Product classification
HS code for Zinc borate: 2840.20
Borates, n.e.c. in heading no. 2840.
Classification of zinc borate under HS 2840.20
Zinc borate is classified under HS code 2840.20, which specifically covers "Other borates" within the inorganic chemicals chapter. Heading 2840 is dedicated to borates and peroxoborates (perborates). Zinc borate is a synthetic inorganic compound, typically appearing as a white crystalline powder. Under the Harmonized System, chemical compounds that are chemically defined and not mixed with other substances are generally classified in Chapter 28. Since zinc borate is a salt of an inorganic acid (boric acid) and a metal base (zinc), it fits perfectly within the scope of this heading. The subheading 2840.20 is used because zinc borate is not disodium tetraborate (borax), which has its own specific subheadings 2840.11 and 2840.19. The classification remains consistent regardless of the hydration state of the zinc borate, provided it remains a single chemically defined compound. This classification is essential for regulatory compliance, as it distinguishes pure chemical additives from prepared mixtures used in industrial applications.
- Covers
- Anhydrous zinc borate
- Zinc borate heptahydrate
- Zinc borate 2335 (industrial grade)
- Flame retardant zinc borate powder
- Smoke suppressant zinc borate additives
- Also under 2840.20
- Borax (20 Mule Team Borax)
- U.S. Borax (Rio Tinto)
- Eti Maden Borax
- Chemtura Borates
Codes often confused with 2840.20
Common mistake. Zinc borate is often misclassified under heading 3809, which covers finishing agents or dye carriers used in the textile or paper industries. While zinc borate is used as a flame retardant in these industries, heading 3809 is only appropriate if the product is a mixture or a preparation. If the zinc borate is a pure, chemically defined compound, Chapter 28 must be used. Another common error is classification under 3824, which is a residual heading for chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries. However, following the hierarchy of the HS nomenclature, a specific chemical heading in Chapter 28 always takes precedence over the general preparation headings in Chapter 38, provided the substance is not a mixture.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284020 (the code used for zinc borate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284020 (the code used for zinc borate) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 11% 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 284020, not only zinc borate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $41M 28% of world exports
- 2 China $29M 20% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $20M 13% of world exports
World total: $149M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $22M 11% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $20M 10% of world imports
- 3 India $18M 9.4% of world imports
World total: $191M 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 zinc borate
Brazil classifies zinc borate under NCM 2840.20.00: HS 2840.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about zinc borate
What is the HS code for Zinc borate?
The HS code for Zinc borate is 284020 (Borates; n.e.c. in heading no. 2840). The HS code for Zinc borate is 2840.20, categorized under other borates.
How do I classify Zinc borate for customs?
Zinc borate is classified under HS code 284020 — Borates; n.e.c. in heading no. 2840. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can zinc borate be classified in Chapter 38?
Only if it is part of a prepared mixture or preparation. As a pure chemical compound, it must remain in heading 2840.
Which countries are the top exporters of zinc borate (HS 284020)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284020 (the code used for zinc borate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($41M, 28% of world exports), China ($29M) and Türkiye ($20M). World exports came to about $149M, 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 zinc borate (HS 284020)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284020 (the code used for zinc borate) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($22M, 11% of world imports), Brazil ($20M) and India ($18M). World imports came to about $191M, 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 Zinc borate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284020 for Zinc borate 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 zinc borate in Brazil?
In Brazil, zinc borate (HS 284020) is classified under NCM 2840.20.00.