Product classification
HS code for PBB mixtures: 3824.82
Chemical products, mixtures and preparations, containing goods specified in Subheading Note 3 to this Chapter, containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) or polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs).
Classification of PBB mixtures under HS 3824.82
PBB mixtures are classified under HS code 3824.82, a specific category within the "Miscellaneous chemical products" chapter of the Harmonized System. This classification is strictly governed by international environmental regulations, specifically the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) are a group of brominated hydrocarbons that were widely used as flame retardants in various consumer products, including plastics and textiles. Due to their high toxicity and tendency to bioaccumulate in the environment, their production and trade are strictly monitored. HS code 3824.82 was created to provide a clear and distinct path for the classification of chemical mixtures and preparations that contain PBBs. According to Subheading Note 3 to Chapter 38, mixtures containing these substances must be classified in subheadings 3824.81 through 3824.88, taking precedence over other subheadings in 3824. This means that even if a mixture has other functions, the presence of PBBs dictates the use of 3824.82. Importers must ensure that their Safety Data Sheets (SDS) clearly state the concentration of PBBs to avoid misclassification. Correct classification is vital for environmental compliance and for meeting the reporting requirements of national environmental protection agencies, as these substances are often subject to import bans or severe restrictions.
- Covers
- Flame retardant chemical mixtures containing PBBs
- Plastic masterbatches containing polybrominated biphenyls
- Industrial chemical preparations with PBB additives
- Legacy chemical stocks containing PBB compounds
- Also under 3824.82
- Veolia Environmental Services (PCB waste)
- Clean Harbors (hazardous waste disposal)
- Sigma-Aldrich (analytical standards of PCBs)
Codes often confused with 3824.82
Common mistake. PBB mixtures are often misclassified under 3824.99, which is the general "other" category for chemical products. They may also be confused with 3824.81, which is specifically for mixtures containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs). Additionally, pure PBB compounds should be classified in Chapter 29 (specifically 2903.99) rather than Chapter 38, which is reserved for mixtures.
Top exporters and importers of HS 382482 (the code used for PBB mixtures), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382482 (the code used for PBB mixtures) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 14% 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 382482, not only PBB mixtures.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.3M 39% of world exports
- 2 Italy $687K 20% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $578K 17% of world exports
World total: $3.5M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $579K 14% of world imports
- 2 Italy $507K 12% of world imports
- 3 France $357K 8.5% of world imports
World total: $4.2M 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 PBB mixtures
Brazil splits HS 3824.82 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3824.82.10Mixtures containing PCBs
- 3824.82.90Mixtures with PBBs or PCTs but not PCBs
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about PBB mixtures
What is the HS code for PBB mixtures?
The HS code for PBB mixtures is 382482 (Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; containing goods specified in Subheading Note 3 to this Chapter; containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) or polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs)). The HS code for chemical mixtures containing polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) is 3824.82.
How do I classify PBB mixtures for customs?
PBB mixtures is classified under HS code 382482 — Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; containing goods specified in Subheading Note 3 to this Chapter; containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) or polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is this code used instead of a general chemical code?
HS code 3824.82 is a specific provision mandated by international law to track persistent organic pollutants, ensuring they are not hidden in general chemical categories.
Which countries are the top exporters of PBB mixtures (HS 382482)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382482 (the code used for PBB mixtures) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.3M, 39% of world exports), Italy ($687K) and South Africa ($578K). World exports came to about $3.5M, 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 PBB mixtures (HS 382482)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 382482 (the code used for PBB mixtures) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($579K, 14% of world imports), Italy ($507K) and France ($357K). World imports came to about $4.2M, 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 PBB mixtures the same in all countries?
The base HS code 382482 for PBB mixtures 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 PBB mixtures in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 382482 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for PBB mixtures depends on the product's details: 3824.82.10 (Mixtures containing PCBs), 3824.82.90 (Mixtures with PBBs or PCTs but not PCBs).