Product classification
HS code for Selenium: 2804.90
Selenium.
Classification of selenium under HS 2804.90
Selenium is classified under HS code 280490. This classification is situated within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals and precious-metal compounds. Heading 2804 specifically includes hydrogen, rare gases, and other non-metals. Selenium is a non-metallic chemical element, and as such, it is classified here regardless of its physical form—whether it is in the form of an amorphous powder, vitreous (black) selenium, or crystalline (red or grey) selenium. The classification remains consistent as long as the element is in its pure form and has not been compounded with other elements into a specific chemical compound, which would shift the classification to other headings within Chapter 28 or 38.
- Covers
- High-purity selenium for electronics
- Selenium powder (amorphous)
- Selenium pellets or shots
- Vitreous selenium in bulk form
- Also under 2804.90
- Norilsk Nickel (selenium byproduct)
- Umicore (selenium refining)
- Alfa Aesar Selenium
- American Elements Selenium
- Materion Selenium
Codes often confused with 2804.90
Common mistake. Selenium is frequently misclassified with selenium compounds, such as selenates or selenites, which fall under HS code 284290. Another common error involves selenium dioxide, which is classified under 281129 as an inorganic oxygen compound of non-metals. If selenium is prepared as a medicinal supplement in measured doses, it may be classified under Chapter 30 (3004). Importers must distinguish between the raw element (280490) and its various chemical derivatives or preparations.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280490 (the code used for selenium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280490 (the code used for selenium) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% 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 280490, not only selenium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $25M 19% of world exports
- 2 China $17M 13% of world exports
- 3 Japan $16M 12% of world exports
World total: $132M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $19M 18% of world imports
- 2 India $16M 15% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $13M 13% of world imports
World total: $102M 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 selenium
Brazil classifies selenium under NCM 2804.90.00: HS 2804.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about selenium
What is the HS code for Selenium?
The HS code for Selenium is 280490 (Selenium). The HS code for the chemical element selenium is 280490.
How do I classify Selenium for customs?
Selenium is classified under HS code 280490 — Selenium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is selenium used in solar panels classified here?
If the selenium is imported as a raw material element, it uses 280490. However, finished photovoltaic cells containing selenium are classified under 854142 or 854143.
Which countries are the top exporters of selenium (HS 280490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280490 (the code used for selenium) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($25M, 19% of world exports), China ($17M) and Japan ($16M). World exports came to about $132M, 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 selenium (HS 280490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280490 (the code used for selenium) in UN Comtrade data were China ($19M, 18% of world imports), India ($16M) and Hong Kong ($13M). World imports came to about $102M, 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 Selenium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280490 for Selenium 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 selenium in Brazil?
In Brazil, selenium (HS 280490) is classified under NCM 2804.90.00.