Product classification
HS code for Nuclear fuel elements: 8401.30
Fuel elements (cartridges), non-irradiated.
Classification of nuclear fuel elements under HS 8401.30
Nuclear fuel elements, specifically non-irradiated cartridges, are classified under HS code 8401.30. This code is found in Chapter 84, which generally covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Heading 8401 is specifically for nuclear reactors and the fuel elements (cartridges) used within them. The subheading 8401.30 is reserved for fuel elements that have not yet been used in a reactor (non-irradiated). These elements typically consist of fissile or fertile material (like uranium or plutonium) enclosed in a metal cladding, designed to be inserted into a nuclear reactor core. The classification is determined by the specialized mechanical design of the cartridge and its intended use in a reactor. It is distinct from the raw radioactive chemicals found in Chapter 28, as the fuel element is a finished mechanical component of the reactor system. The classification process involves verifying that the element is "non-irradiated," as spent or irradiated fuel elements are treated as radioactive waste or materials for reprocessing, which changes their HS status significantly.
- Covers
- Uranium dioxide fuel rods for light water reactors
- Fuel assemblies for pressurized water reactors (PWR)
- Non-irradiated MOX (Mixed Oxide) fuel elements
- Bundles of fuel pins for nuclear power generation
- Control rods containing fissile material for reactor cores
- Also under 8401.30
- Westinghouse fuel assemblies
- Framatome (Areva) fuel
- TVEL fuel (Rosatom)
- GE-Hitachi fuel
Codes often confused with 8401.30
Common mistake. A common mistake is classifying these under HS code 2844, which covers radioactive chemical elements and isotopes. While the fuel contains these elements, the "element" or "cartridge" form makes it a mechanical part of the reactor under 8401.30. Additionally, irradiated (spent) fuel elements are classified under 2844.50, so the "non-irradiated" status is the critical factor for using 8401.30.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840130 (the code used for nuclear fuel elements), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840130 (the code used for nuclear fuel elements) in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% 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 840130, not only nuclear fuel elements.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Russia* ~$961M 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Sweden $889M 18% of world exports
- 3 Kazakhstan $645M 13% of world exports
World total: $4.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.2B 30% of world imports
- 2 France $487M 12% of world imports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$418M 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $3.9B 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 code for nuclear fuel elements
Brazil classifies nuclear fuel elements under NCM 8401.30.00: HS 8401.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about nuclear fuel elements
What is the HS code for Nuclear fuel elements?
The HS code for Nuclear fuel elements is 840130 (Fuel elements (cartridges); non-irradiated). The HS code for non-irradiated nuclear fuel elements (cartridges) is 8401.30.
How do I classify Nuclear fuel elements for customs?
Nuclear fuel elements is classified under HS code 840130 — Fuel elements (cartridges); non-irradiated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the uranium ore?
No, uranium ore is classified under HS code 2612.10. HS code 8401.30 only applies to the finished fuel cartridges ready for reactor insertion.
Which countries are the top exporters of nuclear fuel elements (HS 840130)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840130 (the code used for nuclear fuel elements) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $961M, 20% of world exports), Sweden ($889M) and Kazakhstan ($645M). World exports came to about $4.9B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of nuclear fuel elements (HS 840130)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840130 (the code used for nuclear fuel elements) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 30% of world imports), France ($487M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $418M). World imports came to about $3.9B, 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 Nuclear fuel elements the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840130 for Nuclear fuel elements 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 nuclear fuel elements in Brazil?
In Brazil, nuclear fuel elements (HS 840130) is classified under NCM 8401.30.00.