Product classification
HS code for Polonium: 2844.42
Radioactive elements, actinium-225, 227, californium-253, curium-240, 241, 242, 243, 244, einsteinium-253, 254, gadolinium-148, polonium-208, 209, 210, radium-223, uranium-230 or 232, compounds, alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures.
Classification of polonium under HS 2844.42
Polonium is classified under HS code 2844.42. This classification is part of the chapter for inorganic chemicals and covers radioactive elements and isotopes. Specifically, heading 2844 deals with radioactive chemical elements and radioactive isotopes. Subcode 2844.42 is a specialized category that explicitly lists Polonium-208, Polonium-209, and Polonium-210, along with their compounds, alloys, dispersions, and mixtures. Polonium is a highly radioactive metal, and its classification is determined by its isotopic properties rather than its chemical behavior as a metalloid. This code also encompasses ceramic products and mixtures containing these specific polonium isotopes, which are often used in industrial static eliminators or as heat sources in space applications.
- Covers
- Polonium-210 radioactive sources
- Polonium oxide compounds
- Radioactive alloys containing Polonium-210
- Sealed polonium sources for static elimination
- Isotopic mixtures containing Polonium-208 or 209
- Also under 2844.42
- Bayer Xofigo (Radium-223)
- Actinium Pharmaceuticals (Actinium-225)
- specialized neutron source manufacturers.
Codes often confused with 2844.42
Common mistake. Polonium is sometimes misclassified under 2844.43, which is the residual category for other radioactive isotopes not mentioned in 2844.41 or 2844.42. Because Polonium isotopes are specifically named in 2844.42, that code must take precedence. It is also occasionally confused with 2843, which covers precious metals in colloidal form, but as a radioactive element, Polonium must remain in 2844. Non-radioactive isotopes of other elements would fall under 2845.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284442 (the code used for polonium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284442 (the code used for polonium) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% 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 284442, not only polonium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $43M 38% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $26M 24% of world exports
- 3 Norway $19M 17% of world exports
World total: $112M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $25M 16% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $20M 13% of world imports
- 3 Spain $16M 11% of world imports
World total: $156M 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 code for polonium
Brazil classifies polonium under NCM 2844.42.00: HS 2844.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polonium
What is the HS code for Polonium?
The HS code for Polonium is 284442 (Radioactive elements; actinium-225, 227, californium-253, curium-240, 241, 242, 243, 244, einsteinium-253, 254, gadolinium-148, polonium-208, 209, 210, radium-223, uranium-230 or 232, compounds; alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures).
How do I classify Polonium for customs?
Polonium is classified under HS code 284442 — Radioactive elements; actinium-225, 227, californium-253, curium-240, 241, 242, 243, 244, einsteinium-253, 254, gadolinium-148, polonium-208, 209, 210, radium-223, uranium-230 or 232, compounds; alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for Polonium-210?
The HS code for Polonium-210 and its compounds is 2844.42.
Does this code include static eliminators?
If the item is the radioactive source itself (the Polonium), it is 2844.42. If it is a finished apparatus containing the source, it may be classified in Chapter 84 or 90 depending on the device.
Which countries are the top exporters of polonium (HS 284442)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284442 (the code used for polonium) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($43M, 38% of world exports), the Netherlands ($26M) and Norway ($19M). World exports came to about $112M, 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 polonium (HS 284442)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284442 (the code used for polonium) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($25M, 16% of world imports), Malaysia ($20M) and Spain ($16M). World imports came to about $156M, 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 Polonium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284442 for Polonium 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 polonium in Brazil?
In Brazil, polonium (HS 284442) is classified under NCM 2844.42.00.