HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2811.12 – Hydrogen cyanide (hydrocyanic acid)
HS code 2811.12 is the 6-digit subheading for hydrogen cyanide (hydrocyanic acid). It is used for liquid hydrogen cyanide, aqueous hydrocyanic acid, stabilized HCN, HCN for acrylonitrile production and HCN for MMA production.
What HS 2811.12 covers
This HS code covers hydrogen cyanide (HCN), also known as hydrocyanic acid, a highly toxic and volatile chemical. Despite its extreme toxicity, HCN is a critical intermediate in the production of a wide range of organic chemicals, making its international trade essential for various industrial sectors. Importers are typically countries with robust chemical manufacturing industries, particularly those producing plastics, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals. Exporters are nations with advanced petrochemical or chemical synthesis capabilities. Key applications include the production of acrylonitrile (for acrylic fibers and plastics), methyl methacrylate (for acrylic glass), chelating agents, and various pesticides. Due to its extreme hazards, the trade and handling of HCN are subject to very strict international regulations, specialized transportation, and safety measures, which significantly influence its supply chain and costs.
- Covers
- Liquid hydrogen cyanide
- Aqueous hydrocyanic acid
- Stabilized HCN
- HCN for acrylonitrile production
- HCN for MMA production
- HCN for chelating agents
- Examples
- Evonik Hydrogen Cyanide
- BASF Hydrogen Cyanide
- Mitsubishi Chemical Hydrogen Cyanide
- Dow Chemical Hydrogen Cyanide
Codes often confused with 2811.12
Common mistake. This code is specific to hydrogen cyanide and should not be confused with other inorganic acids or cyanide salts (e.g., 2837 for cyanides and cyanate complexes), as it refers to the acid itself.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 281112, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 281112 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 29% 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 United States $249K 44% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $220K 39% of world exports
- 3 France $33K 5.8% of world exports
World total: $559K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $533K 29% of world imports
- 2 Germany $346K 19% of world imports
- 3 Sweden $157K 8.6% of world imports
World total: $1.8M 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 code for 2811.12
Brazil does not split HS 2811.12: its NCM code is 2811.12.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.11 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2811.12
What is HS code 281112?
HS code 281112 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Hydrogen cyanide (hydrocyanic acid). This HS code covers hydrogen cyanide (HCN), also known as hydrocyanic acid, a highly toxic and volatile chemical. Despite its extreme toxicity, HCN is a critical intermediate in the production of a wide range of organic chemicals, making its international trade essential for various industrial sectors. Importers are typically countries with robust chemical manufacturing industries, particularly those producing plastics, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals. Exporters are nations with advanced petrochemical or chemical synthesis capabilities. Key applications include the production of acrylonitrile (for acrylic fibers and plastics), methyl methacrylate (for acrylic glass), chelating agents, and various pesticides. Due to its extreme hazards, the trade and handling of HCN are subject to very strict international regulations, specialized transportation, and safety measures, which significantly influence its supply chain and costs.
What products fall under HS code 281112?
Liquid hydrogen cyanide, aqueous hydrocyanic acid, stabilized HCN, HCN for acrylonitrile production, HCN for MMA production, HCN for chelating agents
What are common misclassifications for HS code 281112?
This code is specific to hydrogen cyanide and should not be confused with other inorganic acids or cyanide salts (e.g., 2837 for cyanides and cyanate complexes), as it refers to the acid itself.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 281112?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 281112 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($249K, 44% of world exports), Belgium ($220K) and France ($33K). World exports came to about $559K, 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 281112?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 281112 in UN Comtrade data were France ($533K, 29% of world imports), Germany ($346K) and Sweden ($157K). World imports came to about $1.8M, 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 281112 structured?
HS code 281112 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (11) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 281112?
In Brazil, HS code 281112 is NCM 2811.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.