Product classification
HS code for Unwrought cadmium: 8112.69
Cadmium, other than waste and scrap.
Classification of unwrought cadmium under HS 8112.69
Unwrought cadmium is classified under HS code 8112.69, which falls within Chapter 81 of the Harmonized System. This chapter is dedicated to other base metals, cermets, and articles thereof. The classification is determined by General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is governed by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Cadmium is specifically identified in heading 8112. The term "unwrought" refers to the metal in its primary, unworked state, typically resulting from smelting or refining processes before it has been subjected to further manufacturing such as rolling, drawing, or forging. According to Section XV, Note 1, unwrought products include those in the form of ingots, blocks, lumps, or similar bulk forms. HS code 8112.69 specifically excludes waste and scrap, which are classified under 8112.61. The classification ensures that the raw material is distinguished from processed goods or recycled materials, allowing for accurate tariff application and trade monitoring of this heavy metal, which is primarily used in batteries, coatings, and stabilizers.
- Covers
- Cadmium ingots
- Cadmium blocks
- Cadmium pellets
- Cadmium sticks
- Cadmium slabs
- Cadmium lumps
- Cadmium billets
- Also under 8112.69
- Saft (NiCd batteries)
- First Solar (CdTe solar panels)
- Materion (specialty cadmium alloys)
- Umicore (cadmium compounds)
- Alfa Aesar (high-purity cadmium)
Codes often confused with 8112.69
Common mistake. Unwrought cadmium is frequently misclassified with HS code 8112.61, which is reserved specifically for cadmium waste and scrap. The distinction lies in the origin and intent of the material; 8112.69 is for primary metal produced from ore or refined from secondary sources into standard shapes, whereas 8112.61 is for discarded items or manufacturing offcuts. Another common error involves HS code 2617.90, which covers other ores and concentrates. If the cadmium has not yet been refined into a metallic state, it remains an ore. Additionally, cadmium compounds like cadmium oxide or cadmium sulfide are classified in Chapter 28 (specifically 2825.90 or 2830.30) rather than Chapter 81.
Top exporters and importers of HS 811269 (the code used for unwrought cadmium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 811269 (the code used for unwrought cadmium) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 58% 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 811269, not only unwrought cadmium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $14M 23% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $7.7M 12% of world exports
- 3 Canada $7.3M 12% of world exports
World total: $62M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $41M 58% of world imports
- 2 China $5.9M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 France $4.7M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $70M 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 unwrought cadmium
Brazil classifies unwrought cadmium under NCM 8112.69.00: HS 8112.69 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about unwrought cadmium
What is the HS code for Unwrought cadmium?
The HS code for Unwrought cadmium is 811269 (Cadmium; other than waste and scrap). The HS code for unwrought cadmium, excluding waste and scrap, is 8112.69.
How do I classify Unwrought cadmium for customs?
Unwrought cadmium is classified under HS code 811269 — Cadmium; other than waste and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is cadmium powder classified under 8112.69?
No, cadmium powder is generally classified under HS code 8112.69 if it is considered an unwrought form, but specific national subheadings may distinguish powders from solid unwrought forms; however, in the standard 6-digit HS nomenclature, it remains within the 8112.69 category unless it is waste.
Which countries are the top exporters of unwrought cadmium (HS 811269)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 811269 (the code used for unwrought cadmium) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($14M, 23% of world exports), Belgium ($7.7M) and Canada ($7.3M). World exports came to about $62M, 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 unwrought cadmium (HS 811269)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 811269 (the code used for unwrought cadmium) in UN Comtrade data were India ($41M, 58% of world imports), China ($5.9M) and France ($4.7M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Unwrought cadmium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 811269 for Unwrought cadmium 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 unwrought cadmium in Brazil?
In Brazil, unwrought cadmium (HS 811269) is classified under NCM 8112.69.00.