Product classification
HS code for Neon: 2804.29
Gases, rare, other than argon.
Classification of neon under HS 2804.29
Neon is classified under HS code 2804.29 because it is a rare gas as defined in Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. Chapter 28 covers inorganic chemicals, precious metals, and rare-earth metals. Specifically, heading 2804 includes hydrogen, rare gases, and other non-metals. Neon, being one of the noble gases alongside helium, krypton, and xenon, falls into the residual category 2804.29, as argon is specifically carved out into its own subheading 2804.21. The classification remains consistent regardless of the gas's purity level, provided it is not mixed with other gases in a way that changes its essential character to a prepared mixture of Chapter 38. For customs purposes, neon is typically shipped in pressurized cylinders or cryogenic containers. The classification is driven by the chemical identity of the substance as a pure element. Even when used for specialized applications like laser mixtures or lighting, the base element is classified here unless it has been further processed into a specific product like a lamp or a retail-ready chemical preparation. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6 are applied here, as the heading and subheading text specifically name rare gases other than argon.
- Covers
- High-purity neon gas for industrial use
- Neon gas for use in plasma displays
- Pressurized neon cylinders
- Liquid neon for cryogenic applications
- Neon gas used as a component in excimer lasers
- Also under 2804.29
- Airgas Helium
- Matheson Tri-Gas Neon
- Linde Krypton
- Praxair Xenon
Codes often confused with 2804.29
Common mistake. Neon is frequently confused with HS code 2804.21, which is exclusively for Argon. While both are noble gases, the tariff separates Argon due to its higher trade volume. Another common error is using 3824.99 for gas mixtures; if the neon is mixed with other gases (like helium-neon mixtures), it may move to Chapter 38. Additionally, neon discharge tubes are often incorrectly classified here, but they belong in 8539 as electrical equipment.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280429 (the code used for neon), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280429 (the code used for neon) in UN Comtrade data was Qatar, with about 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% 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 280429, not only neon.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Qatar* ~$870M 29% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 United States $453M 15% of world exports
- 3 Algeria* ~$451M 15% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $3.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $441M 15% of world imports
- 2 France $428M 15% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $267M 9.3% 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 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 neon
Brazil splits HS 2804.29 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2804.29.10Liquid helium
- 2804.29.90Rare gases other than argon or liquid helium
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 neon
What is the HS code for Neon?
The HS code for Neon is 280429 (Gases, rare; other than argon). The HS code for pure neon gas is 2804.29, which covers rare gases other than argon.
How do I classify Neon for customs?
Neon is classified under HS code 280429 — Gases, rare; other than argon. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is neon classified differently if it is liquid?
No, neon remains under 2804.29 whether it is in a gaseous or liquefied state, as the chemical identity as a rare gas is the primary determinant.
Which countries are the top exporters of neon (HS 280429)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280429 (the code used for neon) in UN Comtrade data were Qatar (about $870M, 29% of world exports), the United States ($453M) and Algeria (about $451M). World exports came to about $3.0B, 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 neon (HS 280429)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280429 (the code used for neon) in UN Comtrade data were China ($441M, 15% of world imports), France ($428M) and South Korea ($267M). 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 Neon the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280429 for Neon 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 neon in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 280429 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for neon depends on the product's details: 2804.29.10 (Liquid helium), 2804.29.90 (Rare gases other than argon or liquid helium).