Product classification
HS code for Uranium ore concentrate: 2844.10
Uranium, natural uranium and its compounds, alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing natural uranium or natural uranium compounds.
Classification of uranium ore concentrate under HS 2844.10
Uranium ore concentrate, commonly referred to in the industry as yellowcake, is classified under HS code 2844.10. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), specifically focusing on the chemical transformation the material undergoes. While raw uranium ore is classified in Chapter 26, the concentrate is the result of chemical processing (leaching and precipitation) that elevates it to the status of a chemical compound of natural uranium. Under heading 2844, the code 2844.10 specifically covers natural uranium and its compounds, including alloys, dispersions, and cermets. The concentrate is considered a compound of natural uranium because it has not yet undergone the isotopic enrichment process required for nuclear fuel. It typically consists of uranium oxides such as U3O8, UO2, or UO3, which are chemically distinct from the raw mineral state found in the earth's crust.
- Covers
- Yellowcake (U3O8)
- Uranium trioxide (UO3)
- Uranium dioxide (UO2)
- Ammonium diuranate (ADU)
- Magnesium diuranate
- Natural uranium peroxide
- Also under 2844.10
- Cameco (uranium concentrate)
- Kazatomprom (uranium concentrate)
- Orano (uranium products)
- Rosatom (uranium products)
- Urenco (uranium products)
Codes often confused with 2844.10
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 2612.10, which is reserved for raw uranium ores and concentrates that have only undergone physical processing (like crushing or grinding). Once chemical leaching is applied to extract the uranium, the product moves to 2844.10. Another common error is using 2844.20, which is strictly for uranium enriched in U235 and its compounds. Importers must distinguish between natural uranium (2844.10) and enriched uranium (2844.20) based on the isotopic composition.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284410 (the code used for uranium ore concentrate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284410 (the code used for uranium ore concentrate) in UN Comtrade data was Kazakhstan, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% 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 284410, not only uranium ore concentrate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Kazakhstan $4.2B 51% of world exports
- 2 Canada $2.7B 33% of world exports
- 3 United States $836M 10% of world exports
World total: $8.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $3.5B 33% of world imports
- 2 United States $1.9B 17% of world imports
- 3 France $1.3B 12% of world imports
World total: $10.8B 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 uranium ore concentrate
Brazil classifies uranium ore concentrate under NCM 2844.10.00: HS 2844.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about uranium ore concentrate
What is the HS code for Uranium ore concentrate?
The HS code for Uranium ore concentrate is 284410 (Uranium; natural uranium and its compounds, alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing natural uranium or natural uranium compounds). The HS code for uranium ore concentrate (yellowcake) is 2844.10, as it is classified as a compound of natural uranium.
How do I classify Uranium ore concentrate for customs?
Uranium ore concentrate is classified under HS code 284410 — Uranium; natural uranium and its compounds, alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing natural uranium or natural uranium compounds. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is yellowcake considered a radioactive chemical?
Yes, it falls under Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals and radioactive elements, specifically within the sub-heading for natural uranium compounds.
Which countries are the top exporters of uranium ore concentrate (HS 284410)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284410 (the code used for uranium ore concentrate) in UN Comtrade data were Kazakhstan ($4.2B, 51% of world exports), Canada ($2.7B) and the United States ($836M). World exports came to about $8.3B, 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 ore concentrate (HS 284410)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284410 (the code used for uranium ore concentrate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.5B, 33% of world imports), the United States ($1.9B) and France ($1.3B). World imports came to about $10.8B, 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 ore concentrate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284410 for Uranium ore concentrate 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 ore concentrate in Brazil?
In Brazil, uranium ore concentrate (HS 284410) is classified under NCM 2844.10.00.