Product classification
HS code for Refined borax: 2840.19
Borates, disodium tetraborate (refined borax), other than anhydrous.
Classification of refined borax under HS 2840.19
Refined borax is classified under HS code 2840.19 within the Harmonized System. This classification falls under Chapter 28, which is dedicated to inorganic chemicals and precious metals. Heading 2840 specifically covers borates and peroxoborates (perborates). The classification of disodium tetraborate (borax) is further divided based on its hydration state and level of processing. While anhydrous borax (water-free) is categorized under 2840.11, the refined varieties that contain water of crystallization, such as the decahydrate or pentahydrate forms, are placed under 2840.19. To be classified in Chapter 28, the product must be a separate chemically defined compound. Refined borax is produced through the purification of natural borates, involving dissolution, filtration, and recrystallization. This chemical processing distinguishes it from natural borates that have only been subjected to mechanical cleaning or evaporation, which are excluded from this chapter and classified in Chapter 25.
- Covers
- Sodium tetraborate decahydrate (refined)
- Sodium tetraborate pentahydrate (refined)
- Technical grade refined borax powder
- Crystalline refined borax for industrial use
- Borax decahydrate granules
- Also under 2840.19
- 20 Mule Team Borax
- Borax Decahydrate (Rio Tinto)
- US Borax Borax Pentahydrate
- Eti Maden Borax Decahydrate
Codes often confused with 2840.19
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs between refined borax (2840.19) and natural borates classified under HS code 2528.00. Natural borates are minerals that have not undergone the chemical refining process required for Chapter 28. Additionally, refined borax is often confused with anhydrous borax, which is specifically assigned to HS code 2840.11. The difference is the presence of water molecules in the crystal structure; anhydrous borax has been heat-treated to remove all water. Importers must also distinguish refined borax from boric acid, which is classified under HS code 2810.00, as they are distinct chemical entities with different molecular structures.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284019 (the code used for refined borax), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284019 (the code used for refined borax) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 71% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% 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 284019, not only refined borax.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $304M 71% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $44M 10% of world exports
- 3 Guatemala $15M 3.5% of world exports
World total: $427M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $487M 43% of world imports
- 2 India $84M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 United States $74M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 refined borax
Brazil classifies refined borax under NCM 2840.19.00: HS 2840.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about refined borax
What is the HS code for Refined borax?
The HS code for Refined borax is 284019 (Borates; disodium tetraborate (refined borax), other than anhydrous). Refined borax, other than the anhydrous form, is classified under HS code 2840.19.
How do I classify Refined borax for customs?
Refined borax is classified under HS code 284019 — Borates; disodium tetraborate (refined borax), other than anhydrous. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is natural mineral borax classified under this code?
No, natural mineral borates that have not been chemically refined are classified under HS code 2528.00 in the category of mineral substances.
Which countries are the top exporters of refined borax (HS 284019)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284019 (the code used for refined borax) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($304M, 71% of world exports), the Netherlands ($44M) and Guatemala ($15M). World exports came to about $427M, 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 refined borax (HS 284019)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284019 (the code used for refined borax) in UN Comtrade data were China ($487M, 43% of world imports), India ($84M) and the United States ($74M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 Refined borax the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284019 for Refined borax 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 refined borax in Brazil?
In Brazil, refined borax (HS 284019) is classified under NCM 2840.19.00.