Product classification
HS code for Nickel hydroxide: 2825.40
Nickel oxides and hydroxides.
Classification of nickel hydroxide under HS 2825.40
Nickel hydroxide is classified under HS code 2825.40. Unlike the metallic forms of nickel found in Chapter 75, nickel hydroxide is a chemical compound and is therefore classified in Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals. Specifically, heading 28.25 is for hydrazine and hydroxylamine and their inorganic salts, as well as other inorganic bases and other metal oxides, hydroxides, and peroxides. Subheading 2825.40 is dedicated specifically to nickel oxides and hydroxides. This classification applies to the chemical in its pure form or as a commercially pure compound. Nickel hydroxide is a critical component in the manufacturing of rechargeable batteries, particularly nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. The classification is determined by the chemical identity of the substance rather than its physical shape or metallurgical properties. It is important to distinguish this inorganic compound from organic nickel compounds or mixed chemical preparations. The presence of small amounts of impurities or stabilizers does not typically change the classification from 2825.40, provided the product retains its character as a separate chemically defined compound.
- Covers
- Nickel(II) hydroxide
- Nickelous hydroxide
- Spherical nickel hydroxide for batteries
- High-purity nickel hydroxide powder
- Nickel oxide (also under 2825.40)
- Also under 2825.40
- BASF (battery materials)
- Umicore (catalysts)
- Sumitomo Metal Mining (nickel products)
- Vale (nickel compounds)
Codes often confused with 2825.40
Common mistake. Nickel hydroxide is sometimes misclassified under 38.24 as a chemical mixture if it is blended with other active materials for battery production. It should also not be confused with nickel carbonates (2836.99) or nickel sulfates (2833.24). Metallic nickel powders are classified in 7504.00, not Chapter 28.
Top exporters and importers of HS 282540 (the code used for nickel hydroxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282540 (the code used for nickel hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 79% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 29% 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 282540, not only nickel hydroxide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $431M 79% of world exports
- 2 Japan $24M 4.4% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $22M 4.0% of world exports
World total: $544M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Singapore $72M 29% of world imports
- 2 United States $56M 23% of world imports
- 3 China $49M 20% of world imports
World total: $247M 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 codes for nickel hydroxide
Brazil splits HS 2825.40 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2825.40.10Nickelous oxide
- 2825.40.90Other nickel oxides and hydroxides
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about nickel hydroxide
What is the HS code for Nickel hydroxide?
The HS code for Nickel hydroxide is 282540 (Nickel oxides and hydroxides). The HS code for nickel hydroxide is 2825.40, which covers nickel oxides and hydroxides.
How do I classify Nickel hydroxide for customs?
Nickel hydroxide is classified under HS code 282540 — Nickel oxides and hydroxides. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is battery-grade nickel hydroxide classified differently?
No, as long as it is a separate chemically defined compound, battery-grade nickel hydroxide remains under 2825.40.
Which countries are the top exporters of nickel hydroxide (HS 282540)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282540 (the code used for nickel hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data were China ($431M, 79% of world exports), Japan ($24M) and the Netherlands ($22M). World exports came to about $544M, 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 hydroxide (HS 282540)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 282540 (the code used for nickel hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($72M, 29% of world imports), the United States ($56M) and China ($49M). World imports came to about $247M, 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 hydroxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 282540 for Nickel hydroxide 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 hydroxide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 282540 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for nickel hydroxide depends on the product's details: 2825.40.10 (Nickelous oxide), 2825.40.90 (Other nickel oxides and hydroxides).