Product classification
HS code for Reactor fuel cartridges: 8401.30
Fuel elements (cartridges), non-irradiated.
Classification of reactor fuel cartridges under HS 8401.30
Reactor fuel cartridges, technically referred to as non-irradiated fuel elements, are classified under HS code 8401.30. This classification is determined by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, which prioritize the specific description of the goods within the Harmonized System nomenclature. Heading 8401 covers nuclear reactors and their specific components. Subheading 8401.30 is reserved specifically for fuel elements that have not yet been irradiated in a nuclear reactor. These components consist of fissile or fertile material (such as enriched uranium or plutonium) enclosed in a protective metal cladding, usually made of zirconium alloy or stainless steel. The classification depends on the physical state of the cartridge as a finished component ready for insertion into a reactor core, rather than the raw chemical composition of the fuel itself, which would fall under Chapter 28.
- Covers
- Non-irradiated nuclear fuel assemblies
- Fuel rods containing uranium dioxide pellets
- Control rods integrated into fuel bundles
- Fertile fuel elements for breeder reactors
- Cladded fuel cartridges for research reactors
- Also under 8401.30
- Westinghouse fuel assemblies
- Framatome (Areva) fuel
- TVEL fuel (Rosatom)
- GE-Hitachi fuel
Codes often confused with 8401.30
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion involves the distinction between non-irradiated and irradiated fuel. Irradiated fuel elements (spent fuel) are classified under HS code 2844.50, as they are considered radioactive chemical residues rather than mechanical reactor components. Additionally, raw uranium pellets not yet encased in cladding may be misclassified here, but they properly belong in heading 2844. Parts of nuclear reactors that do not contain fuel, such as moderators or cooling systems, are classified under 8401.40. It is critical to verify the radiation status and the presence of cladding before assigning code 8401.30.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840130 (the code used for reactor fuel cartridges), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840130 (the code used for reactor fuel cartridges) in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% 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 840130, not only reactor fuel cartridges.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Russia* ~$961M 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Sweden $889M 18% of world exports
- 3 Kazakhstan $645M 13% of world exports
World total: $4.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.2B 30% of world imports
- 2 France $487M 12% of world imports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$418M 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $3.9B 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 code for reactor fuel cartridges
Brazil classifies reactor fuel cartridges under NCM 8401.30.00: HS 8401.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about reactor fuel cartridges
What is the HS code for Reactor fuel cartridges?
The HS code for Reactor fuel cartridges is 840130 (Fuel elements (cartridges); non-irradiated). The HS code for non-irradiated reactor fuel cartridges is 8401.30.
How do I classify Reactor fuel cartridges for customs?
Reactor fuel cartridges is classified under HS code 840130 — Fuel elements (cartridges); non-irradiated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include spent nuclear fuel?
No, spent or irradiated fuel elements are classified under HS code 2844.50 because they are treated as radioactive chemical elements or isotopes rather than mechanical fuel elements.
Which countries are the top exporters of reactor fuel cartridges (HS 840130)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840130 (the code used for reactor fuel cartridges) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $961M, 20% of world exports), Sweden ($889M) and Kazakhstan ($645M). World exports came to about $4.9B, 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 reactor fuel cartridges (HS 840130)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840130 (the code used for reactor fuel cartridges) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 30% of world imports), France ($487M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $418M). World imports came to about $3.9B, 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 Reactor fuel cartridges the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840130 for Reactor fuel cartridges 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 reactor fuel cartridges in Brazil?
In Brazil, reactor fuel cartridges (HS 840130) is classified under NCM 8401.30.00.