HS Code 28.07 – Sulphuric acid; oleum

HS code 2807 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sulphuric acid; oleum. Heading 2807 covers Sulphuric acid and Oleum, often dubbed the 'king of chemicals' due to its unparalleled importance across virtually every industrial sector. Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) is a highly corrosive mineral acid, colorless when pure, and a cornerstone for manufacturing fertilizers, detergents, petroleum products, and other chemicals. Its scope within this heading includes various concentrations and grades, from technical to battery-grade acid. Oleum, also known as fuming sulphuric acid, is a solution of sulfur trioxide (SO3) in sulphuric acid and represents a more concentrated and reactive form, crucial for specific chemical syntheses and as an intermediate in producing other sulfonated compounds. Accurate classification under 2807 is paramount for trade compliance, ensuring adherence to strict dangerous goods regulations, proper labeling, and appropriate tariff application. The historical significance of sulphuric acid dates back centuries, with large-scale production methods like the lead chamber process and later the contact process revolutionizing industrial chemistry. Its production volume is often considered an indicator of a nation's industrial strength. This heading is part of Chapter 28, dedicated to inorganic chemicals, and differentiates these fundamental acids from more complex organic compounds or specialized mixtures. Understanding the specific form, concentration, and purity is essential for correct classification and navigating the associated trade regulations.

Sulphuric acid (technical grade), concentrated sulphuric acid, dilute sulphuric acid, battery-grade sulphuric acid, fuming sulphuric acid (oleum), oleum (20% SO3), oleum (65% SO3), oleum (100% SO3), spent sulphuric acid (for regeneration), sulphuric acid for fertilizer production, sulphuric acid for petroleum refining, sulphuric acid for chemical synthesis, sulphuric acid for metal pickling, sulphuric acid for paper bleaching, sulphuric acid for water treatment, reagent-grade sulphuric acid, chemically pure sulphuric acid, industrial-grade sulphuric acid, sulphuric acid for dye manufacturing, sulphuric acid for pharmaceutical production, sulphuric acid for mining applications, sulphuric acid for lead-acid batteries.

A common misclassification mistake is confusing pure sulphuric acid or oleum with mixtures or derivatives. For example, traders might incorrectly classify spent sulphuric acid that has been processed into a specific cleaning formulation under HS 3402 (Organic surface-active agents) or other chemical mixtures under HS 3824, rather than as sulphuric acid itself. Another error is classifying ammonium sulfate, a fertilizer, under 2807 because it's derived from sulphuric acid, when it properly belongs to HS 3102 (Mineral or chemical fertilizers, nitrogenous). Similarly, specific formulated products containing sulphuric acid, such as certain drain cleaners, might be mistakenly classified here instead of under their more specific functional headings.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2807 in UN Comtrade data were China ($290M, 14% of world exports), Canada ($226M) and Peru (about $154M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 2807 in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($614M, 19% of world imports), Morocco ($439M) and the United States ($435M). World imports came to about $3.2B, 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 2807 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (07) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.