Product classification
HS code for Mercury: 2805.40
Mercury.
Classification of mercury under HS 2805.40
Mercury is classified under HS code 2805.40. This code is located within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, precious metals, and radioactive elements. Heading 2805 is dedicated to alkali or alkaline-earth metals, rare-earth metals, scandium, yttrium, and mercury. Mercury, also known as quicksilver, is unique as it is the only metal that is liquid at standard temperature and pressure. Under GRI 1, mercury in its elemental form is classified here. This includes mercury that has been purified or distilled for industrial or laboratory use. However, it does not include mercury that has been put up in measured doses or forms for retail sale as a medicament (Chapter 30) or mercury compounds (which are generally classified in heading 2852). The classification is straightforward for the pure element, but care must be taken to ensure it is not an amalgam (an alloy of mercury with another metal). The trade of mercury is strictly regulated under the Minamata Convention, and its HS classification is vital for monitoring global movements of this hazardous substance.
- Covers
- Elemental mercury (quicksilver)
- Distilled or purified mercury
- Mercury in flasks or iron bottles
- Virgin mercury
- Also under 2805.40
- Elemental mercury
- mercury thermometers (historical)
- dental amalgam capsules
- mercury vapor lamps
- mercury switches (historical)
Codes often confused with 2805.40
Common mistake. Mercury is frequently misclassified under HS code 2852, which covers inorganic or organic compounds of mercury. However, 2805.40 is specifically for the element itself, not its compounds (like mercury chloride). Another common error involves amalgams. Amalgams of precious metals are classified in heading 2843, while other amalgams are generally found in heading 2853. If mercury is contained within a measuring instrument, such as a thermometer or barometer, the entire device is classified in Chapter 90 (e.g., 9025.11) rather than as mercury.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280540 (the code used for mercury), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280540 (the code used for mercury) in UN Comtrade data was Peru, with about 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 38% 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 280540, not only mercury.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Peru* ~$2.2M 27% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$1.7M 21% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Japan $1.5M 19% of world exports
World total: $7.9M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $3.7M 38% of world imports
- 2 South Africa $1.7M 18% of world imports
- 3 Sudan* ~$630K 6.4% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $9.9M 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
Brazil classifies mercury under NCM 2805.40.00: HS 2805.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about mercury
What is the HS code for Mercury?
The HS code for Mercury is 280540 (Mercury). The HS code for elemental mercury is 2805.40.
How do I classify Mercury for customs?
Mercury is classified under HS code 280540 — Mercury. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is mercury in a thermometer classified under this code?
No, mercury contained within a thermometer is classified under HS code 9025.11 as part of the measuring instrument.
Which countries are the top exporters of mercury (HS 280540)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280540 (the code used for mercury) in UN Comtrade data were Peru (about $2.2M, 27% of world exports), the United Arab Emirates (about $1.7M) and Japan ($1.5M). World exports came to about $7.9M, 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 (HS 280540)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280540 (the code used for mercury) in UN Comtrade data were India ($3.7M, 38% of world imports), South Africa ($1.7M) and Sudan (about $630K). World imports came to about $9.9M, 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280540 for Mercury 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 in Brazil?
In Brazil, mercury (HS 280540) is classified under NCM 2805.40.00.