Product classification
HS code for Plutonium: 2844.20
Uranium, enriched in U235, plutonium, their compounds, alloys dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing uranium enriched in U235, plutonium or compounds of these products.
Classification of plutonium under HS 2844.20
The classification of plutonium and its related compounds is governed by Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. Specifically, heading 2844 is dedicated to radioactive chemical elements and radioactive isotopes. Subheading 2844.20 specifically identifies uranium enriched in U235 and plutonium, as well as their compounds, alloys, dispersions, and cermets. This classification is strictly based on the chemical and isotopic composition of the material. Plutonium is a transuranic radioactive element, and for the purposes of the Harmonized System, it is grouped with enriched uranium due to its fissile nature and its primary use in nuclear fuel cycles and research. The code covers the element in its metallic form, as well as oxides, fluorides, and other chemical variations. Because these materials are subject to intense international regulation and the Dual-Use goods list, precise classification under 2844.20 is mandatory for all cross-border movements.
- Covers
- Plutonium metal and alloys
- Plutonium dioxide (PuO2)
- Plutonium nitrate
- Cermets containing plutonium
- Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel containing plutonium
- Also under 2844.20
- Urenco (enriched uranium)
- Rosatom (enriched uranium, plutonium)
- Orano (enriched uranium, MOX fuel)
- Westinghouse (nuclear fuel fabrication)
- General Electric (nuclear fuel fabrication)
Codes often confused with 2844.20
Common mistake. Plutonium is frequently confused with other radioactive materials in the same heading. For instance, natural uranium and its compounds fall under 2844.10, while depleted uranium and thorium fall under 2844.30. Spent (irradiated) fuel elements from nuclear reactors are classified under 2844.50. It is vital to know the isotopic enrichment and the specific element involved to avoid misclassification between these subheadings.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284420 (the code used for plutonium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284420 (the code used for plutonium) in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 40% 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 284420, not only plutonium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Russia* ~$3.2B 33% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 France $3.0B 31% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $1.7B 17% of world exports
World total: $9.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $4.4B 40% of world imports
- 2 China $1.3B 12% of world imports
- 3 Sweden $1.2B 11% of world imports
World total: $10.8B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 code for plutonium
Brazil classifies plutonium under NCM 2844.20.00: HS 2844.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about plutonium
What is the HS code for Plutonium?
The HS code for Plutonium is 284420 (Uranium; enriched in U235, plutonium, their compounds, alloys dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing uranium enriched in U235, plutonium or compounds of these products). Plutonium, including its compounds and alloys, is classified under HS code 2844.20.
How do I classify Plutonium for customs?
Plutonium is classified under HS code 284420 — Uranium; enriched in U235, plutonium, their compounds, alloys dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing uranium enriched in U235, plutonium or compounds of these products. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include nuclear waste?
No, radioactive waste is generally classified under 2844.40 or 2844.50 depending on whether it consists of spent fuel or other contaminated materials.
Which countries are the top exporters of plutonium (HS 284420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284420 (the code used for plutonium) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $3.2B, 33% of world exports), France ($3.0B) and the Netherlands ($1.7B). World exports came to about $9.8B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of plutonium (HS 284420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284420 (the code used for plutonium) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.4B, 40% of world imports), China ($1.3B) and Sweden ($1.2B). World imports came to about $10.8B, 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 Plutonium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284420 for Plutonium 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 plutonium in Brazil?
In Brazil, plutonium (HS 284420) is classified under NCM 2844.20.00.