Product classification
HS code for Silicon: 2804.69
Silicon, containing by weight less than 99.99% of silicon.
Classification of silicon under HS 2804.69
Silicon containing by weight less than 99.99% of silicon is classified under HS code 280469. This classification falls within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals and precious metals. Silicon is treated as a non-metal element under heading 2804. The classification is strictly dependent on the purity level of the silicon. Metallurgical grade silicon, which typically has a purity between 96% and 99%, is the most common product found under this code. It is widely used in the aluminum industry to improve castability and in the chemical industry to produce silicones. The Harmonized System distinguishes between metallurgical grade and electronic grade silicon based on the 99.99% purity threshold. Silicon exceeding this purity level is moved to a different subheading, reflecting its higher value and different industrial application in the semiconductor and solar industries.
- Covers
- Metallurgical grade silicon metal
- Silicon with 98% purity
- Silicon with 99% purity
- Silicon lumps for aluminum alloying
- Crude silicon used in silicone monomer production
- Also under 2804.69
- Elkem Silicon Metal
- Rima Group Silicon
- Ferroglobe Silicon
- Dow Silicones (raw material)
- Wacker Chemie (raw material)
Codes often confused with 2804.69
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 280461, which is reserved for silicon containing not less than 99.99% of silicon by weight. This high-purity silicon is often called "electronic grade." Another frequent error is confusing silicon metal with silicon wafers; if the silicon has been doped for use in electronics and shaped into discs or wafers, it must be classified under HS code 381800. Additionally, silicon should not be confused with ferrosilicon (720221), which is an alloy containing significant amounts of iron.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280469 (the code used for silicon), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280469 (the code used for silicon) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, 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 280469, not only silicon.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.0B 39% of world exports
- 2 Norway $499M 19% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $419M 16% of world exports
World total: $2.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $497M 17% of world imports
- 2 United States $487M 17% of world imports
- 3 Japan $315M 11% of world imports
World total: $2.9B 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
Brazil classifies silicon under NCM 2804.69.00: HS 2804.69 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 silicon
What is the HS code for Silicon?
The HS code for Silicon is 280469 (Silicon; containing by weight less than 99.99% of silicon). The HS code for silicon with less than 99.99% purity is 280469. Silicon with higher purity is 280461.
How do I classify Silicon for customs?
Silicon is classified under HS code 280469 — Silicon; containing by weight less than 99.99% of silicon. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is silicon metal distinguished from ferrosilicon in customs?
Silicon metal (280469) is a chemical element with very low iron content, whereas ferrosilicon (720221) is a ferro-alloy containing more than 4% iron by weight.
Which countries are the top exporters of silicon (HS 280469)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280469 (the code used for silicon) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.0B, 39% of world exports), Norway ($499M) and Brazil ($419M). World exports came to about $2.6B, 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 (HS 280469)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280469 (the code used for silicon) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($497M, 17% of world imports), the United States ($487M) and Japan ($315M). World imports came to about $2.9B, 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280469 for Silicon 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 in Brazil?
In Brazil, silicon (HS 280469) is classified under NCM 2804.69.00.