Product classification
HS code for Uranium fuel rods: 8401.30
Fuel elements (cartridges), non-irradiated.
Classification of uranium fuel rods under HS 8401.30
Uranium fuel rods, specifically those that are non-irradiated, are classified under HS code 8401.30. This classification falls within Chapter 84, which covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. While the fuel itself is a radioactive chemical (often found in Chapter 28), once it is manufactured into a specific mechanical component for use in a nuclear reactor, it is classified as a 'fuel element' or 'cartridge' under heading 8401. The distinction is based on the product's function as a part of a nuclear reactor assembly. These rods consist of fissile material (like uranium dioxide pellets) enclosed in a protective metal cladding (usually zirconium alloy). The 'non-irradiated' status is a requirement for this code, meaning the fuel has not yet been used in a reactor core to produce energy.
- Covers
- Non-irradiated nuclear fuel elements
- Assembled uranium fuel cartridges
- Bundles of fuel rods for nuclear reactors
- Fuel rods containing natural or enriched uranium (non-irradiated)
- Control rods containing fissile material
- Also under 8401.30
- Westinghouse fuel assemblies
- Framatome (Areva) fuel
- TVEL fuel (Rosatom)
- GE-Hitachi fuel
Codes often confused with 8401.30
Common mistake. Uranium fuel rods are often misclassified under 2844.20 if they contain enriched uranium. However, Note 2 to Section XVI and the specific wording of heading 8401 dictate that manufactured fuel elements take precedence over the chemical classification of the material they contain. Another common error is confusing them with 8401.40, which covers 'Parts of nuclear reactors.' While fuel rods are parts, they have their own specific subheading (8401.30) which must be used according to GRI 1. Irradiated (spent) fuel rods are classified under 2844.50.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840130 (the code used for uranium fuel rods), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840130 (the code used for uranium fuel rods) in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% 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 840130, not only uranium fuel rods.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Russia* ~$961M 20% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Sweden $889M 18% of world exports
- 3 Kazakhstan $645M 13% of world exports
World total: $4.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.2B 30% of world imports
- 2 France $487M 12% of world imports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$418M 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $3.9B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 uranium fuel rods
Brazil classifies uranium fuel rods under NCM 8401.30.00: HS 8401.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about uranium fuel rods
What is the HS code for Uranium fuel rods?
The HS code for Uranium fuel rods is 840130 (Fuel elements (cartridges); non-irradiated).
How do I classify Uranium fuel rods for customs?
Uranium fuel rods is classified under HS code 840130 — Fuel elements (cartridges); non-irradiated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for nuclear fuel rods?
Non-irradiated nuclear fuel rods or elements are classified under HS code 8401.30.
How are spent fuel rods classified?
Spent (irradiated) fuel elements are classified under HS code 2844.50 because they are considered radioactive waste or material for reprocessing.
Which countries are the top exporters of uranium fuel rods (HS 840130)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840130 (the code used for uranium fuel rods) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $961M, 20% of world exports), Sweden ($889M) and Kazakhstan ($645M). World exports came to about $4.9B, 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 uranium fuel rods (HS 840130)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840130 (the code used for uranium fuel rods) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 30% of world imports), France ($487M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $418M). World imports came to about $3.9B, 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 Uranium fuel rods the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840130 for Uranium fuel rods 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 uranium fuel rods in Brazil?
In Brazil, uranium fuel rods (HS 840130) is classified under NCM 8401.30.00.