Product classification
HS code for Tellurium: 2804.50
Boron, tellurium.
Classification of tellurium under HS 2804.50
Tellurium is classified under HS code 2804.50. This classification falls within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, precious metals, and rare-earth metals. Specifically, heading 2804 is designated for hydrogen, rare gases, and other non-metals. Tellurium, a chemical element with the symbol Te and atomic number 52, is a brittle, mildly toxic, rare, silver-white metalloid. In the Harmonized System, it is grouped together with Boron under the subheading 2804.50. This classification applies to tellurium in its elemental form, whether it is in the form of powder, ingots, or lumps. The purity of the tellurium does not generally change its heading within 2804, provided it has not been \"doped\" for use in electronics. Tellurium is widely used in the manufacturing of solar panels (cadmium telluride), thermoelectric devices, and as an alloying agent in steel and copper to improve machinability. Its classification is straightforward as an elemental non-metal/metalloid under the chemical section of the tariff schedule.
- Covers
- Elemental tellurium in bulk powder form
- Tellurium ingots or slabs
- High-purity tellurium (99.9%+) for industrial use
- Tellurium sticks or broken pieces
- Boron (which shares the same 2804.50 subheading)
- Also under 2804.50
- 3M Boron Nitride
- Alfa Aesar Tellurium
- American Elements Boron
- Materion Tellurium
- Kyocera Boron Carbide
Codes often confused with 2804.50
Common mistake. Tellurium is often misclassified when it is in the form of a chemical compound. For example, Tellurium Dioxide (TeO2) is an oxide and should be classified under 2811.29. Similarly, tellurates and tellurites are classified under 2842.90. Another critical distinction involves tellurium that has been doped for use in electronics; if it is in the form of wafers or similar shapes for the semiconductor industry, it may be classified under 3818.00. Finally, tellurium alloys where tellurium is not the predominant element by weight must be classified according to the metal that predominates (e.g., copper alloys in Chapter 74).
Top exporters and importers of HS 280450 (the code used for tellurium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280450 (the code used for tellurium) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 26% 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 280450, not only tellurium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $28M 20% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $20M 14% of world exports
- 3 China $19M 13% of world exports
World total: $143M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $35M 26% of world imports
- 2 Canada $34M 26% of world imports
- 3 China $13M 10% of world imports
World total: $131M 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 tellurium
Brazil classifies tellurium under NCM 2804.50.00: HS 2804.50 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 tellurium
What is the HS code for Tellurium?
The HS code for Tellurium is 280450 (Boron; tellurium). The HS code for elemental tellurium is 2804.50, a category it shares with boron.
How do I classify Tellurium for customs?
Tellurium is classified under HS code 280450 — Boron; tellurium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is tellurium classified as a metal or a non-metal in the HS system?
In the HS system, tellurium is classified under heading 2804, which is specifically for \"other non-metals,\" despite its metalloid properties.
Which countries are the top exporters of tellurium (HS 280450)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280450 (the code used for tellurium) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($28M, 20% of world exports), Hong Kong ($20M) and China ($19M). World exports came to about $143M, 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 tellurium (HS 280450)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280450 (the code used for tellurium) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($35M, 26% of world imports), Canada ($34M) and China ($13M). World imports came to about $131M, 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 Tellurium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280450 for Tellurium 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 tellurium in Brazil?
In Brazil, tellurium (HS 280450) is classified under NCM 2804.50.00.