Product classification
HS code for Zinc carbonate: 2836.99
Carbonates, n.e.c. in heading no. 2836 and other than lithium or strontium.
Classification of zinc carbonate under HS 2836.99
Zinc carbonate is classified under HS code 2836.99. This code falls under heading 2836, which covers carbonates, peroxocarbonates (percarbonates), and commercial ammonium carbonate. As an inorganic salt consisting of zinc cations and carbonate anions, it is classified based on its chemical composition. Subheading 2836.99 is a residual category for "Other" carbonates that are not specifically named in the preceding subheadings, such as those for lithium, strontium, or sodium. In industrial contexts, "basic zinc carbonate" (a hydroxy carbonate) is also frequently encountered and is classified here as well. The classification follows GRI 1 and GRI 6, ensuring that chemically defined inorganic compounds are grouped by their anionic component. This classification is vital for customs as it separates manufactured chemical salts from natural minerals and ores, which are subject to different trade regulations and duty structures.
- Covers
- Pure zinc carbonate powder
- Basic zinc carbonate (Hydrozincite)
- Synthetic smithsonite
- Pharmaceutical grade zinc carbonate
- Industrial zinc carbonate for rubber vulcanization
- Also under 2836.99
- Magnesium Carbonate (pharmaceutical grade)
- Zinc Carbonate (industrial grade)
- Lanthanum Carbonate (medical use)
Codes often confused with 2836.99
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with heading 2608, which covers zinc ores and concentrates. Natural zinc carbonate, known as smithsonite, is classified in Chapter 26 if it is a raw mineral. However, the synthetic or purified chemical version used in industry must be classified in Chapter 28. Another frequent error is confusing zinc carbonate with zinc oxide (HS code 2817.00). While both are used in similar applications like rubber manufacturing and cosmetics, they are chemically distinct. Zinc oxide is an oxide, whereas zinc carbonate contains the carbonate group (CO3), necessitating its placement in heading 2836. Misidentifying the chemical group can lead to incorrect duty payments and delays in customs clearance.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283699 (the code used for zinc carbonate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283699 (the code used for zinc carbonate) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 283699, not only zinc carbonate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $304M 31% of world exports
- 2 Germany $216M 22% of world exports
- 3 Poland $101M 10% of world exports
World total: $984M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $121M 12% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $86M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 India $49M 4.8% of world imports
The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $1.0B 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 zinc carbonate
Brazil splits HS 2836.99 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2836.99.11Magnesium carbonate, density under 200 kg/m³
- 2836.99.12Zirconium carbonate
- 2836.99.13Commercial and other ammonium carbonates
- 2836.99.19Other carbonates
- 2836.99.20Peroxocarbonates (percarbonates)
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about zinc carbonate
What is the HS code for Zinc carbonate?
The HS code for Zinc carbonate is 283699 (Carbonates; n.e.c. in heading no. 2836 and other than lithium or strontium). The HS code for Zinc carbonate is 2836.99, which covers other inorganic carbonates.
How do I classify Zinc carbonate for customs?
Zinc carbonate is classified under HS code 283699 — Carbonates; n.e.c. in heading no. 2836 and other than lithium or strontium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is basic zinc carbonate classified differently?
No, basic zinc carbonate is treated as a carbonate for HS purposes and remains under 2836.99.
Which countries are the top exporters of zinc carbonate (HS 283699)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283699 (the code used for zinc carbonate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($304M, 31% of world exports), Germany ($216M) and Poland ($101M). World exports came to about $984M, 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 carbonate (HS 283699)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283699 (the code used for zinc carbonate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($121M, 12% of world imports), Malaysia ($86M) and India ($49M). World imports came to about $1.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Zinc carbonate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283699 for Zinc carbonate 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 carbonate in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 283699 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for zinc carbonate depends on the product's details: 2836.99.11 (Magnesium carbonate, density under 200 kg/m³), 2836.99.12 (Zirconium carbonate), 2836.99.13 (Commercial and other ammonium carbonates), 2836.99.19 (Other carbonates), 2836.99.20 (Peroxocarbonates (percarbonates)).