HS Code 28.01 – Fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine

HS code 2801 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. HS Code 2801 specifically covers fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine in their elemental forms. These are highly reactive non-metals belonging to the halogen group. This heading is crucial for distinguishing these fundamental chemical elements from their vast array of compounds, which typically fall under other headings within Chapter 28 (e.g., metal halides) or Chapter 29 (organic halogenated derivatives). The scope includes these elements in various purities and physical states, such as gaseous chlorine, liquid bromine, solid iodine, and elemental fluorine. This classification is vital for trade compliance due to the hazardous nature of many halogens, necessitating strict handling, packaging, and transportation regulations, often reflected in specific tariffs or import/export controls. For instance, chlorine is a potent disinfectant and industrial chemical, bromine is used in flame retardants and pharmaceuticals, and iodine is essential in medical applications and catalysts. Historically, the trade in these elements has been significant, driven by their widespread use across diverse industries from water treatment and petrochemicals to electronics and medicine. Proper classification ensures accurate duty assessment, compliance with environmental and safety standards, and adherence to chemical weapons conventions or precursor controls, making it a cornerstone for professionals dealing with basic inorganic chemicals. This heading forms the initial entry for elemental halogens within Chapter 28, which broadly covers inorganic chemicals, thus setting a clear boundary for these specific elements before their compounds are considered.

Gaseous fluorine, liquid fluorine, compressed fluorine gas, elemental chlorine gas, liquid chlorine, compressed chlorine, bromine liquid, purified bromine, technical grade bromine, iodine flakes, resublimed iodine, crude iodine, prilled iodine, crystalline iodine, iodine powder, high purity fluorine, high purity chlorine, high purity bromine, high purity iodine, industrial grade chlorine, medical grade iodine, analytical reagent grade bromine, iodine sublimed, iodine precipitated

A common mistake is confusing elemental halogens (2801) with their compounds. For instance, sodium hypochlorite, a chlorine compound used as bleach, falls under heading 2828, not 2801. Similarly, potassium iodide, an iodine compound, is classified under 2827. Traders might also misclassify mixtures containing halogens as the pure element, when such mixtures could fall under heading 3824 (prepared binders, chemical products not elsewhere specified). The critical distinction lies in whether the product is the uncombined element or a chemical compound formed with other elements. Misclassification often arises from a lack of understanding of chemical nomenclature and the specific scope of 'elemental' forms versus 'compounds' within the Harmonized System.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2801 in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($1.5B, 49% of world exports), Japan ($405M) and Belgium ($359M). World exports came to about $3.1B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2801 in UN Comtrade data were China ($878M, 26% of world imports), the United States ($371M) and India ($354M). World imports came to about $3.3B, 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.

HS code 2801 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (01) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.