Product classification
HS code for Nickel oxide: 2825.40
Nickel oxides and hydroxides.
Classification of nickel oxide under HS 2825.40
Nickel oxide is classified under HS code 2825.40. Chapter 28 covers inorganic chemicals, and heading 2825 is reserved for hydrazine, hydroxylamine, and their inorganic salts, as well as other inorganic bases and metal oxides. Subheading 2825.40 specifically identifies nickel oxides and hydroxides. This classification is appropriate for chemically defined nickel oxides used in industrial applications such as glass making, ceramics, or as catalysts. It is distinguished from metallurgical intermediates by its chemical purity and the absence of the sintering process that would otherwise place it in Chapter 75. The classification requires the product to be a separate chemically defined compound, which is the standard for most items falling within Chapter 28.
- Covers
- Nickel monoxide (NiO)
- Nickelic oxide (Ni2O3)
- Nickel hydroxide
- Pure chemical nickel oxides
- Nickelous oxide
- 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. The most common misclassification for nickel oxide is HS code 7501.20, which covers nickel oxide sinters. While both contain nickel and oxygen, sinters are metallurgical intermediates produced by heating but not melting, often containing more impurities. Another misclassification occurs with nickel-based pigments under 3206.49, which are classified based on their use as coloring matter rather than their chemical identity as an oxide.
Top exporters and importers of HS 282540 (the code used for nickel oxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282540 (the code used for nickel oxide) 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 oxide.
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 oxide
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 oxide
What is the HS code for Nickel oxide?
The HS code for Nickel oxide is 282540 (Nickel oxides and hydroxides). The HS code for chemically defined nickel oxides and hydroxides is 2825.40.
How do I classify Nickel oxide for customs?
Nickel oxide is classified under HS code 282540 — Nickel oxides and hydroxides. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does nickel oxide differ from nickel oxide sinter in classification?
Nickel oxide (2825.40) is a pure chemical compound, whereas nickel oxide sinter (7501.20) is a metallurgical intermediate product with different physical properties and purity levels.
Which countries are the top exporters of nickel oxide (HS 282540)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282540 (the code used for nickel oxide) 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 oxide (HS 282540)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 282540 (the code used for nickel oxide) 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 oxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 282540 for Nickel oxide 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 oxide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 282540 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for nickel oxide depends on the product's details: 2825.40.10 (Nickelous oxide), 2825.40.90 (Other nickel oxides and hydroxides).