HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2806.10 – Hydrogen chloride (hydrochloric acid)
HS code 2806.10 is the 6-digit subheading for hydrogen chloride (hydrochloric acid). It is used for hydrochloric acid (HCl), muriatic acid, hydrogen chloride gas, industrial-grade HCl and food-grade HCl.
What HS 2806.10 covers
Hydrogen chloride, commonly known as hydrochloric acid, is a fundamental inorganic chemical with extensive applications across numerous industries, making it a consistently traded commodity globally. This strong mineral acid is crucial for steel pickling, a process that removes rust and impurities from steel before further processing, and is also vital in the production of organic compounds like PVC, vinyl chloride, and various pharmaceuticals. Other significant uses include pH control in water treatment, regeneration of ion-exchange resins, and as a laboratory reagent. Major importers are typically industrialized nations with robust manufacturing sectors, particularly those involved in metallurgy, chemical synthesis, and food processing. Exporters are often large chemical producers with access to raw materials like chlorine and hydrogen, or by-products from other chemical processes. Key aspects of its trade involve careful handling and transportation due to its corrosive nature, requiring specialized containers and adherence to international hazardous materials regulations. Its widespread utility ensures a steady demand, making it a staple in the global chemical supply chain, with trade volumes often reflecting industrial activity and economic growth.
- Covers
- Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
- Muriatic acid
- Hydrogen chloride gas
- Industrial-grade HCl
- Food-grade HCl
- Examples
- Dow Chemical Hydrochloric Acid
- BASF HCl
- Olin Chlor Alkali HCl
- Axiall HCl
- Westlake Chemical HCl
Codes often confused with 2806.10
Common mistake. This code covers both anhydrous hydrogen chloride gas and its aqueous solution (hydrochloric acid). It might be confused with other strong acids like sulfuric acid (280700) or nitric acid (280800) due to similar industrial applications, but their chemical compositions are distinct.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 280610, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 280610 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $66M 16% of world exports
- 2 Canada $57M 14% of world exports
- 3 Japan $33M 7.9% of world exports
World total: $410M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $70M 16% of world imports
- 2 France $50M 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $25M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $444M 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 2806.10 2
Brazil splits HS 2806.10 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2806.10.10 Hydrogen chloride, gaseous or liquefiedEm estado gasoso ou liquefeito
- 2806.10.20 Hydrochloric acid in aqueous solutionEm solução aquosa
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.06 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2806.10
What is HS code 280610?
HS code 280610 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Hydrogen chloride (hydrochloric acid). Hydrogen chloride, commonly known as hydrochloric acid, is a fundamental inorganic chemical with extensive applications across numerous industries, making it a consistently traded commodity globally. This strong mineral acid is crucial for steel pickling, a process that removes rust and impurities from steel before further processing, and is also vital in the production of organic compounds like PVC, vinyl chloride, and various pharmaceuticals. Other significant uses include pH control in water treatment, regeneration of ion-exchange resins, and as a laboratory reagent. Major importers are typically industrialized nations with robust manufacturing sectors, particularly those involved in metallurgy, chemical synthesis, and food processing. Exporters are often large chemical producers with access to raw materials like chlorine and hydrogen, or by-products from other chemical processes. Key aspects of its trade involve careful handling and transportation due to its corrosive nature, requiring specialized containers and adherence to international hazardous materials regulations. Its widespread utility ensures a steady demand, making it a staple in the global chemical supply chain, with trade volumes often reflecting industrial activity and economic growth.
What products fall under HS code 280610?
Hydrochloric acid (HCl), muriatic acid, hydrogen chloride gas, industrial-grade HCl, food-grade HCl
What are common misclassifications for HS code 280610?
This code covers both anhydrous hydrogen chloride gas and its aqueous solution (hydrochloric acid). It might be confused with other strong acids like sulfuric acid (280700) or nitric acid (280800) due to similar industrial applications, but their chemical compositions are distinct.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 280610?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 280610 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($66M, 16% of world exports), Canada ($57M) and Japan ($33M). World exports came to about $410M, 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 goods under HS code 280610?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 280610 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($70M, 16% of world imports), France ($50M) and Germany ($25M). World imports came to about $444M, 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.
How is HS code 280610 structured?
HS code 280610 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 280610?
Brazil splits HS code 280610 into 2 NCM codes: 2806.10.10 (Hydrogen chloride, gaseous or liquefied), 2806.10.20 (Hydrochloric acid in aqueous solution). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.