Product classification
HS code for Zeolites: 2842.10
Salts of inorganic acids or peroxoacids, double or complex silicates, including aluminosilicates, whether or not chemically defined, excluding azides.
Classification of zeolites under HS 2842.10
Zeolites are classified under HS code 2842.10, which covers double or complex silicates, including aluminosilicates, whether or not chemically defined. Zeolites are crystalline aluminosilicates characterized by a three-dimensional framework of tetrahedral SiO4 and AlO4. This classification is primarily used for synthetic zeolites or natural zeolites that have been significantly chemically modified for industrial use as ion-exchange agents, catalysts, or molecular sieves. Chapter 28 is dedicated to inorganic chemicals, and heading 2842 is the appropriate place for complex salts of inorganic acids. The classification depends on the chemical structure and the fact that these substances are often produced through controlled chemical synthesis to ensure specific pore sizes and surface areas required for industrial applications like water softening or petroleum refining.
- Covers
- Synthetic zeolite A, X, and Y types
- Molecular sieves (crystalline aluminosilicates)
- Chemically modified natural clinoptilolite
- Zeolite-based ion-exchange resins (inorganic)
- Aluminosilicate catalysts for fluid catalytic cracking
- Also under 2842.10
- BASF Zeolites
- Imerys Kaolin
- W. R. Grace & Co. (silica gels)
- Evonik Industries (silicates)
Codes often confused with 2842.10
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for zeolites is HS code 2530.90, which covers mineral substances not elsewhere specified. Natural zeolites that are merely crushed, ground, or washed without chemical modification belong in Chapter 25. However, if the zeolite is synthetic or has undergone chemical treatment to alter its ion-exchange capacity, it must be moved to 2842.10. Another error is using HS code 3824.99 for prepared binders or chemical products. While zeolite-based mixtures might fall there, pure synthetic zeolites are more specifically described by the chemical heading in Chapter 28. Additionally, activated carbon (3802.10) is sometimes confused with zeolites due to similar filtering uses.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284210 (the code used for zeolites), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284210 (the code used for zeolites) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 284210, not only zeolites.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $181M 22% of world exports
- 2 Germany $178M 22% of world exports
- 3 Japan $98M 12% of world exports
World total: $817M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $133M 14% of world imports
- 2 Poland $102M 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $99M 10% of world imports
World total: $971M 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 zeolites
Brazil splits HS 2842.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2842.10.10Zeolite ion exchangers for water treatment
- 2842.10.90Other double or complex silicates
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about zeolites
What is the HS code for Zeolites?
The HS code for Zeolites is 284210 (Salts of inorganic acids or peroxoacids, double or complex silicates, including aluminosilicates, whether or not chemically defined, excluding azides). The HS code for synthetic or chemically defined zeolites is 2842.10.
How do I classify Zeolites for customs?
Zeolites is classified under HS code 284210 — Salts of inorganic acids or peroxoacids, double or complex silicates, including aluminosilicates, whether or not chemically defined, excluding azides. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are natural zeolites classified under the same code?
Not usually; raw natural zeolites are typically classified under 2530.90, while 2842.10 is reserved for synthetic or chemically modified aluminosilicates.
Which countries are the top exporters of zeolites (HS 284210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284210 (the code used for zeolites) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($181M, 22% of world exports), Germany ($178M) and Japan ($98M). World exports came to about $817M, 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 zeolites (HS 284210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284210 (the code used for zeolites) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($133M, 14% of world imports), Poland ($102M) and Germany ($99M). World imports came to about $971M, 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 Zeolites the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284210 for Zeolites 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 zeolites in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 284210 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for zeolites depends on the product's details: 2842.10.10 (Zeolite ion exchangers for water treatment), 2842.10.90 (Other double or complex silicates).