Product classification
HS code for Thorium: 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 under HS 2844.30
Thorium is classified under HS code 2844.30, a category that includes uranium depleted in U235, thorium, and their various forms such as alloys, dispersions, and cermets. As a radioactive chemical element, thorium is placed in Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds, specifically within the section for radioactive elements and isotopes (2844). The classification 2844.30 is used for thorium in its elemental metallic form as well as its alloys. Thorium is a naturally occurring radioactive metal that is increasingly studied for its potential as a nuclear fuel. The Harmonized System groups thorium with depleted uranium because both are fertile materials used in nuclear reactors but are not fissile in the same way as U235 or plutonium. This code covers the raw metal and semi-manufactured forms like bars, rods, or wires, provided they are not further worked into specific finished articles.
- Covers
- Thorium metal in unwrought form
- Thorium alloys (e.g., magnesium-thorium alloys)
- Thorium bars, rods, and wires
- Thorium powder
- Cermets containing thorium
- 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 is sometimes misclassified under 8112.92 or 8112.99, which cover other base metals and articles thereof. However, because thorium is radioactive, Note 1 to Chapter 28 dictates that it must be classified under 2844. It may also be confused with 2844.10 (Natural uranium) or 2844.20 (Enriched uranium and plutonium) depending on the specific radioactive content of the shipment.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284430 (the code used for thorium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284430 (the code used for thorium) 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.
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
Brazil classifies thorium 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
What is the HS code for Thorium?
The HS code for Thorium 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). Thorium metal, its alloys, and dispersions are classified under HS code 2844.30.
How do I classify Thorium for customs?
Thorium 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.
Is thorium classified differently if it is in powder form?
No, thorium powder is still classified under 2844.30 as it is considered a form of the element or its alloys within the scope of that heading.
Which countries are the top exporters of thorium (HS 284430)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284430 (the code used for thorium) 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 (HS 284430)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284430 (the code used for thorium) 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284430 for Thorium 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 in Brazil?
In Brazil, thorium (HS 284430) is classified under NCM 2844.30.00.