Product classification

HS code for Thallium powder: 8112.51

Thallium and articles thereof, unwrought thallium, powders.

Classification of thallium powder under HS 8112.51

Thallium powder is classified under HS code 8112.51, which is situated within Chapter 81 of the Harmonized System, covering "Other base metals; cermets; articles thereof." This specific subheading is reserved for thallium in its unwrought form or as a powder. Thallium is a heavy, bluish-white metal that is highly toxic and used primarily in specialized electronic components, high-refractive-index glass, and infrared optical materials. The classification under 8112.51 is determined by the physical state and chemical composition of the material. "Unwrought" refers to the metal in its primary, unworked state, such as ingots, blocks, or slabs, while "powders" refers to particles of which at least 90% by weight pass through a sieve with a mesh aperture of 1 mm. This classification is strictly for the metal itself. If the thallium is presented as a chemical compound (e.g., thallium nitrate or thallium oxide), it must be classified in Chapter 28. Similarly, if the thallium is in the form of waste or scrap, it is directed to subheading 8112.52. The distinction between 8112.51 and 8112.52 is critical for regulatory compliance, as waste materials often face different environmental and hazardous material transport regulations. For customs purposes, the purity of the thallium is a key factor; it must be a base metal and not an alloy where another metal predominates by weight. The powder form is often produced through electrolytic deposition or mechanical grinding of the unwrought metal. Because thallium is a rare and niche metal, it does not have its own chapter like iron or copper, hence its placement in the "catch-all" Chapter 81 for other base metals. Importers must ensure that the material is not mixed with other substances that would classify it as a chemical preparation under Chapter 38.

Covers
  • Pure thallium powder
  • Unwrought thallium ingots
  • Thallium metal pellets
  • Thallium sponge
  • Thallium blocks and slabs
Also under 8112.51
  • Hamamatsu Photonics (infrared detectors)
  • Philips Healthcare (medical imaging isotopes)
  • Sigma-Aldrich (research chemicals)
  • Alfa Aesar (high-purity thallium)
  • American Elements (thallium metal)

Codes often confused with 8112.51

Common mistake. Thallium powder is often confused with thallium waste and scrap, which is classified under 8112.52. It is also sometimes misclassified under 2825.90 (thallium oxides) or 2620.60 (thallium residues). Code 8112.51 is only for the unwrought metal or pure powder form.

8112.52Thallium; waste and scrap2825.90Inorganic bases, metal oxides, hydroxides and peroxides; n.e.c. in heading no. 28252620.60Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel), containing arsenic, mercury, thallium or their mixtures, of a kind used for the extraction of arsenic or those metals or for the manufacture of their chemical compounds

Top exporters and importers of HS 811251 (the code used for thallium powder), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 811251 (the code used for thallium powder) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 98% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 52% of world imports. Austria reports $415M of its chapter 81 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 811251, not only thallium powder.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $23K
  2. 2 South Korea $282
  3. 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$272

Austria reports $415M of its chapter 81 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

World total: $24K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $10K
  2. 2 Thailand $3K
  3. 3 Saudi Arabia $1K

World total: $19K 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 thallium powder

Brazil classifies thallium powder under NCM 8112.51.00: HS 8112.51 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about thallium powder

What is the HS code for Thallium powder?

The HS code for Thallium powder is 811251 (Thallium and articles thereof; unwrought thallium, powders). The HS code for thallium powder is 8112.51, which includes unwrought thallium and thallium powders.

How do I classify Thallium powder for customs?

Thallium powder is classified under HS code 811251 — Thallium and articles thereof; unwrought thallium, powders. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is thallium waste classified under this code?

No, thallium waste and scrap are classified under HS code 8112.52, while 8112.51 is reserved for unwrought metal and powders.

Which countries are the top exporters of thallium powder (HS 811251)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 811251 (the code used for thallium powder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($23K, 98% of world exports), South Korea ($282) and the United Arab Emirates (about $272). World exports came to about $24K, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Austria reports $415M of its chapter 81 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

Which countries are the top importers of thallium powder (HS 811251)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 811251 (the code used for thallium powder) in UN Comtrade data were China ($10K, 52% of world imports), Thailand ($3K) and Saudi Arabia ($1K). World imports came to about $19K, 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 Thallium powder the same in all countries?

The base HS code 811251 for Thallium powder 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 thallium powder in Brazil?

In Brazil, thallium powder (HS 811251) is classified under NCM 8112.51.00.