Product classification
HS code for Metallurgical silicon: 2804.69
Silicon, containing by weight less than 99.99% of silicon.
Classification of metallurgical silicon under HS 2804.69
Metallurgical silicon is classified under HS code 280469. This classification is governed by the purity levels defined in Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System, which covers inorganic chemicals. Silicon is categorized based on its silicon content by weight. HS code 280461 is reserved for silicon containing not less than 99.99% of silicon by weight, typically referred to as electronic or solar grade silicon. Metallurgical grade silicon, which usually has a purity range between 96% and 99%, falls into the residual category of 280469. The classification is straightforward based on chemical composition: if the substance is elemental silicon and its purity is below the 99.99% threshold, it must be classified here. This material is primarily used as an alloying agent in the aluminum industry or as a raw material for the production of silicones and silanes. It is produced by the carbothermic reduction of quartz in an electric arc furnace, and the resulting product, despite its metallic appearance, is classified as a non-metal within the chemical chapter rather than a base metal in Section XV.
- Covers
- Silicon metal with 98.5% purity
- Silicon metal with 97% purity for aluminum alloying
- Crude silicon for chemical manufacturing
- Low-purity silicon lumps and grains
- Metallurgical grade silicon powder
- Also under 2804.69
- Elkem Silicon Metal
- Rima Group Silicon
- Ferroglobe Silicon
- Dow Silicones (raw material)
- Wacker Chemie (raw material)
Codes often confused with 2804.69
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 280461, which is only for high-purity silicon (99.99%+). Another common mistake is classifying metallurgical silicon as ferrosilicon under HS code 720221. Ferrosilicon is an alloy of iron and silicon containing more than 4% iron by weight. If the iron content is negligible and the product is essentially silicon, it belongs in 2804. Furthermore, silicon carbide (284920) is often confused with silicon metal, but they are chemically distinct compounds.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280469 (the code used for metallurgical silicon), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280469 (the code used for metallurgical silicon) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 17% 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 280469, not only metallurgical silicon.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.0B 39% of world exports
- 2 Norway $499M 19% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $419M 16% of world exports
World total: $2.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $497M 17% of world imports
- 2 United States $487M 17% of world imports
- 3 Japan $315M 11% of world imports
World total: $2.9B 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 metallurgical silicon
Brazil classifies metallurgical silicon under NCM 2804.69.00: HS 2804.69 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about metallurgical silicon
What is the HS code for Metallurgical silicon?
The HS code for Metallurgical silicon is 280469 (Silicon; containing by weight less than 99.99% of silicon). The HS code for metallurgical silicon (containing less than 99.99% silicon by weight) is 280469.
How do I classify Metallurgical silicon for customs?
Metallurgical silicon is classified under HS code 280469 — Silicon; containing by weight less than 99.99% of silicon. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is metallurgical silicon not classified in Chapter 72?
Chapter 72 is for iron and steel and their alloys (ferro-alloys). Metallurgical silicon is considered a chemical element (non-metal) and is therefore classified in Chapter 28, provided it is not alloyed with iron exceeding the limits defined in Note 1(c) to Chapter 72.
Which countries are the top exporters of metallurgical silicon (HS 280469)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280469 (the code used for metallurgical silicon) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.0B, 39% of world exports), Norway ($499M) and Brazil ($419M). World exports came to about $2.6B, 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 metallurgical silicon (HS 280469)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280469 (the code used for metallurgical silicon) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($497M, 17% of world imports), the United States ($487M) and Japan ($315M). World imports came to about $2.9B, 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 Metallurgical silicon the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280469 for Metallurgical silicon 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 metallurgical silicon in Brazil?
In Brazil, metallurgical silicon (HS 280469) is classified under NCM 2804.69.00.