Product classification
HS code for Quicksilver: 2805.40
Mercury.
Classification of quicksilver under HS 2805.40
Quicksilver, the common name for the element mercury, is classified under HS code 2805.40. This code is found in Chapter 28, which encompasses inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. Heading 2805 covers alkali or alkaline-earth metals, rare-earth metals, and mercury. Mercury is unique among metals for being liquid at standard temperature and pressure, which historically led to the name "quicksilver." The subheading 2805.40 is specifically dedicated to this element in its pure, unalloyed form. The classification applies to the metal regardless of its intended use, whether for industrial thermometers, barometers, or chemical catalysis. It is typically traded in standard steel flasks containing 34.5 kg of the liquid metal. The classification is based on the chemical purity of the element. It is important to note that this code is for the element itself; chemical compounds where mercury is chemically bonded with other elements are classified elsewhere in the tariff schedule.
- Covers
- Elemental mercury (quicksilver)
- Liquid mercury in steel flasks
- High-purity mercury for laboratory use
- Technical grade mercury for industrial applications
- Distilled mercury metal
- Also under 2805.40
- Elemental mercury
- mercury thermometers (historical)
- dental amalgam capsules
- mercury vapor lamps
- mercury switches (historical)
Codes often confused with 2805.40
Common mistake. Quicksilver is often confused with mercury compounds, which are classified under heading 2852. Heading 2852 covers both inorganic and organic compounds of mercury, such as mercury chloride or methylmercury. Another potential misclassification is 3824.99 for chemical mixtures. However, if the product is the pure element mercury, 2805.40 is the only correct code. Amalgams (alloys of mercury with other metals) are also excluded from 2805.40 and are generally classified under 2853 or in Chapter 71 if they contain precious metals.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280540 (the code used for quicksilver), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280540 (the code used for quicksilver) in UN Comtrade data was Peru, with about 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 38% 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 280540, not only quicksilver.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Peru* ~$2.2M 27% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$1.7M 21% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Japan $1.5M 19% of world exports
World total: $7.9M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $3.7M 38% of world imports
- 2 South Africa $1.7M 18% of world imports
- 3 Sudan* ~$630K 6.4% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $9.9M 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 quicksilver
Brazil classifies quicksilver under NCM 2805.40.00: HS 2805.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about quicksilver
What is the HS code for Quicksilver?
The HS code for Quicksilver is 280540 (Mercury).
How do I classify Quicksilver for customs?
Quicksilver is classified under HS code 280540 — Mercury. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for liquid mercury?
Liquid mercury, also known as quicksilver, is classified under HS code 2805.40.
Are mercury-filled thermometers classified under 2805.40?
No, finished products like thermometers are classified under heading 9025. HS code 2805.40 only covers the raw elemental metal.
Which countries are the top exporters of quicksilver (HS 280540)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280540 (the code used for quicksilver) in UN Comtrade data were Peru (about $2.2M, 27% of world exports), the United Arab Emirates (about $1.7M) and Japan ($1.5M). World exports came to about $7.9M, 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 quicksilver (HS 280540)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280540 (the code used for quicksilver) in UN Comtrade data were India ($3.7M, 38% of world imports), South Africa ($1.7M) and Sudan (about $630K). World imports came to about $9.9M, 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 Quicksilver the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280540 for Quicksilver 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 quicksilver in Brazil?
In Brazil, quicksilver (HS 280540) is classified under NCM 2805.40.00.