Harmonized System
Irradiated fuel cartridges removed from nuclear reactors are among the most tightly regulated articles in international trade, subject to Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing, Department of Energy oversight, and strict export/import controls under the Atomic Energy Act. The single US tariff line 2844500000 captures all such spent assemblies regardless of reactor type or fuel composition. Japan and the United Kingdom are the recorded US import sources, reflecting established civil nuclear programs with bilateral nuclear cooperation agreements with the United States. Importers must coordinate with the NRC well in advance of shipment, as licensing timelines and specialized transport packaging requirements (Type B containers) can extend lead times significantly.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
An NRC import license is required under 10 CFR Part 110, and the shipment must comply with DOT/IAEA Type B packaging standards for high-level radioactive material. Coordination with the Department of Energy may also be necessary depending on the origin and intended disposition of the material.
The US schedule consolidates all spent fuel cartridges under a single 10-digit line (2844500000) regardless of reactor technology or fuel type. Classification does not differentiate by enrichment level or cladding material at this heading; the key distinction for regulatory purposes is the radioactivity level and physical form, which drives packaging and licensing requirements rather than tariff treatment.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2844500000 | Spent Fuel Element (Cartridge) of Nuclear Reators | — | -- | -- |
Subheading 8 of 8 in heading 2844
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 284450 — Spent Nuclear Fuel Elements (Cartridges), so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
ImportsExports
Imports
—YoY · free account
Exports
—YoY · free account
Low of 5 reported months · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. exported $466K of Spent Nuclear Fuel Elements (Cartridges).
Fewer than 6 of the last 12 months reported trade, or the latest month was under $500K; the trend chart is not shown for thin series.
Through August 2026 · imports 5 of 12 months reported, exports 8 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
customs district
destination
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rate provision · imports
None recorded for this period.