Product classification
HS code for Nuclear waste: 2844.44
Radioactive elements, isotopes, compounds n.e.c. in heading no. 2844, alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products, mixtures containing the elements, isotopes, compounds, radioactive residues.
Classification of nuclear waste under HS 2844.44
Nuclear waste is classified under HS code 2844.44, which encompasses radioactive elements, isotopes, and compounds not elsewhere specified, as well as radioactive residues. This classification is used because the material consists of by-products from nuclear reactors or other radioactive processes that no longer serve their original purpose but retain radioactive properties. Heading 2844 specifically deals with radioactive chemical elements and isotopes, and subheading 2844.44 acts as a residual category for various radioactive mixtures and waste products that do not fall under the more specific headings for natural uranium, enriched uranium, or plutonium.
- Covers
- Spent fuel rods designated as waste
- Radioactive contaminated laboratory materials
- Depleted radioactive sources from medical or industrial use
- Radioactive residues from nuclear power plant decommissioning
- Mixtures containing radioactive isotopes intended for disposal
- Also under 2844.44
- Orano (nuclear waste management)
- EnergySolutions (radioactive waste services)
- specialized research facilities.
Codes often confused with 2844.44
Common mistake. Nuclear waste is sometimes confused with 2844.10 (natural uranium) or 2844.20 (enriched uranium) if the waste contains significant quantities of these elements; however, if the material is strictly a residue or waste product, 2844.44 is the correct designation. It may also be misclassified under 2612.10, which is for uranium ores and concentrates. Ores are raw materials extracted from the earth, whereas 2844.44 covers materials that have undergone chemical or nuclear processing.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284444 (the code used for nuclear waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284444 (the code used for nuclear waste) in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 27% 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 284444, not only nuclear waste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Australia $7.7M 41% of world exports
- 2 United States $6.2M 34% of world exports
- 3 France $2.2M 12% of world exports
World total: $19M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $5.4M 27% of world imports
- 2 Norway $4.8M 24% of world imports
- 3 Pakistan $1.8M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $20M 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 nuclear waste
Brazil classifies nuclear waste under NCM 2844.44.00: HS 2844.44 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about nuclear waste
What is the HS code for Nuclear waste?
The HS code for Nuclear waste is 284444 (Radioactive elements, isotopes, compounds n.e.c. in heading no. 2844, alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products, mixtures containing the elements, isotopes, compounds; radioactive residues).
How do I classify Nuclear waste for customs?
Nuclear waste is classified under HS code 284444 — Radioactive elements, isotopes, compounds n.e.c. in heading no. 2844, alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products, mixtures containing the elements, isotopes, compounds; radioactive residues. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for radioactive nuclear waste?
The HS code for radioactive residues and nuclear waste is 2844.44.
Is all hazardous waste classified under this code?
No, only waste that is specifically radioactive is classified under 2844.44. Other hazardous chemical waste that does not contain radioactive isotopes falls under heading 3825.
Which countries are the top exporters of nuclear waste (HS 284444)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284444 (the code used for nuclear waste) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($7.7M, 41% of world exports), the United States ($6.2M) and France ($2.2M). World exports came to about $19M, 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 waste (HS 284444)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284444 (the code used for nuclear waste) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($5.4M, 27% of world imports), Norway ($4.8M) and Pakistan ($1.8M). World imports came to about $20M, 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 waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284444 for Nuclear waste 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 waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, nuclear waste (HS 284444) is classified under NCM 2844.44.00.