Product classification
HS code for Thorium compounds: 2844.30
Uranium, depleted in U235, thorium, their compounds, alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing uranium depleted in U235, thorium, compounds of these products.
Classification of thorium compounds under HS 2844.30
Thorium compounds are classified under HS code 2844.30, the same subheading used for thorium metal and depleted uranium. This classification is governed by Note 1 to Chapter 28, which specifies that radioactive chemical elements and radioactive isotopes, and their compounds, are always classified in their respective headings of 2844, even if they could be classified elsewhere in the nomenclature. Thorium compounds include a variety of inorganic and organic salts and oxides, such as thorium dioxide (thoria) and thorium nitrate. These compounds are used in industrial applications like gas mantles, aerospace alloys, and as catalysts in chemical reactions. Because thorium is inherently radioactive, its compounds are grouped together under 2844.30 rather than being classified based on their chemical anion (like nitrates in 2834) or their metallic cation. This ensures that all radioactive materials of a specific type are tracked under a unified code for safety and regulatory purposes.
- Covers
- Thorium dioxide (ThO2)
- Thorium nitrate
- Thorium chloride
- Thorium tetrafluoride
- Mixtures containing thorium compounds
- Also under 2844.30
- Orano (depleted uranium)
- Rosatom (depleted uranium)
- Cameco (thorium products)
- Materion (beryllium-thorium alloys)
- General Atomics (thorium fuel cycle research)
Codes often confused with 2844.30
Common mistake. Thorium compounds are frequently misclassified based on their chemical name, such as 2834.29 for nitrates or 2827.39 for chlorides. However, the radioactive nature of thorium takes precedence, requiring classification in 2844.30. They may also be confused with 2844.40, which covers other radioactive elements and isotopes not specifically mentioned in 2844.10, 2844.20, or 2844.30.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284430 (the code used for thorium compounds), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284430 (the code used for thorium compounds) in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 44% 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 284430, not only thorium compounds.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Africa $38M 54% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $11M 15% of world exports
- 3 Australia $10M 15% of world exports
World total: $70M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $11M 44% of world imports
- 2 Canada $4.7M 18% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $1.4M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $26M 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 thorium compounds
Brazil classifies thorium compounds under NCM 2844.30.00: HS 2844.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about thorium compounds
What is the HS code for Thorium compounds?
The HS code for Thorium compounds is 284430 (Uranium; depleted in U235, thorium, their compounds, alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing uranium depleted in U235, thorium; compounds of these products). All compounds of thorium, including oxides and salts, are classified under HS code 2844.30.
How do I classify Thorium compounds for customs?
Thorium compounds is classified under HS code 284430 — Uranium; depleted in U235, thorium, their compounds, alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing uranium depleted in U235, thorium; compounds of these products. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why aren't thorium salts classified with other metal salts?
According to the General Rules of Interpretation and Chapter 28 notes, radioactive compounds must be classified in heading 2844 regardless of their other chemical properties.
Which countries are the top exporters of thorium compounds (HS 284430)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284430 (the code used for thorium compounds) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($38M, 54% of world exports), Sweden ($11M) and Australia ($10M). World exports came to about $70M, 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 thorium compounds (HS 284430)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284430 (the code used for thorium compounds) in UN Comtrade data were France ($11M, 44% of world imports), Canada ($4.7M) and the Netherlands ($1.4M). World imports came to about $26M, 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 Thorium compounds the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284430 for Thorium compounds 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 thorium compounds in Brazil?
In Brazil, thorium compounds (HS 284430) is classified under NCM 2844.30.00.