HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2809.20 – Phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acids
HS code 2809.20 is the 6-digit subheading for phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acids. It is used for phosphoric acid 85%, food-grade phosphoric acid, industrial-grade phosphoric acid, polyphosphoric acid and technical-grade phosphoric acid.
What HS 2809.20 covers
Phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acids are vital inorganic chemicals with a broad spectrum of applications, making them significant players in international trade, particularly in the agricultural and food sectors. The vast majority of phosphoric acid produced globally is used to manufacture phosphate fertilizers, essential for crop growth and food security. Beyond agriculture, it is widely used in the food and beverage industry as an acidulant, flavor enhancer, and preservative (e.g., in soft drinks). Other important uses include metal treatment (rust removal, passivation), detergents, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment. Polyphosphoric acids, more concentrated forms, are used in specialized chemical syntheses and as dehydrating agents. Major importers are typically agricultural nations and countries with large food processing industries. Exporters are often countries with significant phosphate rock reserves or advanced chemical processing capabilities. Key aspects of its trade include its role as a bulk commodity, with prices influenced by phosphate rock costs and agricultural demand. While less corrosive than some other mineral acids, proper handling and storage are still crucial. Its indispensable role in food production and industrial processes ensures its continuous high demand in global markets.
- Covers
- Phosphoric acid 85%
- Food-grade phosphoric acid
- Industrial-grade phosphoric acid
- Polyphosphoric acid
- Technical-grade phosphoric acid
- Fertilizer-grade phosphoric acid
- Examples
- Mosaic Phosphoric Acid
- Nutrien Phosphoric Acid
- OCP Group Phosphoric Acid
- ICL Phosphoric Acid
- Innophos Phosphoric Acid
Codes often confused with 2809.20
Common mistake. This code covers phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acids. It can be confused with diphosphorus pentoxide (280910), which is a precursor to phosphoric acid, or with phosphate salts (Chapter 28 or 31 for fertilizers), which are derived from phosphoric acid.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 280920, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 280920 in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 40% 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 Morocco $3.6B 46% of world exports
- 2 China $896M 12% of world exports
- 3 Jordan* ~$830M 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $7.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $2.5B 40% of world imports
- 2 Pakistan $484M 7.8% of world imports
- 3 United States $331M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $6.2B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 2809.20 5
Brazil splits HS 2809.20 into 5 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2809.20.1 Phosphoric acidÁcido fosfórico Group
- 2809.20.11 Phosphoric acid with less than 750 ppm ironCom um teor de ferro inferior a 750 ppm
- 2809.20.19 Other phosphoric acidOutros
- 2809.20.20 Metaphosphoric acidsÁcidos metafosfóricos
- 2809.20.30 Pyrophosphoric acidÁcido pirofosfórico
- 2809.20.90 Other polyphosphoric acidsOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.09 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2809.20
What is HS code 280920?
HS code 280920 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acids. Phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acids are vital inorganic chemicals with a broad spectrum of applications, making them significant players in international trade, particularly in the agricultural and food sectors. The vast majority of phosphoric acid produced globally is used to manufacture phosphate fertilizers, essential for crop growth and food security. Beyond agriculture, it is widely used in the food and beverage industry as an acidulant, flavor enhancer, and preservative (e.g., in soft drinks). Other important uses include metal treatment (rust removal, passivation), detergents, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment. Polyphosphoric acids, more concentrated forms, are used in specialized chemical syntheses and as dehydrating agents. Major importers are typically agricultural nations and countries with large food processing industries. Exporters are often countries with significant phosphate rock reserves or advanced chemical processing capabilities. Key aspects of its trade include its role as a bulk commodity, with prices influenced by phosphate rock costs and agricultural demand. While less corrosive than some other mineral acids, proper handling and storage are still crucial. Its indispensable role in food production and industrial processes ensures its continuous high demand in global markets.
What products fall under HS code 280920?
Phosphoric acid 85%, food-grade phosphoric acid, industrial-grade phosphoric acid, polyphosphoric acid, technical-grade phosphoric acid, fertilizer-grade phosphoric acid
What are common misclassifications for HS code 280920?
This code covers phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acids. It can be confused with diphosphorus pentoxide (280910), which is a precursor to phosphoric acid, or with phosphate salts (Chapter 28 or 31 for fertilizers), which are derived from phosphoric acid.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 280920?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 280920 in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($3.6B, 46% of world exports), China ($896M) and Jordan (about $830M). World exports came to about $7.7B, 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 280920?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 280920 in UN Comtrade data were India ($2.5B, 40% of world imports), Pakistan ($484M) and the United States ($331M). World imports came to about $6.2B, 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.
How is HS code 280920 structured?
HS code 280920 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 280920?
Brazil splits HS code 280920 into 5 NCM codes: 2809.20.11 (Phosphoric acid with less than 750 ppm iron), 2809.20.19 (Other phosphoric acid), 2809.20.20 (Metaphosphoric acids), 2809.20.30 (Pyrophosphoric acid), 2809.20.90 (Other polyphosphoric acids). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.