Product classification
HS code for Radioactive waste: 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 waste under HS 2844.44
HS code 2844.44 is the specific classification for radioactive residues, commonly referred to as radioactive waste. This code is situated within Chapter 28 (Inorganic chemicals) under heading 2844. The classification covers materials that are no longer usable for their original purpose but remain radioactive. This includes residues from the processing of ores containing uranium or thorium, spent fuel elements (if treated as waste), and other radioactive contaminated materials. The primary criterion for classification under 2844.44 is the presence of radioactivity in a material that is considered a residue or waste product. This distinguishes it from usable radioactive isotopes or elements classified in other subheadings of 2844. Proper classification is vital for international transport regulations, environmental safety protocols, and the monitoring of nuclear material lifecycles. The code ensures that waste products are tracked separately from usable radioactive commodities.
- Covers
- Spent nuclear fuel rods (classified as waste)
- Radioactive tailings from ore processing
- Contaminated laboratory equipment and clothing
- Radioactive sludge from nuclear facilities
- Disused sealed radioactive sources intended for disposal
- Also under 2844.44
- Orano (nuclear waste management)
- EnergySolutions (radioactive waste services)
- specialized research facilities.
Codes often confused with 2844.44
Common mistake. Radioactive waste is sometimes incorrectly classified under HS code 3825, which covers municipal waste, sewage sludge, and other clinical wastes. However, Note 6 to Chapter 38 explicitly excludes radioactive waste, directing it back to heading 2844. Another error is using 2612 for uranium or thorium ores; while these ores are the source of the waste, the processed residue must be classified under 2844.44. Additionally, if the material is a usable radioactive isotope, it should be in 2844.43 rather than the waste category.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284444 (the code used for radioactive waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284444 (the code used for radioactive waste) 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 waste.
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 waste
Brazil classifies radioactive waste 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 waste
What is the HS code for Radioactive waste?
The HS code for Radioactive waste 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 residues and waste products is 2844.44.
How do I classify Radioactive waste for customs?
Radioactive waste 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.
Does this code include nuclear fuel that can be reprocessed?
If the fuel is intended for reprocessing to extract usable fissile material, it may be classified under 2844.20; however, if it is destined for permanent disposal as a residue, 2844.44 is the appropriate code.
Which countries are the top exporters of radioactive waste (HS 284444)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284444 (the code used for radioactive waste) 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 waste (HS 284444)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284444 (the code used for radioactive waste) 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 waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284444 for Radioactive waste 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 waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, radioactive waste (HS 284444) is classified under NCM 2844.44.00.