Product classification
HS code for PBDE mixtures: 3824.88
Chemical products, mixtures and preparations, containing goods specified in Subheading Note 3 to this Chapter, containing tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- or octabromodiphenyl ethers.
Classification of PBDE mixtures under HS 3824.88
PBDE mixtures are classified under HS code 3824.88. This classification is determined by the Harmonized System's structure for miscellaneous chemical products in Chapter 38. Specifically, heading 3824 covers chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries that are not elsewhere specified or included. Subheading 3824.88 was specifically introduced to monitor and control substances regulated under international environmental agreements, such as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). This code targets mixtures containing polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), including tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, or octabromodiphenyl ethers. These substances are primarily used as flame retardant additives in various industrial applications, particularly in plastics and textiles. According to General Interpretative Rules (GRI) 1 and 6, the specific mention of these brominated ethers in the subheading note for Chapter 38 necessitates their placement here when they are presented as mixtures rather than as pure, chemically defined compounds.
- Covers
- Flame retardant chemical preparations containing PBDEs
- Industrial mixtures of brominated diphenyl ethers
- Plastic additive masterbatches containing tetra- or pentabromodiphenyl ethers
- Chemical mixtures used in textile back-coating containing octabromodiphenyl ether
- Also under 3824.88
- Sims Lifecycle Services (e-waste recycling)
- hazardous waste management firms (e.g., Veolia)
- specialized analytical standard suppliers
Codes often confused with 3824.88
Common mistake. PBDE mixtures are frequently confused with pure chemicals classified under HS code 2909.30. While Chapter 29 covers separate chemically defined organic compounds, Chapter 38 is reserved for mixtures and preparations. If the PBDE is 100% pure or contains only impurities, it belongs in 2909.30. Additionally, mixtures containing other halogenated substances might be misclassified under 3824.81 or 3824.99 if the specific PBDE content is not correctly identified during laboratory testing.
Top exporters and importers of HS 382488 (the code used for PBDE mixtures), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382488 (the code used for PBDE mixtures) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 24% 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 382488, not only PBDE mixtures.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $912K 45% of world exports
- 2 Germany $526K 26% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $108K 5.3% of world exports
World total: $2.0M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $2.1M 24% of world imports
- 2 France $1.4M 16% of world imports
- 3 El Salvador $897K 10% of world imports
World total: $9.0M 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 PBDE mixtures
Brazil splits HS 3824.88 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3824.88.10Tetra- or pentabromodiphenyl ether mixtures
- 3824.88.20Hexa- to octabromodiphenyl ether mixtures
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about PBDE mixtures
What is the HS code for PBDE mixtures?
The HS code for PBDE mixtures is 382488 (Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; containing goods specified in Subheading Note 3 to this Chapter; containing tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- or octabromodiphenyl ethers). The specific HS code for mixtures containing tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, or octabromodiphenyl ethers is 3824.88.
How do I classify PBDE mixtures for customs?
PBDE mixtures is classified under HS code 382488 — Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; containing goods specified in Subheading Note 3 to this Chapter; containing tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- or octabromodiphenyl ethers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are pure PBDE chemicals classified under this code?
No, pure chemically defined PBDEs are classified in Chapter 29 under heading 2909, as 3824.88 is strictly for mixtures and preparations.
Which countries are the top exporters of PBDE mixtures (HS 382488)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382488 (the code used for PBDE mixtures) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($912K, 45% of world exports), Germany ($526K) and South Africa ($108K). World exports came to about $2.0M, 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 PBDE mixtures (HS 382488)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 382488 (the code used for PBDE mixtures) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($2.1M, 24% of world imports), France ($1.4M) and El Salvador ($897K). World imports came to about $9.0M, 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 PBDE mixtures the same in all countries?
The base HS code 382488 for PBDE 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 PBDE mixtures in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 382488 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for PBDE mixtures depends on the product's details: 3824.88.10 (Tetra- or pentabromodiphenyl ether mixtures), 3824.88.20 (Hexa- to octabromodiphenyl ether mixtures).