Product classification
HS code for Zirconium dioxide: 2825.60
Germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide.
Classification of zirconium dioxide under HS 2825.60
Zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), also known as zirconia, is classified under HS code 282560 because it is a chemically defined inorganic compound. Chapter 28 of the HS nomenclature is dedicated to inorganic chemicals, and heading 2825 specifically covers hydrazine and hydroxylamine and their inorganic salts, as well as other inorganic bases and other metal oxides, hydroxides, and peroxides. Within this heading, subheading 2825.60 is the specific provision for germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide. To fall under this code, the product must be a separate chemically defined element or compound, as per Note 1 to Chapter 28. This means that naturally occurring zirconium minerals, such as zircon (zirconium silicate) or baddeleyite (natural zirconium oxide), are generally excluded from this chapter and are instead classified in Chapter 26 (Ores) or Chapter 25 (Earth and stone). The classification 282560 is reserved for the oxide obtained through chemical processing, such as the calcination of zirconium hydroxides or the treatment of zircon sand with reagents. It is a high-purity industrial chemical used in the production of advanced ceramics, oxygen sensors, and as a precursor to other zirconium chemicals.
- Covers
- Synthetic zirconium dioxide (Zirconia)
- Calcined zirconium oxide
- High-purity zirconia powder
- Stabilized zirconium dioxide (if not mixed for specific ceramic use)
- Zirconium oxide chemical reagents
- Also under 2825.60
- Heraeus (germanium products)
- Tosoh (zirconia)
- Saint-Gobain (advanced ceramics)
- CoorsTek (technical ceramics)
Codes often confused with 2825.60
Common mistake. Zirconium dioxide is often misclassified under HS code 261510, which is for zirconium ores and concentrates like zircon sand. It may also be confused with 253090 if mistaken for a crude mineral substance. Additionally, if the zirconia is mixed with binders for use as a prepared ceramic paste, it may fall under 382499.
Top exporters and importers of HS 282560 (the code used for zirconium dioxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282560 (the code used for zirconium dioxide) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 282560, not only zirconium dioxide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $140M 33% of world exports
- 2 Canada $84M 19% of world exports
- 3 United States $39M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $429M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $95M 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $56M 11% of world imports
- 3 Japan $53M 11% of world imports
World total: $491M 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 zirconium dioxide
Brazil splits HS 2825.60 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2825.60.10Germanium oxides
- 2825.60.20Zirconium dioxide
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about zirconium dioxide
What is the HS code for Zirconium dioxide?
The HS code for Zirconium dioxide is 282560 (Germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide). The HS code for chemically produced zirconium dioxide is 282560.
How do I classify Zirconium dioxide for customs?
Zirconium dioxide is classified under HS code 282560 — Germanium oxides and zirconium dioxide. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is cubic zirconia jewelry classified here?
No, synthetic gemstones like cubic zirconia used in jewelry are classified under heading 7104.
Which countries are the top exporters of zirconium dioxide (HS 282560)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282560 (the code used for zirconium dioxide) in UN Comtrade data were China ($140M, 33% of world exports), Canada ($84M) and the United States ($39M). World exports came to about $429M, 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 zirconium dioxide (HS 282560)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 282560 (the code used for zirconium dioxide) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($95M, 19% of world imports), Germany ($56M) and Japan ($53M). World imports came to about $491M, 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 Zirconium dioxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 282560 for Zirconium dioxide 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 zirconium dioxide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 282560 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for zirconium dioxide depends on the product's details: 2825.60.10 (Germanium oxides), 2825.60.20 (Zirconium dioxide).