Product classification

HS code for Magnesium hydroxide: 2816.10

Hydroxide and peroxide of magnesium.

Classification of magnesium hydroxide under HS 2816.10

Magnesium hydroxide is classified under HS code 2816.10, which covers the hydroxide and peroxide of magnesium. This classification is part of Chapter 28, which encompasses inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. Heading 2816 is specifically structured to include the hydroxides and peroxides of magnesium, strontium, and barium. Magnesium hydroxide, often found in the form of a white powder or as "milk of magnesia" in aqueous suspension (provided it is not prepared as a medicament), is the primary product under this subheading. The classification process involves distinguishing the hydroxide from the oxide. Magnesium oxide (magnesia) is classified under 2816.40 if it is pure, or under 2519 if it is natural or calcined magnesite. Magnesium hydroxide is typically produced by the hydration of reactive magnesium oxide or by the reaction of magnesium salts with an alkali. It is widely used in industrial applications as a flame retardant, in environmental applications for wastewater treatment, and in the pharmaceutical industry as an antacid or laxative. The purity and the chemical structure (Mg(OH)2) are the deciding factors for this code.

Covers
  • Pure magnesium hydroxide powder
  • Magnesium peroxide
  • Aqueous suspensions of magnesium hydroxide (non-medicinal)
  • Technical grade magnesium hydroxide for flame retardants
  • Synthetic brucite (magnesium hydroxide)
Also under 2816.10
  • Milk of Magnesia
  • Magnox (magnesium hydroxide)
  • Oxy-Mag (magnesium peroxide)

Codes often confused with 2816.10

Common mistake. Magnesium hydroxide is frequently confused with magnesium oxide, which is classified under 2816.40 (if pure) or 2519 (if natural/calcined). Another common misclassification is 3004.90, which applies if the magnesium hydroxide is prepared as a medicine (e.g., flavored antacid tablets or liquids for retail sale). It is also important to distinguish it from natural brucite, which is classified under 2519.90 unless it is in the form of a pure chemical.

2816.40Oxides, hydroxides and peroxides, of strontium or barium25.19Natural magnesium carbonate (magnesite); fused magnesia; dead-burned (sintered) magnesia, whether or not containing small quantities of other oxides added before sintering; magnesium oxide, pure or not3004.90Medicaments; consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale2519.90Magnesia, 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)

Top exporters and importers of HS 281610 (the code used for magnesium hydroxide), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281610 (the code used for magnesium hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 13% 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 281610, not only magnesium hydroxide.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Russia* ~$44M
  2. 2 Netherlands $44M
  3. 3 Austria $35M

World total: $255M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $38M
  2. 2 Italy $37M
  3. 3 United States $28M

World total: $288M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 hydroxide

Brazil splits HS 2816.10 into 2 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 hydroxide

What is the HS code for Magnesium hydroxide?

The HS code for Magnesium hydroxide is 281610 (Hydroxide and peroxide of magnesium). The HS code for magnesium hydroxide and magnesium peroxide is 2816.10.

How do I classify Magnesium hydroxide for customs?

Magnesium hydroxide is classified under HS code 281610 — Hydroxide and peroxide of magnesium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is milk of magnesia classified under this code?

Yes, if it is a simple aqueous suspension of magnesium hydroxide. If it contains flavoring, sweeteners, or is packaged as a retail medicament, it moves to 3004.

Which countries are the top exporters of magnesium hydroxide (HS 281610)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281610 (the code used for magnesium hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $44M, 17% of world exports), the Netherlands ($44M) and Austria ($35M). World exports came to about $255M, 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 hydroxide (HS 281610)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 281610 (the code used for magnesium hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($38M, 13% of world imports), Italy ($37M) and the United States ($28M). World imports came to about $288M, 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 Magnesium hydroxide the same in all countries?

The base HS code 281610 for Magnesium 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 magnesium hydroxide in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 281610 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for magnesium hydroxide depends on the product's details: 2816.10.10 (Magnesium hydroxide), 2816.10.20 (Magnesium peroxide).