Product classification
HS code for Metal carbides: 3824.30
Metal carbides, non-agglomerated, mixed together or with metallic binders.
Classification of metal carbides under HS 3824.30
Metal carbides are classified under HS code 3824.30 when they are non-agglomerated and mixed together or with metallic binders. This classification is found in Chapter 38, which covers miscellaneous chemical products. While chemically defined individual metal carbides (like pure tungsten carbide) are classified in Chapter 28 under heading 2849, the mixtures used in industrial applications fall under heading 3824. Specifically, 3824.30 targets preparations consisting of metal carbides mixed with metallic binders (such as cobalt or nickel) or mixtures of different metal carbides. These mixtures are often in powder form and are intended for use in the production of "cermets" or hard-metal tool tips through sintering. The classification is determined by the fact that the product is a preparation/mixture rather than a single chemical element or compound. This distinction is critical for the tooling and mining industries, as these powders are the precursor to high-durability cutting and drilling equipment.
- Covers
- Tungsten carbide mixed with cobalt powder
- Mixtures of titanium and tungsten carbides
- Non-agglomerated metal carbide powders with nickel binders
- Molybdenum carbide mixtures for industrial coatings
- Tantalum carbide mixed with metallic bonding agents
- Also under 3824.30
- Kennametal Tungsten Carbide
- Sandvik Hyperion Carbide Powders
- H.C. Starck Tungsten Carbide
- Ceratizit Carbide Powders
- Sumitomo Electric Carbide Powders
Codes often confused with 3824.30
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is HS code 2849.90, which is only for chemically defined carbides that are not mixed with binders. Another error is classifying these powders under 8209.00, which is reserved for plates, sticks, tips, and the like that have already been sintered or agglomerated into a finished shape. If the carbide is already shaped into a tool part, it belongs in Chapter 82, not Chapter 38.
Top exporters and importers of HS 382430 (the code used for metal carbides), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382430 (the code used for metal carbides) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% 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 382430, not only metal carbides.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $104M 18% of world exports
- 2 Finland $88M 16% of world exports
- 3 France $87M 15% of world exports
World total: $565M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $126M 21% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $55M 9.3% of world imports
- 3 United States $47M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $593M 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 code for metal carbides
Brazil classifies metal carbides under NCM 3824.30.00: HS 3824.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about metal carbides
What is the HS code for Metal carbides?
The HS code for Metal carbides is 382430 (Metal carbides, non-agglomerated; mixed together or with metallic binders). The HS code for non-agglomerated metal carbides mixed together or with metallic binders is 3824.30.
How do I classify Metal carbides for customs?
Metal carbides is classified under HS code 382430 — Metal carbides, non-agglomerated; mixed together or with metallic binders. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code cover finished carbide drill bits?
No, finished drill bits or tool tips are classified in Chapter 82 (e.g., 8207 or 8209). HS code 3824.30 only covers the raw, non-agglomerated powder mixtures.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal carbides (HS 382430)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382430 (the code used for metal carbides) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($104M, 18% of world exports), Finland ($88M) and France ($87M). World exports came to about $565M, 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 metal carbides (HS 382430)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 382430 (the code used for metal carbides) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($126M, 21% of world imports), Mexico ($55M) and the United States ($47M). World imports came to about $593M, 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 Metal carbides the same in all countries?
The base HS code 382430 for Metal carbides 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 metal carbides in Brazil?
In Brazil, metal carbides (HS 382430) is classified under NCM 3824.30.00.