbonate

What is the HS code for Magnesium carbonate?

The HS code for Magnesium carbonate is 283699 (Carbonates; n.e.c. in heading no. 2836 and other than lithium or strontium). The HS code for synthetic magnesium carbonate is 2836.99, which is the residual category for other carbonates.

How do I classify Magnesium carbonate for customs?

Magnesium carbonate is classified under HS code 283699 — Carbonates; n.e.c. in heading no. 2836 and other than lithium or strontium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How do I distinguish between 2836.99 and 2519.90?

HS code 2836.99 is for chemically manufactured magnesium carbonate, while 2519.90 is for naturally occurring magnesite, even if it has been calcined.

Which countries are the top exporters of magnesium carbonate (HS 283699)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283699 (the code used for magnesium carbonate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($304M, 31% of world exports), Germany ($216M) and Poland ($101M). World exports came to about $984M, 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 magnesium carbonate (HS 283699)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 283699 (the code used for magnesium carbonate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($121M, 12% of world imports), Malaysia ($86M) and India ($49M). World imports came to about $1.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.

Is the HS code for Magnesium carbonate the same in all countries?

The base HS code 283699 for Magnesium 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 magnesium carbonate in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 283699 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for magnesium carbonate depends on the product's details: 2836.99.11 (Magnesium carbonate, density under 200 kg/m³), 2836.99.12 (Zirconium carbonate), 2836.99.13 (Commercial and other ammonium carbonates), 2836.99.19 (Other carbonates), 2836.99.20 (Peroxocarbonates (percarbonates)).