Product classification
HS code for Radioactive isotopes: 2844.43
Radioactive elements, isotopes and compounds, other alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing these elements, isotopes or compounds.
Classification of radioactive isotopes under HS 2844.43
Radioactive isotopes and their compounds are classified under HS code 2844.43. This code is part of Chapter 28, which deals with inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. Heading 2844 is specifically for radioactive chemical elements and radioactive isotopes. Subheading 2844.43 is a residual category for radioactive elements, isotopes, and compounds other than those specified in 2844.10 (natural uranium), 2844.20 (enriched uranium/plutonium), or 2844.30 (depleted uranium/thorium). This classification includes a wide range of isotopes used in medical diagnostics, industrial radiography, and scientific research. The classification is determined by the radioactive nature of the material, regardless of its physical form (e.g., liquid, solid, or gas) or its chemical composition, provided it contains radioactive isotopes. These materials are highly regulated due to their hazardous nature and potential for dual-use in both civilian and military applications.
- Covers
- Cobalt-60 isotopes
- Iodine-131 for medical use
- Cesium-137 sources
- Iridium-192 for industrial radiography
- Radioactive compounds for PET scans (e.g., Fluorodeoxyglucose)
- Americium-241 (when not in smoke detector assemblies)
- Also under 2844.43
- Eckert & Ziegler (Cobalt-60)
- QSA Global (Iridium-192)
- various radiopharmaceutical companies.
Codes often confused with 2844.43
Common mistake. Radioactive isotopes are often confused with non-radioactive isotopes, which are classified under HS code 2845.90. The presence of radioactivity is the defining factor for Chapter 2844. Another common error is classifying medical isotopes under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical products). While they are used in medicine, General Note 1 to Chapter 30 states that radioactive isotopes are excluded from that chapter and must remain in Chapter 28. Furthermore, fissile materials like Plutonium-239 must be classified under 2844.20, not 2844.43.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284443 (the code used for radioactive isotopes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284443 (the code used for radioactive isotopes) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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 284443, not only radioactive isotopes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $490M 20% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $374M 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $368M 15% of world exports
World total: $2.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $715M 26% of world imports
- 2 Germany $276M 10% of world imports
- 3 France $213M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $2.7B 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 radioactive isotopes
Brazil splits HS 2844.43 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2844.43.10Molybdenum-99 on alumina for technetium-99
- 2844.43.20Cobalt-60 radioactive isotope
- 2844.43.30Iodine-131 radioactive isotope
- 2844.43.90Other radioactive elements, isotopes, compounds
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about radioactive isotopes
What is the HS code for Radioactive isotopes?
The HS code for Radioactive isotopes is 284443 (Radioactive elements, isotopes and compounds; other alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing these elements, isotopes or compounds). The HS code for radioactive isotopes and their compounds (excluding uranium, thorium, and plutonium) is 2844.43.
How do I classify Radioactive isotopes for customs?
Radioactive isotopes is classified under HS code 284443 — Radioactive elements, isotopes and compounds; other alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing these elements, isotopes or compounds. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are radioactive isotopes used in medicine classified as drugs?
No, for customs purposes, radioactive isotopes used in medicine are classified under HS code 2844.43 rather than as pharmaceutical products in Chapter 30.
Which countries are the top exporters of radioactive isotopes (HS 284443)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284443 (the code used for radioactive isotopes) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($490M, 20% of world exports), the Netherlands ($374M) and Germany ($368M). World exports came to about $2.4B, 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 radioactive isotopes (HS 284443)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284443 (the code used for radioactive isotopes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($715M, 26% of world imports), Germany ($276M) and France ($213M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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 Radioactive isotopes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284443 for Radioactive isotopes 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 radioactive isotopes in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 284443 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for radioactive isotopes depends on the product's details: 2844.43.10 (Molybdenum-99 on alumina for technetium-99), 2844.43.20 (Cobalt-60 radioactive isotope), 2844.43.30 (Iodine-131 radioactive isotope), 2844.43.90 (Other radioactive elements, isotopes, compounds).