Product classification
HS code for Radioactive materials: 2844.44
Radioactive elements, isotopes, compounds n.e.c. in heading no. 2844, alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products, mixtures containing the elements, isotopes, compounds, radioactive residues.
Classification of radioactive materials under HS 2844.44
Classification under HS code 2844.44 is reserved for radioactive elements, isotopes, and their compounds that are not specifically mentioned in other subheadings of heading 2844. This heading is part of Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals and precious metals. The classification is determined by the radioactive nature of the material, which must exceed the activity levels defined in the legal notes to Chapter 28. Specifically, 2844.44 acts as a residual category for radioactive substances that do not contain natural uranium, enriched uranium, or plutonium. This includes a wide range of radioactive isotopes used in industrial, medical, and research applications. The code also encompasses radioactive residues, which are the byproduct of nuclear reactions or the processing of radioactive materials. These residues are classified here regardless of their physical state, provided they remain radioactive. The inclusion of alloys, dispersions, and cermets means that even when the radioactive material is integrated into a metallic or ceramic matrix, it remains under this classification if the radioactivity is the defining characteristic. Importers must ensure that the specific activity levels are documented to justify this classification over non-radioactive chemical counterparts.
- Covers
- Radioactive isotopes for medical tracers
- Radioactive residues from nuclear reactors
- Cermets containing radioactive compounds
- Radioactive dispersions and mixtures
- Industrial radioactive sources not elsewhere specified
- Also under 2844.44
- Orano (nuclear waste management)
- EnergySolutions (radioactive waste services)
- specialized research facilities.
Codes often confused with 2844.44
Common mistake. Radioactive materials are frequently confused with codes 2844.10, 2844.20, and 2844.30. These codes are specifically for natural uranium, enriched uranium, and depleted uranium/thorium respectively. If the material contains these specific elements, it must be classified there rather than the general 2844.44. Additionally, non-radioactive isotopes are classified under 2845.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284444 (the code used for radioactive materials), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284444 (the code used for radioactive materials) in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, 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 284444, not only radioactive materials.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Australia $7.7M 41% of world exports
- 2 United States $6.2M 34% of world exports
- 3 France $2.2M 12% of world exports
World total: $19M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $5.4M 27% of world imports
- 2 Norway $4.8M 24% of world imports
- 3 Pakistan $1.8M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $20M 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 radioactive materials
Brazil classifies radioactive materials under NCM 2844.44.00: HS 2844.44 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about radioactive materials
What is the HS code for Radioactive materials?
The HS code for Radioactive materials is 284444 (Radioactive elements, isotopes, compounds n.e.c. in heading no. 2844, alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products, mixtures containing the elements, isotopes, compounds; radioactive residues). The HS code for radioactive materials not elsewhere specified, including isotopes and residues, is 2844.44.
How do I classify Radioactive materials for customs?
Radioactive materials is classified under HS code 284444 — Radioactive elements, isotopes, compounds n.e.c. in heading no. 2844, alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products, mixtures containing the elements, isotopes, compounds; radioactive residues. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What qualifies as a radioactive residue?
Radioactive residues are waste products or byproducts from the nuclear fuel cycle or from the use of radioactive substances in medicine and industry that still possess measurable radioactivity.
Which countries are the top exporters of radioactive materials (HS 284444)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284444 (the code used for radioactive materials) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($7.7M, 41% of world exports), the United States ($6.2M) and France ($2.2M). World exports came to about $19M, 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 materials (HS 284444)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284444 (the code used for radioactive materials) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($5.4M, 27% of world imports), Norway ($4.8M) and Pakistan ($1.8M). World imports came to about $20M, 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 materials the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284444 for Radioactive materials 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 materials in Brazil?
In Brazil, radioactive materials (HS 284444) is classified under NCM 2844.44.00.