Product classification
HS code for Silica: 2811.22
Silicon dioxide.
Classification of silica under HS 2811.22
Silica, chemically known as silicon dioxide (SiO2), is classified under HS code 2811.22. This classification falls within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, precious metals, and rare-earth metals. Specifically, heading 2811 is reserved for other inorganic acids and other inorganic oxygen compounds of non-metals. Subheading 2811.22 is the specific international designation for silicon dioxide in its chemically defined form. This includes synthetic silica produced through chemical processes, such as precipitation or thermal decomposition. The classification is determined by the chemical purity and the manufacturing process, distinguishing it from naturally occurring sands or minerals that have not been chemically modified. For a product to be classified here, it must generally be a separate chemically defined compound, though certain exceptions for aqueous solutions or stabilizers apply under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI).
- Covers
- Precipitated silica
- Fumed silica (pyrogenic silica)
- Silica gel (non-dehydrating grade)
- Colloidal silica in suspension
- Hydrated silica
- Amorphous synthetic silica
- Also under 2811.22
- Evonik AEROSIL (fumed silica)
- PPG TESLIN (precipitated silica)
- W. R. Grace SYLOID (silica gel)
- Shin-Etsu Quartz
Codes often confused with 2811.22
Common mistake. Silica is frequently misclassified under HS code 2505.10, which covers natural silica sands and quartz sands. The primary distinction is that Chapter 25 is for mineral products in their natural state, whereas 2811.22 is for chemically manufactured silicon dioxide. Another common error involves silica gel packaged as a desiccant; if it contains a color indicator or is prepared for retail sale as a dehydrator, it may be classified under HS code 3824.99. Additionally, silica used as a pigment may sometimes be confused with 3206.49, though 2811.22 remains the primary code for the pure chemical compound.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281122 (the code used for silica), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281122 (the code used for silica) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.0% 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 281122, not only silica.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $849M 26% of world exports
- 2 Germany $447M 14% of world exports
- 3 Japan $303M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $3.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $342M 9.0% of world imports
- 2 China $286M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Germany $184M 4.8% of world imports
World total: $3.8B 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 codes for silica
Brazil splits HS 2811.22 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2811.22.10Precipitated silicon dioxide (silica)
- 2811.22.20Silica aerogel
- 2811.22.30Silica gel
- 2811.22.90Other silicon dioxide
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about silica
What is the HS code for Silica?
The HS code for Silica is 281122 (Silicon dioxide). The international HS code for chemically defined silicon dioxide (silica) is 2811.22.
How do I classify Silica for customs?
Silica is classified under HS code 281122 — Silicon dioxide. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is silica sand classified under the same code as synthetic silica?
No, natural silica sand is classified under HS code 2505.10, while synthetic or chemically treated silica falls under 2811.22.
Which countries are the top exporters of silica (HS 281122)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281122 (the code used for silica) in UN Comtrade data were China ($849M, 26% of world exports), Germany ($447M) and Japan ($303M). World exports came to about $3.2B, 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 silica (HS 281122)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281122 (the code used for silica) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($342M, 9.0% of world imports), China ($286M) and Germany ($184M). World imports came to about $3.8B, 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 Silica the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281122 for Silica 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 silica in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 281122 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for silica depends on the product's details: 2811.22.10 (Precipitated silicon dioxide (silica)), 2811.22.20 (Silica aerogel), 2811.22.30 (Silica gel), 2811.22.90 (Other silicon dioxide).