Product classification
HS code for Unwrought hafnium: 8112.31
Hafnium and articles thereof, unwrought, powders, waste and scrap.
Classification of unwrought hafnium under HS 8112.31
Unwrought hafnium is classified under HS code 8112.31. This code is situated within Chapter 81, which covers "Other base metals; cermets; articles thereof." Hafnium is a transition metal often used in nuclear control rods and high-temperature alloys. The classification 8112.31 specifically covers the metal in its primary forms, including powders, as well as waste and scrap. The term "unwrought" refers to hafnium that has been cast into ingots, blocks, or similar shapes but has not been further worked. Because hafnium is chemically similar to zirconium and often occurs with it, precise metallurgical identification is required to ensure it is not classified as a zirconium product. The inclusion of powders and waste in the same subheading as unwrought metal is a specific feature of the 8112.31 classification, differing from many other metal headings.
- Covers
- Hafnium ingots and blocks
- Hafnium powders
- Hafnium waste and scrap
- Hafnium pellets
- Unwrought hafnium alloys
- Also under 8112.31
- Framatome's hafnium for nuclear applications
- ATI's hafnium products
- specialized metal recyclers handling hafnium scrap
Codes often confused with 8112.31
Common mistake. Hafnium is sometimes misclassified under HS code 8112.39, which is the category for "other" hafnium products, including semi-finished shapes like plates, sheets, and rods, or finished articles. Another potential error is confusing hafnium with zirconium (HS code 8109), as the two metals are frequently found together in nature. However, if the hafnium content is the primary component or the metal is specifically identified as hafnium, it must remain in 8112.31.
Top exporters and importers of HS 811231 (the code used for unwrought hafnium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 811231 (the code used for unwrought hafnium) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 45% 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 811231, not only unwrought hafnium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $106M 45% of world exports
- 2 China $43M 18% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $26M 11% of world exports
World total: $236M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $115M 45% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $58M 23% of world imports
- 3 Germany $54M 21% of world imports
World total: $255M 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 hafnium
Brazil classifies unwrought hafnium under NCM 8112.31.00: HS 8112.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about unwrought hafnium
What is the HS code for Unwrought hafnium?
The HS code for Unwrought hafnium is 811231 (Hafnium and articles thereof; unwrought, powders, waste and scrap). The HS code for unwrought hafnium, including powders and waste/scrap, is 8112.31.
How do I classify Unwrought hafnium for customs?
Unwrought hafnium is classified under HS code 811231 — Hafnium and articles thereof; unwrought, powders, waste and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include hafnium used in nuclear reactors?
Yes, if the hafnium is in an unwrought form or powder, it is classified here regardless of its intended industrial application.
Which countries are the top exporters of unwrought hafnium (HS 811231)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 811231 (the code used for unwrought hafnium) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($106M, 45% of world exports), China ($43M) and the United Kingdom ($26M). World exports came to about $236M, 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 hafnium (HS 811231)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 811231 (the code used for unwrought hafnium) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($115M, 45% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($58M) and Germany ($54M). World imports came to about $255M, 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 hafnium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 811231 for Unwrought hafnium 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 hafnium in Brazil?
In Brazil, unwrought hafnium (HS 811231) is classified under NCM 8112.31.00.