Product classification
HS code for Mercury compounds: 2852.90
Inorganic or organic compounds of mercury, excluding amalgams, not chemically defined,.
Classification of mercury compounds under HS 2852.90
Mercury compounds are classified under HS code 2852.90, following the structured hierarchy of Chapter 28, which deals with inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. Heading 2852 is unique because it was created to group mercury compounds—whether inorganic or organic—into a single heading to monitor their global movement more effectively. This is a notable exception to the general rule where organic and inorganic compounds are separated into different chapters (Chapter 29 and Chapter 28, respectively). Subheading 2852.90 serves as the residual category for various mercury compounds that are not specifically listed by name in the 2852.10 subheading (which covers chemically defined compounds). This includes a vast array of chemical substances such as mercury sulfates, nitrates, and various organometallic mercury derivatives used in laboratory reagents or industrial catalysts. The classification is based entirely on the chemical identity of the substance. If a substance is a chemically defined compound containing mercury as a primary constituent, it falls here. The creation of this heading was largely driven by international environmental agreements like the Minamata Convention to ensure better traceability of mercury in its various chemical forms. It is important to note that this heading does not include amalgams, which are alloys of mercury with other metals; those are classified under heading 2853 or Chapter 71 depending on their specific composition and precious metal content.
- Covers
- Mercury chlorides (calomel and corrosive sublimate)
- Mercury oxides (red and yellow)
- Mercury sulfates and nitrates
- Organomercury compounds for laboratory use
- Mercury sulfides (cinnabar)
- Also under 2852.90
- Industrial by-products containing mercury compounds
- specific mercury-containing catalysts that are not pure
- mercury-contaminated soil for remediation
Codes often confused with 2852.90
Common mistake. Mercury compounds are often confused with pure elemental mercury, which is classified under 2805.40. The distinction is that 2805.40 is for the liquid metal itself, while 2852.90 is for chemical compounds where mercury is bonded with other elements. Another common misclassification occurs with medicaments containing mercury, which should be classified under heading 3004. Additionally, mercury-based pesticides or disinfectants are often incorrectly placed here instead of heading 3808, which covers products put up for retail sale for those specific purposes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 285290 (the code used for mercury compounds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 285290 (the code used for mercury compounds) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 67% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 45% 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 285290, not only mercury compounds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $6.3M 67% of world exports
- 2 Singapore $840K 8.9% of world exports
- 3 United States $715K 7.6% of world exports
World total: $9.4M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$5.5M 45% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 France $1.2M 9.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $798K 6.6% of world imports
World total: $12M 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 code for mercury compounds
Brazil classifies mercury compounds under NCM 2852.90.00: HS 2852.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about mercury compounds
What is the HS code for Mercury compounds?
The HS code for Mercury compounds is 285290 (Inorganic or organic compounds of mercury; excluding amalgams, not chemically defined,). The primary HS code for inorganic or organic compounds of mercury is 2852.90, provided they are not amalgams.
How do I classify Mercury compounds for customs?
Mercury compounds is classified under HS code 285290 — Inorganic or organic compounds of mercury; excluding amalgams, not chemically defined,. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between 2805 and 2852?
Use 2805.40 for pure, liquid elemental mercury. Use 2852.90 for mercury that has been chemically reacted with other elements to form a compound, such as mercury oxide or mercury chloride.
Which countries are the top exporters of mercury compounds (HS 285290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 285290 (the code used for mercury compounds) in UN Comtrade data were India ($6.3M, 67% of world exports), Singapore ($840K) and the United States ($715K). World exports came to about $9.4M, 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 mercury compounds (HS 285290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 285290 (the code used for mercury compounds) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $5.5M, 45% of world imports), France ($1.2M) and Germany ($798K). World imports came to about $12M, 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 Mercury compounds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 285290 for Mercury compounds 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 mercury compounds in Brazil?
In Brazil, mercury compounds (HS 285290) is classified under NCM 2852.90.00.