Product classification
HS code for Radium: 2844.42
Radioactive elements, actinium-225, 227, californium-253, curium-240, 241, 242, 243, 244, einsteinium-253, 254, gadolinium-148, polonium-208, 209, 210, radium-223, uranium-230 or 232, compounds, alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures.
Classification of radium under HS 2844.42
Radium, specifically Radium-223 and its compounds, is classified under HS code 2844.42. This subheading is part of the broader heading 2844, which covers radioactive chemical elements and isotopes. Subheading 2844.42 is highly specific, listing several isotopes including actinium-225, californium-253, and radium-223. The classification includes the pure element, its chemical compounds (such as radium chloride or radium bromide), and any alloys or dispersions containing these isotopes. Radium is a rare and highly radioactive element that was historically used in luminous paints and is currently used in targeted alpha therapy for certain types of cancer. The classification is determined by the specific isotope present; while Radium-223 is explicitly mentioned in 2844.42, other isotopes or general radioactive mixtures might fall under 2844.43 or 2844.44. The technical nature of this classification requires precise laboratory analysis to confirm the isotopic composition of the material being imported or exported. Because radium is highly regulated, the HS code must be accompanied by appropriate safety and environmental documentation during the customs clearance process.
- Covers
- Radium-223 isotopes
- Radium chloride compounds
- Radium bromide compounds
- Alloys containing Radium-223
- Ceramic products containing radium isotopes
- Also under 2844.42
- Bayer Xofigo (Radium-223)
- Actinium Pharmaceuticals (Actinium-225)
- specialized neutron source manufacturers.
Codes often confused with 2844.42
Common mistake. Radium is often misclassified under 2844.43 or 2844.44. Code 2844.43 is for other specific isotopes like Cobalt-60 or Strontium-90, while 2844.44 is a general category for radioactive residues and isotopes not elsewhere specified. If the radium is Radium-223, it must stay in 2844.42. Non-radioactive barium (3824.99) is sometimes confused with radium due to chemical similarities.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284442 (the code used for radium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284442 (the code used for radium) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% 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 284442, not only radium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $43M 38% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $26M 24% of world exports
- 3 Norway $19M 17% of world exports
World total: $112M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $25M 16% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $20M 13% of world imports
- 3 Spain $16M 11% of world imports
World total: $156M 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 radium
Brazil classifies radium under NCM 2844.42.00: HS 2844.42 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about radium
What is the HS code for Radium?
The HS code for Radium is 284442 (Radioactive elements; actinium-225, 227, californium-253, curium-240, 241, 242, 243, 244, einsteinium-253, 254, gadolinium-148, polonium-208, 209, 210, radium-223, uranium-230 or 232, compounds; alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures). The HS code for Radium-223 and its compounds is 2844.42.
How do I classify Radium for customs?
Radium is classified under HS code 284442 — Radioactive elements; actinium-225, 227, californium-253, curium-240, 241, 242, 243, 244, einsteinium-253, 254, gadolinium-148, polonium-208, 209, 210, radium-223, uranium-230 or 232, compounds; alloys, dispersions, ceramic products and mixtures. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is Radium-226 classified under this code?
No, Radium-226 is typically classified under 2844.43 or 2844.44 depending on the specific national tariff schedule, as 2844.42 specifically lists Radium-223.
Which countries are the top exporters of radium (HS 284442)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284442 (the code used for radium) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($43M, 38% of world exports), the Netherlands ($26M) and Norway ($19M). World exports came to about $112M, 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 radium (HS 284442)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284442 (the code used for radium) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($25M, 16% of world imports), Malaysia ($20M) and Spain ($16M). World imports came to about $156M, 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 Radium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284442 for Radium 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 radium in Brazil?
In Brazil, radium (HS 284442) is classified under NCM 2844.42.00.