Product classification
HS code for Precious metal catalysts: 3815.12
Catalysts, supported, reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with precious metal or precious metal compounds as the active substance, n.e.c. or included.
Classification of precious metal catalysts under HS 3815.12
Precious metal catalysts are classified under HS code 3815.12. This heading covers supported catalysts where the active substance is a precious metal or a precious metal compound. These are chemical preparations used to initiate or accelerate chemical reactions in various industrial processes, such as petroleum refining or chemical synthesis. The classification depends on the catalyst being "supported," meaning the active precious metal (such as platinum, palladium, or rhodium) is dispersed on a carrier material like activated carbon, alumina, or silica. This distinguishes them from pure precious metals or catalysts that are not supported on a substrate. The presence of the precious metal as the active agent is the defining characteristic for this specific subheading within the broader category of supported catalysts.
- Covers
- Platinum on carbon catalysts
- Palladium on alumina catalysts
- Rhodium-based supported catalysts
- Silver-based oxidation catalysts
- Ruthenium on silica catalysts
- Also under 3815.12
- Johnson Matthey PGM Catalysts
- BASF Precious Metal Catalysts
- Umicore Automotive Catalysts
- Heraeus Precious Metal Catalysts
- Clariant Precious Metal Catalysts.
Codes often confused with 3815.12
Common mistake. Which other HS codes get confused with this one and why. Mention specific code numbers. A common misclassification is HS code 7115.10, which covers catalysts in the form of wire cloth or grill made of platinum. These are not "supported" catalysts. Another error is using 3815.11, which is for supported catalysts with nickel as the active substance, or 3815.19, which is for other supported catalysts not containing precious metals.
Top exporters and importers of HS 381512 (the code used for precious metal catalysts), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381512 (the code used for precious metal catalysts) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, 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 381512, not only precious metal catalysts.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $2.8B 23% of world exports
- 2 United States $1.5B 12% of world exports
- 3 North Macedonia $1.5B 12% of world exports
World total: $12.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $3.3B 27% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $1.4B 12% of world imports
- 3 China $1.2B 9.6% of world imports
World total: $12.2B 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 precious metal catalysts
Brazil splits HS 3815.12 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3815.12.10Precious-metal honeycomb catalysts for exhausts
- 3815.12.20Precious-metal catalysts, particles under 500 µm
- 3815.12.90Other supported precious-metal catalysts
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about precious metal catalysts
What is the HS code for Precious metal catalysts?
The HS code for Precious metal catalysts is 381512 (Catalysts, supported; reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with precious metal or precious metal compounds as the active substance, n.e.c. or included). The HS code for supported catalysts with precious metal as the active substance is 3815.12.
How do I classify Precious metal catalysts for customs?
Precious metal catalysts is classified under HS code 381512 — Catalysts, supported; reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with precious metal or precious metal compounds as the active substance, n.e.c. or included. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What defines a "supported" catalyst?
A supported catalyst consists of an active chemical agent deposited on an inert carrier material like carbon or ceramic to increase surface area.
Which countries are the top exporters of precious metal catalysts (HS 381512)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381512 (the code used for precious metal catalysts) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.8B, 23% of world exports), the United States ($1.5B) and North Macedonia ($1.5B). World exports came to about $12.2B, 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 precious metal catalysts (HS 381512)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 381512 (the code used for precious metal catalysts) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($3.3B, 27% of world imports), Mexico ($1.4B) and China ($1.2B). World imports came to about $12.2B, 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.
Is the HS code for Precious metal catalysts the same in all countries?
The base HS code 381512 for Precious metal catalysts 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 precious metal catalysts in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 381512 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for precious metal catalysts depends on the product's details: 3815.12.10 (Precious-metal honeycomb catalysts for exhausts), 3815.12.20 (Precious-metal catalysts, particles under 500 µm), 3815.12.90 (Other supported precious-metal catalysts).