Product classification
HS code for Spent nuclear fuel: 2844.50
Spent (irradiated) fuel elements (cartridges) of nuclear reactors.
Classification of spent nuclear fuel under HS 2844.50
Spent nuclear fuel is classified under HS code 2844.50. This classification is determined by the radioactive nature of the material and its specific form as irradiated fuel elements or cartridges from nuclear reactors. Heading 2844 covers radioactive chemical elements and isotopes, as well as their compounds and mixtures. Subheading 2844.50 is specifically reserved for "spent (irradiated) fuel elements (cartridges) of nuclear reactors." These are fuel components that have been subjected to a high flux of neutrons in a reactor core until their fissile content has decreased to a point where they are no longer efficient for power generation. At this stage, they contain a complex mixture of fission products and transuranic elements. The classification is guided by Note 6 to Chapter 28, which defines the scope of radioactive materials. Because these items are specifically named in the subheading, GIR 1 dictates their placement here. The physical form—usually a metal cladding containing ceramic fuel pellets—is essential to the definition of a "fuel element" or "cartridge."
- Covers
- Irradiated uranium fuel assemblies
- Spent mixed oxide (MOX) fuel cartridges
- Used nuclear reactor fuel rods
- Irradiated thorium fuel elements
- Spent fuel bundles from heavy water reactors
- Also under 2844.50
- Orano (reprocessing services)
- Sellafield Ltd (UK)
- various national nuclear waste agencies.
Codes often confused with 2844.50
Common mistake. Spent nuclear fuel is sometimes confused with 2844.10 (natural uranium) or 2844.20 (enriched uranium). However, those codes apply to fresh, non-irradiated fuel. Another misclassification is 2844.40, which covers radioactive isotopes and compounds; while spent fuel contains these, the specific description for "spent fuel elements" in 2844.50 takes precedence. It is also distinct from 2612.10, which is for uranium ores and concentrates before chemical processing.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284450 (the code used for spent nuclear fuel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284450 (the code used for spent nuclear fuel) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Dominican Republic, with 35% of world imports. Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($146K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Qatar did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 21% of its imports here ($146K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 284450, not only spent nuclear fuel.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $252K 47% of world exports
- 2 Israel $195K 36% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $75K 14% of world exports
Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($146K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $541K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Dominican Republic $108K 35% of world imports
- 2 Qatar* ~$45K 15% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Barbados $30K 9.7% of world imports
Qatar did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 21% of its imports here ($146K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $305K 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 spent nuclear fuel
Brazil classifies spent nuclear fuel under NCM 2844.50.00: HS 2844.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about spent nuclear fuel
What is the HS code for Spent nuclear fuel?
The HS code for Spent nuclear fuel is 284450 (Spent (irradiated) fuel elements (cartridges) of nuclear reactors). The HS code for spent (irradiated) fuel elements or cartridges of nuclear reactors is 2844.50.
How do I classify Spent nuclear fuel for customs?
Spent nuclear fuel is classified under HS code 284450 — Spent (irradiated) fuel elements (cartridges) of nuclear reactors. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include radioactive waste in liquid form?
No, liquid radioactive waste or other forms of radioactive waste that are not fuel elements are generally classified under HS code 2844.40.
Which countries are the top exporters of spent nuclear fuel (HS 284450)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284450 (the code used for spent nuclear fuel) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($252K, 47% of world exports), Israel ($195K) and South Africa ($75K). World exports came to about $541K, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($146K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of spent nuclear fuel (HS 284450)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284450 (the code used for spent nuclear fuel) in UN Comtrade data were the Dominican Republic ($108K, 35% of world imports), Qatar (about $45K) and Barbados ($30K). World imports came to about $305K, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Qatar did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 21% of its imports here ($146K, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Is the HS code for Spent nuclear fuel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284450 for Spent nuclear fuel 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 spent nuclear fuel in Brazil?
In Brazil, spent nuclear fuel (HS 284450) is classified under NCM 2844.50.00.