Product classification
HS code for PCB 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 PCB mixtures under HS 3824.82
PCB mixtures are classified under HS code 3824.82. This classification is part of Chapter 38, which covers miscellaneous chemical products. Heading 3824 is a "basket" heading for chemical products and preparations not elsewhere specified or included. Subheading 3824.82 was specifically created to monitor and control the trade of hazardous substances containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs), or polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs). This is in alignment with international environmental agreements like the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. The classification applies to any mixture or preparation where these substances are present, often used in the past as dielectric fluids in transformers or capacitors. The presence of PCBs, even in a mixture with mineral oils, triggers the use of this specific subheading rather than the headings for the individual components. This is mandated by Subheading Note 3 to Chapter 38, which prioritizes the classification of mixtures containing these specific persistent organic pollutants. The goal of this specific code is to facilitate the tracking of these substances for environmental protection and safe disposal. Even if the mixture has a different primary function, the presence of PCBs at regulated levels necessitates the use of 3824.82.
- Covers
- Transformer oils containing PCBs
- Dielectric fluids with polychlorinated biphenyls
- Heat transfer fluids containing PCTs
- Hydraulic fluids containing PBBs
- Waste oils containing PCBs
- Chemical preparations containing polybrominated biphenyls
- 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. A frequent error is classifying these under HS code 2710.19, which covers heavy mineral oils. While the base of the mixture may be a petroleum oil, Subheading Note 3 to Chapter 38 requires that mixtures containing PCBs be classified under 3824.82. Another misclassification is 3811.21, which covers lubricating oil additives, but the specific environmental hazard of PCBs takes precedence in classification. Waste oils containing PCBs are also sometimes incorrectly placed in 2710.91.
Top exporters and importers of HS 382482 (the code used for PCB mixtures), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382482 (the code used for PCB 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 PCB 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 PCB 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 PCB mixtures
What is the HS code for PCB mixtures?
The HS code for PCB 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 is 3824.82, specifically for mixtures containing polychlorinated biphenyls.
How do I classify PCB mixtures for customs?
PCB 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.
Are PCB mixtures restricted for import?
Yes, most countries have strict regulations or total bans on the import of PCB-containing mixtures due to their toxicity and environmental persistence.
Which countries are the top exporters of PCB mixtures (HS 382482)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382482 (the code used for PCB 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 PCB mixtures (HS 382482)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 382482 (the code used for PCB 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 PCB mixtures the same in all countries?
The base HS code 382482 for PCB 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 PCB mixtures in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 382482 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for PCB mixtures depends on the product's details: 3824.82.10 (Mixtures containing PCBs), 3824.82.90 (Mixtures with PBBs or PCTs but not PCBs).