Product classification
HS code for Silicon carbide: 2849.20
Carbides, of silicon, whether or not chemically defined.
Classification of silicon carbide under HS 2849.20
Silicon carbide is classified under HS code 284920. This code is situated within the sub-chapter for carbides, which are compounds consisting of carbon and another element. Silicon carbide (SiC), also known as carborundum, is a chemically defined compound produced through the electrochemical reaction of silica sand and carbon. The classification under 284920 applies to the material in its primary forms, such as crude lumps, grains, or powders. It is recognized for its exceptional hardness, high thermal conductivity, and resistance to chemical attack. Because it is a synthetic compound rather than a naturally occurring mineral, it is placed in Chapter 28 (Inorganic Chemicals) rather than Chapter 25. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the material is intended for use as an abrasive, a refractory material, or a metallurgical additive, provided it has not been manufactured into a finished article.
- Covers
- Crude silicon carbide lumps
- Silicon carbide grains and grits
- Silicon carbide powder
- Green silicon carbide
- Black silicon carbide
- Also under 2849.20
- Saint-Gobain SiC abrasives
- Washington Mills SiC refractories
- Coorstek SiC ceramics
- Wolfspeed SiC semiconductors
Codes often confused with 2849.20
Common mistake. Silicon carbide is often misclassified when it has been processed into finished goods. For example, grinding wheels made of silicon carbide are classified under HS code 6804. Refractory bricks or shapes containing silicon carbide are classified under HS code 6903. Furthermore, if silicon carbide is presented as a single crystal (synthetic gemstone), it may fall under 7104. It is also important not to confuse it with boron carbide (284990) or other metallic carbides classified under different subheadings of 2849.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284920 (the code used for silicon carbide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284920 (the code used for silicon carbide) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 284920, not only silicon carbide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $304M 41% of world exports
- 2 Germany $59M 8.0% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $49M 6.7% of world exports
World total: $735M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $166M 17% of world imports
- 2 Japan $133M 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $117M 12% of world imports
World total: $989M 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 silicon carbide
Brazil classifies silicon carbide under NCM 2849.20.00: HS 2849.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about silicon carbide
What is the HS code for Silicon carbide?
The HS code for Silicon carbide is 284920 (Carbides; of silicon, whether or not chemically defined). The HS code for silicon carbide in its primary form (grains, powder, or lumps) is 284920.
How do I classify Silicon carbide for customs?
Silicon carbide is classified under HS code 284920 — Carbides; of silicon, whether or not chemically defined. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the grit size affect the HS code for silicon carbide?
No, the grit size does not change the HS code; both coarse grains and fine powders are classified under 284920, provided they are not bonded into a finished tool.
Which countries are the top exporters of silicon carbide (HS 284920)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284920 (the code used for silicon carbide) in UN Comtrade data were China ($304M, 41% of world exports), Germany ($59M) and the Netherlands ($49M). World exports came to about $735M, 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 silicon carbide (HS 284920)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284920 (the code used for silicon carbide) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($166M, 17% of world imports), Japan ($133M) and Germany ($117M). World imports came to about $989M, 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 Silicon carbide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284920 for Silicon carbide 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 silicon carbide in Brazil?
In Brazil, silicon carbide (HS 284920) is classified under NCM 2849.20.00.