Product classification
HS code for Platinum chloride: 2843.90
Inorganic or organic compounds of precious metals, n.e.c., amalgams.
Classification of platinum chloride under HS 2843.90
Platinum chloride is classified under HS code 2843.90, which encompasses inorganic or organic compounds of precious metals, whether or not chemically defined, as well as amalgams of precious metals. This classification is determined by the chemical nature of the product. Unlike elemental platinum, which is found in Chapter 71, platinum chloride is a chemical compound formed by the reaction of platinum with chlorine. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, the classification is dictated by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 28 specifically covers inorganic chemicals, and heading 2843 is the designated location for compounds of precious metals. Platinum chloride, whether in the form of platinum(II) chloride (PtCl2) or platinum(IV) chloride (PtCl4), serves as a critical precursor in the synthesis of other platinum compounds and as a catalyst in various chemical reactions. Because it is a distinct chemical compound rather than a metal alloy or a finished article of metal, it must remain within the chemical chapter of the Harmonized System.
- Covers
- Platinum(II) chloride
- Platinum(IV) chloride
- Chloroplatinic acid (often traded as platinum chloride)
- Hydrated platinum chloride salts
- Anhydrous platinum chloride powders
- Also under 2843.90
- Johnson Matthey (platinum group metal compounds)
- Heraeus (PGM chemicals)
- Umicore (PGM chemicals)
- BASF (catalyst precursors)
- Dentsply Sirona (dental amalgams)
Codes often confused with 2843.90
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying platinum chloride under HS code 7110.11, which is reserved for unwrought platinum or platinum in powder form. However, 7110 only applies to the metal in its elemental state, not its chemical compounds. Another common misclassification occurs with HS code 2843.10, which covers colloidal precious metals. Colloidal platinum consists of fine particles of the metal itself suspended in a liquid, whereas platinum chloride is a molecular compound. Furthermore, if the platinum chloride is prepared as a catalyst on a specific support (like alumina or carbon), it should be classified under heading 3815 rather than 2843.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284390 (the code used for platinum chloride), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284390 (the code used for platinum chloride) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, 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 284390, not only platinum chloride.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $2.7B 38% of world exports
- 2 Japan $1.6B 23% of world exports
- 3 United States $707M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $7.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $1.3B 27% of world imports
- 2 Germany $461M 9.5% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $408M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $4.8B 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 platinum chloride
Brazil splits HS 2843.90 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2843.90.11Lobaplatin and other listed platins, medicaments
- 2843.90.19Lobaplatin and other listed platins, other forms
- 2843.90.20Ruthenium trichloride solution, 17–27%
- 2843.90.30Hexachloroiridic acid solution, 17–27%
- 2843.90.40Ruthenium trichloride powder
- 2843.90.90Other precious metal compounds; amalgams
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about platinum chloride
What is the HS code for Platinum chloride?
The HS code for Platinum chloride is 284390 (Inorganic or organic compounds of precious metals, n.e.c.; amalgams). The HS code for platinum chloride is 2843.90, which covers various inorganic compounds of precious metals.
How do I classify Platinum chloride for customs?
Platinum chloride is classified under HS code 284390 — Inorganic or organic compounds of precious metals, n.e.c.; amalgams. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the purity of the platinum chloride affect its HS code?
No, as long as the substance remains a chemically defined compound of platinum and chlorine, it remains under 2843.90 regardless of the concentration or purity level.
Which countries are the top exporters of platinum chloride (HS 284390)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284390 (the code used for platinum chloride) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.7B, 38% of world exports), Japan ($1.6B) and the United States ($707M). World exports came to about $7.2B, 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 platinum chloride (HS 284390)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284390 (the code used for platinum chloride) in UN Comtrade data were India ($1.3B, 27% of world imports), Germany ($461M) and Mexico ($408M). World imports came to about $4.8B, 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 Platinum chloride the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284390 for Platinum chloride 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 platinum chloride in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 284390 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for platinum chloride depends on the product's details: 2843.90.11 (Lobaplatin and other listed platins, medicaments), 2843.90.19 (Lobaplatin and other listed platins, other forms), 2843.90.20 (Ruthenium trichloride solution, 17–27%), 2843.90.30 (Hexachloroiridic acid solution, 17–27%), 2843.90.40 (Ruthenium trichloride powder), 2843.90.90 (Other precious metal compounds; amalgams).