HS Code 28.08 – Nitric acid; sulphonitric acids

HS code 2808 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Nitric acid; sulphonitric acids. Heading 2808 encompasses Nitric acid and Sulphonitric acids, both highly corrosive and powerful oxidizing agents with immense industrial significance. Nitric acid (HNO3) is a strong mineral acid widely used in the production of fertilizers (like ammonium nitrate), explosives, dyes, and other organic chemicals. Its scope includes various concentrations, from dilute solutions to highly concentrated fuming nitric acid, each with specific applications. Sulphonitric acids are mixtures of nitric acid and sulfuric acid, often employed in nitration reactions where a strong nitrating agent is required, particularly in the synthesis of explosives and advanced chemical intermediates. Accurate classification under 2808 is crucial for trade compliance, given the hazardous nature of these acids (corrosive, oxidizing, and fuming properties). This requires strict adherence to dangerous goods regulations, proper packaging, labeling, and transportation protocols to ensure safety and prevent illicit use. Historically, nitric acid has been known since ancient times, with its large-scale industrial production becoming vital during the 19th and 20th centuries, especially for agricultural and military applications. These acids belong to Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, distinguishing them from organic compounds and complex mixtures. Understanding the specific concentration and composition is key to accurate classification and navigating the associated regulatory landscape.

Nitric acid (technical grade), concentrated nitric acid, dilute nitric acid, fuming nitric acid, red fuming nitric acid, white fuming nitric acid, sulphonitric acid, nitric acid for fertilizer production, nitric acid for explosives manufacturing, nitric acid for metal etching, nitric acid for chemical synthesis, nitric acid for pharmaceutical production, nitric acid for laboratory use, reagent-grade nitric acid, chemically pure nitric acid, industrial-grade nitric acid, nitric acid for pickling operations, nitric acid for rocket propellants, nitric acid for refining precious metals, nitric acid for surface treatment, nitric acid for dye intermediates, nitric acid for nylon production, nitric acid for polyurethane foams.

Common misclassification errors for HS 2808 include confusing pure nitric acid with its primary derivative, ammonium nitrate (HS 3102), which is a fertilizer and explosive component itself, rather than the acid. Another mistake is classifying mixtures containing nitric acid, such as certain cleaning solutions or specialized chemical formulations, under 2808 instead of their more specific functional headings (e.g., HS 3402 for cleaning preparations or HS 3824 for other chemical products). Traders might also incorrectly classify nitric acid as a general oxidizer (HS 2811) without specifying it as nitric acid, leading to potential regulatory issues due to its specific hazardous properties.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2808 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($108M, 25% of world exports), Germany ($81M) and Belgium ($63M). World exports came to about $429M, 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 2808 in UN Comtrade data were India ($46M, 8.7% of world imports), Belgium ($45M) and France ($41M). World imports came to about $532M, 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 2808 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (08) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.