Helium-3

HS v2022 Code: 284540

About helium-3

HS code 284540 covers the classification of Helium-3, a rare and valuable isotope of the inert gas helium. Helium-3 has unique properties that make it highly sought after for specialized applications in scientific research, nuclear fusion, and cryogenics. As a scarce natural resource, the production and trade of Helium-3 play a crucial role in the global scientific and technological landscape.

Production process

Helium-3 is primarily obtained as a byproduct of the radioactive decay of tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen used in nuclear weapons and fusion research. The production of Helium-3 involves the extraction and purification of the gas from natural gas deposits or the separation of Helium-3 from the more abundant Helium-4 isotope.

Production inputs

The main inputs required for the production of Helium-3 include natural gas deposits, specialized extraction and purification equipment, and advanced scientific and technological expertise. Additionally, the production of Helium-3 may rely on the availability of tritium, which serves as the primary source material.

Production outputs

Helium-3 has a wide range of applications, including use in neutron detectors, cryogenic refrigeration systems, and nuclear fusion research. The output of Helium-3 may be consumed by industries classified under codes such as 854010 Nuclear reactors and 901380 Instruments and appliances for physical or chemical analysis.

Revisions to 284540

Classification codes are adjusted frequently. The code may have been revised or replaced between system versions. The table below shows the history (newest to oldest) of the code 284540. The most recent 1 version of this code (284540) is in the HS v2022 system (this version):

This page shows the most recent version of code 284540.

Family tree for helium-3

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/28'>28: Inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2845'>2845: Isotopes other than those of heading no. 2844; compounds, inorganic or organic, of such isotopes, whether or not chemically defined</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/284540'>284540: Helium-3</a>"]

    B --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/284510'>284510: Heavy water (deuterium oxide)</a>"]
B --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/284520'>284520: Boron enriched in boron-10 and its compounds</a>"]
B --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/284530'>284530: Lithium enriched in lithium-6 and its compounds</a>"]
B --> G["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/284590'>284590: Isotopes other than those of heading no. 2844, 2845.20, 2845.30 or 2845.40; compounds, inorganic or organic, of such isotopes, whether or not chemically defined</a>"]

    

    %% Color coordination by level

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    classDef level2 color:#000,fill:#e0a458,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level3 color:#000,fill:#419d78,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level4 color:#000,fill:#c04abc,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level5 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px



  %% Apply classes
  class A level2
class B level4
class C level6
class D level6
class E level6
class F level6
class G level6

  class C highlight

  %% class A level1
  %% class B,C level2
  %% class D,E,F,G,H,I level2
  %% class J,K,L,M,N,O,P level3
  %% class C highlight