Product classification
HS code for Silicon dioxide: 2811.22
Silicon dioxide.
Classification of silicon dioxide under HS 2811.22
Silicon dioxide, commonly known as synthetic silica, is classified under HS code 281122. This classification falls under the heading for other inorganic acids and other inorganic oxygen compounds of non-metals. Silicon dioxide in this category is typically a chemically manufactured product, distinct from naturally occurring silica. It includes various forms such as precipitated silica, silica gel, and fumed (pyrogenic) silica. These products are used in a wide range of applications, including as reinforcing fillers in tires, thickening agents in paints, and desiccant agents in packaging. The classification is determined by the chemical manufacturing process which results in a high-purity, amorphous structure. The Harmonized System distinguishes these chemical products from natural sands and minerals, which are classified based on their geological origin in Chapter 25.
- Covers
- Precipitated silicon dioxide
- Fumed silica (pyrogenic silica)
- Silica gel (without added indicators)
- Hydrated silica
- Colloidal silica in suspension
- 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. The most frequent misclassification involves natural silica sands, which are classified under HS code 250510. Natural quartz and quartzite are classified under HS code 250610. The key distinction is that 281122 is for chemically produced silica, whereas Chapter 25 covers natural minerals that have only been washed or crushed. Additionally, silica gel that has been treated with a color indicator (like cobalt chloride) for use as a desiccant is sometimes classified under 382499 as a chemical mixture, though many administrations still prefer 2811.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281122 (the code used for silicon dioxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281122 (the code used for silicon dioxide) 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 silicon dioxide.
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 silicon dioxide
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 silicon dioxide
What is the HS code for Silicon dioxide?
The HS code for Silicon dioxide is 281122 (Silicon dioxide). The HS code for synthetic silicon dioxide is 281122.
How do I classify Silicon dioxide for customs?
Silicon dioxide is classified under HS code 281122 — Silicon dioxide. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is natural sand classified under the same HS code as silicon dioxide?
No, natural silica sand is classified under HS code 250510, while chemically manufactured silicon dioxide is classified under 281122.
Which countries are the top exporters of silicon dioxide (HS 281122)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281122 (the code used for silicon dioxide) 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 silicon dioxide (HS 281122)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281122 (the code used for silicon dioxide) 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 Silicon dioxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281122 for Silicon dioxide 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 dioxide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 281122 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for silicon dioxide 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).