Product classification
HS code for PCT 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 PCT mixtures under HS 3824.82
HS code 3824.82 is specifically designated for chemical products and preparations containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs), or polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs). This classification is part of a global effort to monitor and control persistent organic pollutants (POPs) as mandated by the Stockholm and Basel Conventions. These mixtures are classified here because they contain specific hazardous substances listed in Subheading Note 3 to Chapter 38. Historically, these chemicals were used in industrial applications for their excellent dielectric properties and thermal stability. However, due to their environmental toxicity, they are now strictly regulated. The classification applies to mixtures where these substances are present as intentional ingredients or significant contaminants. Customs authorities use this code to ensure that hazardous waste or restricted industrial chemicals are handled according to international safety protocols. The code covers both unused chemical preparations and waste products containing these specific halogenated compounds, provided they are not classified more specifically elsewhere in the tariff.
- Covers
- Dielectric fluids containing PCTs
- Hydraulic fluids containing polychlorinated biphenyls
- Heat transfer fluids with PBB content
- Lubricating preparations containing PCBs
- Waste oils containing polychlorinated terphenyls
- 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. This code is often confused with 2710.91, which covers waste oils containing PCBs or PCTs. The distinction lies in whether the product is a primary chemical preparation (3824.82) or a waste petroleum oil (2710.91). It is also sometimes confused with 3824.99, the residual category for other chemical products, but 3824.82 takes precedence due to the specific mention of the hazardous substances in the subheading notes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 382482 (the code used for PCT mixtures), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 382482 (the code used for PCT 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 PCT 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 PCT 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 PCT mixtures
What is the HS code for PCT mixtures?
The HS code for PCT 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 polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) is 3824.82.
How do I classify PCT mixtures for customs?
PCT 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 3824.82 used for environmental monitoring?
It allows customs and environmental agencies to track the movement of hazardous persistent organic pollutants across borders to ensure compliance with international treaties.
Which countries are the top exporters of PCT mixtures (HS 382482)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 382482 (the code used for PCT 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 PCT mixtures (HS 382482)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 382482 (the code used for PCT 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 PCT mixtures the same in all countries?
The base HS code 382482 for PCT 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 PCT mixtures in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 382482 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for PCT mixtures depends on the product's details: 3824.82.10 (Mixtures containing PCBs), 3824.82.90 (Mixtures with PBBs or PCTs but not PCBs).