Product classification
HS code for Stable isotopes: 2845.90
Isotopes other than those of heading no. 2844, 2845.20, 2845.30 or 2845.40, compounds, inorganic or organic, of such isotopes, whether or not chemically defined.
Classification of stable isotopes under HS 2845.90
Stable isotopes and their compounds are classified under HS code 2845.90. Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System deals with inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. Heading 2845 is specifically reserved for isotopes other than those of heading 2844 (which covers radioactive isotopes) and their compounds. While specific subheadings exist for heavy water (deuterium oxide) and certain carbon or helium isotopes, 2845.90 serves as the residual category for all other stable isotopes. These substances are chemically identical to their standard elemental counterparts but differ in atomic mass. They are used extensively in medical research, environmental tracing, and industrial applications. The classification applies whether the isotopes are in elemental form or incorporated into inorganic or organic compounds.
- Covers
- Oxygen-18 (O-18) labeled water
- Nitrogen-15 (N-15) compounds
- Sulfur-34 (S-34) isotopes
- Stable isotope-labeled amino acids
- Deuterated solvents (excluding heavy water)
- Boron-10 enriched compounds
- Also under 2845.90
- Cambridge Isotope Laboratories
- Sigma-Aldrich
- Merck KGaA.
Codes often confused with 2845.90
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification involves HS code 2844, which is strictly for radioactive isotopes. If an isotope is stable and does not emit ionizing radiation, it must be moved to 2845. Additionally, heavy water (deuterium oxide) must be classified under 2845.10, and carbon-13 or its compounds under 2845.20. Importers often mistakenly use the general chemical code for the non-labeled version of the molecule (e.g., Chapter 29 for organic chemicals), but the presence of an enriched stable isotope mandates classification in 2845.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284590 (the code used for stable isotopes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284590 (the code used for stable isotopes) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% 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 284590, not only stable isotopes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $409M 27% of world exports
- 2 United States $338M 23% of world exports
- 3 Ireland $196M 13% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $276M 22% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $226M 18% of world imports
- 3 United States $154M 12% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 stable isotopes
Brazil classifies stable isotopes under NCM 2845.90.00: HS 2845.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about stable isotopes
What is the HS code for Stable isotopes?
The HS code for Stable isotopes is 284590 (Isotopes other than those of heading no. 2844, 2845.20, 2845.30 or 2845.40; compounds, inorganic or organic, of such isotopes, whether or not chemically defined). The general HS code for stable isotopes and their compounds (excluding heavy water and specific carbon/helium/lithium isotopes) is 2845.90.
How do I classify Stable isotopes for customs?
Stable isotopes is classified under HS code 284590 — Isotopes other than those of heading no. 2844, 2845.20, 2845.30 or 2845.40; compounds, inorganic or organic, of such isotopes, whether or not chemically defined. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are isotope-labeled organic compounds classified in Chapter 29?
No, according to the Chapter 28 notes, compounds containing isotopes of heading 2845 are classified in that heading regardless of whether they are organic or inorganic.
Which countries are the top exporters of stable isotopes (HS 284590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284590 (the code used for stable isotopes) in UN Comtrade data were China ($409M, 27% of world exports), the United States ($338M) and Ireland ($196M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 stable isotopes (HS 284590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284590 (the code used for stable isotopes) in UN Comtrade data were China ($276M, 22% of world imports), South Korea ($226M) and the United States ($154M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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.
Is the HS code for Stable isotopes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284590 for Stable isotopes 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 stable isotopes in Brazil?
In Brazil, stable isotopes (HS 284590) is classified under NCM 2845.90.00.