Product classification
HS code for Nitrogen: 2804.30
Nitrogen.
Classification of nitrogen under HS 2804.30
Nitrogen is classified under HS code 2804.30, which falls within Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. This chapter is dedicated to inorganic chemicals, including precious metals, rare-earth metals, radioactive elements, or isotopes. Specifically, heading 2804 covers hydrogen, rare gases, and other non-metals. Nitrogen, being a non-metallic chemical element that exists as a gas at standard temperature and pressure, is explicitly categorized under subheading 2804.30. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the nitrogen is in a gaseous or liquid state, provided it is not mixed with other gases in a way that changes its fundamental character as a pure chemical element. The General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System dictate that products are classified according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since nitrogen is a distinct chemical element, it fits perfectly within the scope of 2804. This classification is used globally for customs declarations, ensuring that the substance is handled according to the specific safety and regulatory standards required for industrial gases.
- Covers
- Compressed nitrogen gas for industrial use
- Liquid nitrogen (refrigerated liquefied gas)
- High-purity nitrogen for laboratory applications
- Nitrogen used in food packaging (modified atmosphere)
- Nitrogen for tire inflation
- Also under 2804.30
- BOC Nitrogen
- Taiyo Nippon Sanso Nitrogen
- Air Products Nitrogen
- Linde Nitrogen
Codes often confused with 2804.30
Common mistake. Nitrogen is frequently confused with HS code 2804.40, which is designated for oxygen. While both are atmospheric gases, they are chemically distinct and must be declared separately. Another common error involves gas mixtures classified under 3824.99. If nitrogen is mixed with significant amounts of other gases (like argon or carbon dioxide) for specific industrial applications, it may lose its status as a pure element under 2804 and move to the chemical products category. Additionally, ammonia (NH3) is sometimes mistakenly associated with nitrogen's code, but it belongs under 2814.10 as a distinct chemical compound.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280430 (the code used for nitrogen), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280430 (the code used for nitrogen) in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 19% 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 280430, not only nitrogen.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Belgium $55M 18% of world exports
- 2 United States $40M 13% of world exports
- 3 Germany $32M 10% of world exports
World total: $307M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $61M 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $30M 9.1% of world imports
- 3 France $26M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $331M 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 nitrogen
Brazil classifies nitrogen under NCM 2804.30.00: HS 2804.30 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 nitrogen
What is the HS code for Nitrogen?
The HS code for Nitrogen is 280430 (Nitrogen). The HS code for Nitrogen is 2804.30, which covers the element in both gaseous and liquefied forms.
How do I classify Nitrogen for customs?
Nitrogen is classified under HS code 280430 — Nitrogen. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is liquid nitrogen classified differently than gaseous nitrogen?
No, both liquid and gaseous nitrogen are classified under 2804.30. The physical state (liquid vs. gas) does not change the primary HS code classification for this pure element.
Which countries are the top exporters of nitrogen (HS 280430)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280430 (the code used for nitrogen) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($55M, 18% of world exports), the United States ($40M) and Germany ($32M). World exports came to about $307M, 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 nitrogen (HS 280430)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280430 (the code used for nitrogen) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($61M, 19% of world imports), Germany ($30M) and France ($26M). World imports came to about $331M, 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 Nitrogen the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280430 for Nitrogen 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 nitrogen in Brazil?
In Brazil, nitrogen (HS 280430) is classified under NCM 2804.30.00.