Product classification
HS code for Zinc oxide: 2817.00
Zinc, oxide and peroxide.
Classification of zinc oxide under HS 2817.00
Zinc oxide and zinc peroxide are classified under HS code 2817.00. This classification falls within Chapter 28, which is dedicated to inorganic chemicals and precious metals. Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a distinct chemical compound produced through the oxidation of metallic zinc (the French process) or directly from zinc ores (the American process). The classification is determined by the chemical purity and the fact that it is a manufactured oxide rather than a naturally occurring mineral or a metallic alloy. Under the Harmonized System, Chapter 28 products must be separate chemically defined compounds, whether or not containing impurities. Zinc oxide is widely used in the rubber, ceramic, and pharmaceutical industries, but its classification remains strictly within 2817.00 unless it is prepared as a pigment or a medicament, which would shift it to other chapters based on its specific formulation.
- Covers
- Pure zinc oxide (zinc white)
- Flowers of zinc
- Zinc peroxide
- Zinc oxide produced via the indirect (French) process
- Zinc oxide produced via the direct (American) process
- Also under 2817.00
- Desitin (zinc oxide cream)
- Coppertone (sunscreen with zinc oxide)
- Z-Cote (zinc oxide for cosmetics)
Codes often confused with 2817.00
Common mistake. Zinc oxide is often misclassified under HS code 3206.49 if it is prepared as a pigment for the paint industry. However, if it is not mixed with other substances or binders, it remains in 2817.00. It is also confused with zinc ores (2608.00) or zinc residues (2620.19). Furthermore, medicinal ointments containing zinc oxide are classified under Chapter 30 (3004.90) rather than as a pure chemical. Finally, rubber accelerators containing zinc oxide may be classified under 3812.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281700 (the code used for zinc oxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281700 (the code used for zinc oxide) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 11% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 16% of its imports here ($16M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 281700, not only zinc oxide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $172M 11% of world exports
- 2 United States $154M 10.0% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $115M 7.5% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $304M 19% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $123M 7.8% of world imports
- 3 Germany $113M 7.1% of world imports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 16% of its imports here ($16M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $1.6B 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 oxide
Brazil splits HS 2817.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2817.00.10Zinc oxide (zinc white)
- 2817.00.20Zinc peroxide
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about zinc oxide
What is the HS code for Zinc oxide?
The HS code for Zinc oxide is 281700 (Zinc; oxide and peroxide). The HS code for zinc oxide and zinc peroxide is 2817.00.
How do I classify Zinc oxide for customs?
Zinc oxide is classified under HS code 281700 — Zinc; oxide and peroxide. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is zinc peroxide classified differently than zinc oxide?
No, both zinc oxide and zinc peroxide are grouped together under the same HS code 2817.00 within the inorganic chemicals chapter.
Which countries are the top exporters of zinc oxide (HS 281700)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281700 (the code used for zinc oxide) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($172M, 11% of world exports), the United States ($154M) and Mexico ($115M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 oxide (HS 281700)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281700 (the code used for zinc oxide) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($304M, 19% of world imports), Mexico ($123M) and Germany ($113M). World imports came to about $1.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 16% of its imports here ($16M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Zinc oxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281700 for Zinc oxide 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 oxide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 281700 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for zinc oxide depends on the product's details: 2817.00.10 (Zinc oxide (zinc white)), 2817.00.20 (Zinc peroxide).