Radioactive Elements, Isotopes & Compounds (NESOI); Alloys, Dispersions & Ceramic Mixtures

Cobalt-60 dominates the commercial volume under this heading — it is the workhorse isotope for industrial radiography, food irradiation, and medical sterilization — and the US schedule carves it out at 2844430010 specifically for elements, isotopes, and compounds with Co-60 radioactivity. Other radioactive elements and isotopes not elsewhere specified fall under 2844430020 and 2844430028, while alloys, dispersions, cermets, and ceramic mixtures are captured at 2844430050. Canada is the leading supplier, reflecting the output of CANDU reactors that are the primary global source of Co-60, followed by Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Russia. All imports require NRC licensing, and Co-60 sources above certain activity thresholds are subject to enhanced security requirements.