Product classification

HS code for Rare earth compounds: 2846.90

Compounds, inorganic or organic (excluding cerium), of rare-earth metals, of yttrium, scandium or of mixtures of these metals.

Classification of rare earth compounds under HS 2846.90

Rare earth compounds are classified under HS code 2846.90 within the category of inorganic chemicals. Chapter 28 covers inorganic chemicals, organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, of radioactive elements, or of isotopes. Heading 2846 is specifically designated for compounds, inorganic or organic, of rare-earth metals, of yttrium, or of scandium, or of mixtures of these metals. Subheading 2846.90 serves as the residual category for all such compounds except for those of cerium. These compounds are classified here regardless of whether they are chemically defined or mixtures, provided they are not ores or concentrates, which would fall under Chapter 26.

Covers
  • Lanthanum oxide and salts
  • Neodymium compounds
  • Praseodymium oxide
  • Dysprosium carbonate
  • Yttrium compounds
  • Scandium compounds
  • Mixtures of rare-earth metal compounds
  • Gadolinium compounds
Also under 2846.90
  • Compounds in LED phosphors
  • catalysts for petroleum refining
  • magnets for EV motors
  • specialized optical glass

Codes often confused with 2846.90

Common mistake. A common misclassification involves HS code 2846.10, which is specifically for cerium compounds. Because cerium is often found alongside other rare earths, the purity and primary component must be determined. Additionally, rare-earth metals in their pure metallic form are classified under 2805.30, while rare-earth ores and concentrates are classified under 2612.20 or 2617.90 depending on the mineral content.

2846.10Cerium compounds2805.30Earth-metals, rare; scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed2612.20Thorium ores and concentrates2617.90Ores and concentrates n.e.c. in chapter 26; other than antimony

Top exporters and importers of HS 284690 (the code used for rare earth compounds), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284690 (the code used for rare earth compounds) in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% 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 284690, not only rare earth compounds.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Malaysia $485M
  2. 2 Laos* ~$426M
  3. 3 China $348M

World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $1.6B
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$259M
  3. 3 United States $180M

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 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 codes for rare earth compounds

Brazil splits HS 2846.90 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about rare earth compounds

What is the HS code for Rare earth compounds?

The HS code for Rare earth compounds is 284690 (Compounds, inorganic or organic (excluding cerium), of rare-earth metals, of yttrium, scandium or of mixtures of these metals). The HS code for rare earth compounds (excluding cerium) is 2846.90.

How do I classify Rare earth compounds for customs?

Rare earth compounds is classified under HS code 284690 — Compounds, inorganic or organic (excluding cerium), of rare-earth metals, of yttrium, scandium or of mixtures of these metals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are mixtures of different rare earth compounds included here?

Yes, mixtures of rare-earth metal compounds, yttrium, or scandium are classified under 2846.90.

Which countries are the top exporters of rare earth compounds (HS 284690)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284690 (the code used for rare earth compounds) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($485M, 24% of world exports), Laos (about $426M) and China ($348M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 rare earth compounds (HS 284690)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 284690 (the code used for rare earth compounds) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.6B, 58% of world imports), Vietnam (about $259M) and the United States ($180M). 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 Rare earth compounds the same in all countries?

The base HS code 284690 for Rare earth compounds 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 rare earth compounds in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 284690 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for rare earth compounds depends on the product's details: 2846.90.10 (Praseodymium oxide), 2846.90.20 (Chlorides of other rare-earth metals), 2846.90.30 (Gadopentetate dimeglumine), 2846.90.90 (Other rare-earth, yttrium or scandium compounds).