Product classification
HS code for Nickel catalysts: 3815.11
Catalysts, supported, reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with nickel or nickel compounds as the active substance, n.e.c. or included.
Classification of nickel catalysts under HS 3815.11
Nickel catalysts are classified under HS code 3815.11. This code falls within Chapter 38, which covers miscellaneous chemical products. Heading 38.15 specifically addresses reaction initiators, reaction accelerators, and catalytic preparations. The subheading 3815.11 is reserved for supported catalysts where nickel or a nickel compound serves as the active substance. A "supported" catalyst consists of an active chemical agent deposited on a carrier or substrate, such as alumina, silica, or activated carbon, to increase the surface area and efficiency of the chemical reaction. Nickel catalysts are vital in industrial processes like the hydrogenation of vegetable oils, the production of ammonia, and various petrochemical syntheses. The classification is determined by the function of the product as a catalyst and the specific identification of nickel as the primary active component, regardless of the carrier material used.
- Covers
- Raney nickel catalysts (supported)
- Nickel on alumina catalysts for steam reforming
- Nickel on silica catalysts for hydrogenation
- Nickel oxide supported catalysts
- Fixed-bed nickel catalysts for chemical processing
- Also under 3815.11
- BASF Nickel Catalysts
- Johnson Matthey Nickel Catalysts
- Clariant Nickel Catalysts
- Haldor Topsoe Nickel Catalysts
- Evonik Nickel Catalysts.
Codes often confused with 3815.11
Common mistake. Nickel catalysts are often confused with other catalysts in the same heading. For instance, 3815.12 is used for catalysts with precious metals (like platinum or palladium) as the active substance. If a catalyst contains both nickel and a precious metal, it is generally classified under 3815.12 due to the higher specificity of precious metals in the HS hierarchy. Another misclassification occurs with 2620.99, which covers spent catalysts. If the nickel catalyst is exhausted and intended only for metal recovery, it is no longer classified as a chemical preparation in Chapter 38. Furthermore, pure nickel compounds like nickel oxide (2825.40) are not classified here unless they are prepared specifically as catalysts with a support or binder.
Top exporters and importers of HS 381511 (the code used for nickel catalysts), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381511 (the code used for nickel catalysts) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 11% 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 381511, not only nickel catalysts.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $469M 32% of world exports
- 2 Denmark $232M 16% of world exports
- 3 France $171M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $144M 11% of world imports
- 2 China $129M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 United States $84M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 nickel catalysts
Brazil classifies nickel catalysts under NCM 3815.11.00: HS 3815.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about nickel catalysts
What is the HS code for Nickel catalysts?
The HS code for Nickel catalysts is 381511 (Catalysts, supported; reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with nickel or nickel compounds as the active substance, n.e.c. or included). The HS code for supported catalysts with nickel or nickel compounds as the active substance is 3815.11.
How do I classify Nickel catalysts for customs?
Nickel catalysts is classified under HS code 381511 — Catalysts, supported; reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with nickel or nickel compounds as the active substance, n.e.c. or included. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include spent or used nickel catalysts?
No, spent catalysts intended for the recovery of metal or the manufacture of chemicals are typically classified under heading 26.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of nickel catalysts (HS 381511)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381511 (the code used for nickel catalysts) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($469M, 32% of world exports), Denmark ($232M) and France ($171M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 nickel catalysts (HS 381511)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 381511 (the code used for nickel catalysts) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($144M, 11% of world imports), China ($129M) and the United States ($84M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 Nickel catalysts the same in all countries?
The base HS code 381511 for Nickel catalysts 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 nickel catalysts in Brazil?
In Brazil, nickel catalysts (HS 381511) is classified under NCM 3815.11.00.