Product classification
HS code for Tungsten carbide: 2849.90
Carbides, whether or not chemically defined, other than of calcium or silicon.
Classification of tungsten carbide under HS 2849.90
Tungsten carbide is classified under HS code 2849.90. This classification falls within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. Heading 2849 is specifically dedicated to carbides, whether or not they are chemically defined. Since 2849.10 is allocated to calcium carbide and 2849.20 to silicon carbide, tungsten carbide is categorized under the \"Other\" subheading, 2849.90. This code applies to the chemical compound itself (WC or W2C) in powder or granular form. The classification is strictly for the chemical substance; once the tungsten carbide is mixed with a metallic binder (like cobalt) to create \"cemented carbide\" or \"hard metal,\" the classification may shift depending on the state of the product. However, pure tungsten carbide powder, used as a precursor in the manufacturing of cutting tools, wear-resistant parts, and abrasives, remains under 2849.90. It is essential to verify that the product is not a prepared mixture, as that would move the classification to Chapter 38.
- Covers
- Pure tungsten carbide powder (WC)
- Ditungsten carbide (W2C)
- Tungsten carbide crystals
- Non-agglomerated tungsten carbide grains
- Chemically defined tungsten-carbon compounds
- Also under 2849.90
- Kennametal (tungsten carbide tools)
- Sandvik Coromant (carbide inserts)
- Hyperion Materials (various carbides)
- Ceratizit (carbide components)
Codes often confused with 2849.90
Common mistake. Tungsten carbide is often misclassified under HS code 3824.30, which covers non-agglomerated metal carbides mixed together or with metallic binders. If the tungsten carbide powder is pre-mixed with cobalt or nickel powder, it must go to 3824.30. Another common error is using HS code 8209.00, which is for plates, sticks, tips, and the like for tools, unmounted, of cermets (including sintered tungsten carbide). If the tungsten carbide has already been pressed and sintered into a specific shape like a drill bit tip, it is no longer a chemical under 2849 but a tool component under 8209. Additionally, tungsten ores are classified in 2611.00, not 2849.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284990 (the code used for tungsten carbide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284990 (the code used for tungsten carbide) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% 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 284990, not only tungsten carbide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $170M 39% of world exports
- 2 Germany $72M 17% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $40M 9.2% of world exports
World total: $432M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $128M 16% of world imports
- 2 Japan $121M 15% of world imports
- 3 United States $109M 14% of world imports
World total: $806M 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 tungsten carbide
Brazil splits HS 2849.90 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2849.90.10Boron carbide
- 2849.90.20Tantalum carbide
- 2849.90.30Tungsten (wolfram) carbide
- 2849.90.90Other carbides
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about tungsten carbide
What is the HS code for Tungsten carbide?
The HS code for Tungsten carbide is 284990 (Carbides; whether or not chemically defined, other than of calcium or silicon). The HS code for chemically defined tungsten carbide in powder form is 2849.90.
How do I classify Tungsten carbide for customs?
Tungsten carbide is classified under HS code 284990 — Carbides; whether or not chemically defined, other than of calcium or silicon. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the code change if the powder is mixed with cobalt?
Yes, if the tungsten carbide is mixed with a metallic binder like cobalt but not yet sintered, it is classified under HS code 3824.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of tungsten carbide (HS 284990)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284990 (the code used for tungsten carbide) in UN Comtrade data were China ($170M, 39% of world exports), Germany ($72M) and South Korea ($40M). World exports came to about $432M, 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 tungsten carbide (HS 284990)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284990 (the code used for tungsten carbide) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($128M, 16% of world imports), Japan ($121M) and the United States ($109M). World imports came to about $806M, 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 Tungsten carbide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284990 for Tungsten carbide 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 tungsten carbide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 284990 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for tungsten carbide depends on the product's details: 2849.90.10 (Boron carbide), 2849.90.20 (Tantalum carbide), 2849.90.30 (Tungsten (wolfram) carbide), 2849.90.90 (Other carbides).