Product classification
HS code for Synthetic corundum: 2818.10
Aluminium oxide, artificial corundum.
Classification of synthetic corundum under HS 2818.10
Synthetic corundum is classified under HS code 2818.10. This code falls within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. Synthetic corundum, also known as artificial corundum, is a form of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) produced through industrial processes such as the fusion of bauxite in an electric arc furnace or the Verneuil process. It is characterized by its extreme hardness and high melting point, making it valuable for abrasive applications, refractories, and technical ceramics. The classification under 2818.10 is specific to artificial corundum, whether or not it is chemically defined. This distinguishes it from other forms of aluminum oxide or aluminum hydroxide found in subheading 2818.20 and 2818.30. The Harmonized System provides this specific code to track the trade of this industrially significant material, which is often traded in the form of grains, powders, or larger fused blocks. The classification is determined by GRI 1 and the specific chemical notes of Chapter 28, which include artificial corundum even if it contains impurities from the manufacturing process.
- Covers
- White fused alumina (synthetic corundum)
- Brown fused alumina
- Synthetic ruby or sapphire in bulk, unworked form
- Artificial corundum grains for abrasives
- Fused aluminum oxide for refractory bricks
- Also under 2818.10
- Norton Abrasives (using artificial corundum)
- Saint-Gobain (abrasive grains)
- Washington Mills (fused alumina)
Codes often confused with 2818.10
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 7104.91 or 7104.99, which cover synthetic precious or semi-precious stones. If the synthetic corundum is cut, polished, or intended for jewelry, it moves to Chapter 71. Another error is using 2818.20, which is for aluminum oxide other than artificial corundum. Importers must distinguish between the fused crystalline structure of corundum and the standard calcined alumina.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281810 (the code used for synthetic corundum), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281810 (the code used for synthetic corundum) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 281810, not only synthetic corundum.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $622M 55% of world exports
- 2 Germany $85M 7.6% of world exports
- 3 France $69M 6.1% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $161M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $144M 12% of world imports
- 3 Japan $135M 11% 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 codes for synthetic corundum
Brazil splits HS 2818.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2818.10.10White corundum, over 90% passing a 63 µm sieve
- 2818.10.90Other artificial corundum
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about synthetic corundum
What is the HS code for Synthetic corundum?
The HS code for Synthetic corundum is 281810 (Aluminium oxide; artificial corundum). The HS code for synthetic (artificial) corundum is 2818.10.
How do I classify Synthetic corundum for customs?
Synthetic corundum is classified under HS code 281810 — Aluminium oxide; artificial corundum. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is synthetic corundum the same as aluminum oxide?
Yes, it is a specific crystalline form of aluminum oxide, but for HS purposes, artificial corundum (2818.10) is distinguished from other aluminum oxides (2818.20).
Which countries are the top exporters of synthetic corundum (HS 281810)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281810 (the code used for synthetic corundum) in UN Comtrade data were China ($622M, 55% of world exports), Germany ($85M) and France ($69M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 synthetic corundum (HS 281810)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281810 (the code used for synthetic corundum) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($161M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($144M) and Japan ($135M). 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 Synthetic corundum the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281810 for Synthetic corundum 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 synthetic corundum in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 281810 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for synthetic corundum depends on the product's details: 2818.10.10 (White corundum, over 90% passing a 63 µm sieve), 2818.10.90 (Other artificial corundum).