HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2811.21 – Carbon dioxide
HS code 2811.21 is the 6-digit subheading for carbon dioxide. It is used for liquid carbon dioxide, gaseous carbon dioxide, solid carbon dioxide (dry ice), food-grade CO2 and industrial-grade CO2.
What HS 2811.21 covers
This HS code specifically covers carbon dioxide (CO2), a ubiquitous inorganic compound traded internationally in various forms, primarily as a gas or liquid. It's a critical input for a wide array of industries, from food and beverage (carbonation, refrigeration) to medical applications, welding, and even enhanced oil recovery. Major industrial gas companies are key players in its import and export, serving diverse manufacturing sectors. The trade in CO2 is influenced by industrial demand, technological advancements in capture and utilization, and increasingly, environmental regulations. Its non-flammable nature makes it relatively safe to transport, but its high-pressure storage and potential for asphyxiation require careful handling. The purity level is often a crucial factor determining its end-use and market value.
- Covers
- Liquid carbon dioxide
- Gaseous carbon dioxide
- Solid carbon dioxide (dry ice)
- Food-grade CO2
- Industrial-grade CO2
- Medical-grade CO2
- Examples
- Linde Carbon Dioxide
- Air Liquide CO2
- Praxair Carbon Dioxide
- Messer CO2
Codes often confused with 2811.21
Common mistake. This code is quite specific, but confusion might arise with other industrial gases under 2804 (e.g., oxygen, nitrogen) if not carefully identified, or with mixtures containing CO2.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 281121, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 281121 in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 7.9% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $169M 24% of world exports
- 2 United States $42M 6.0% of world exports
- 3 Germany $31M 4.5% of world exports
World total: $700M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $63M 7.9% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $45M 5.7% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $44M 5.5% of world imports
The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
World total: $793M 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 2811.21
Brazil does not split HS 2811.21: its NCM code is 2811.21.00.
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 2811.21
What is HS code 281121?
HS code 281121 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Carbon dioxide. This HS code specifically covers carbon dioxide (CO2), a ubiquitous inorganic compound traded internationally in various forms, primarily as a gas or liquid. It's a critical input for a wide array of industries, from food and beverage (carbonation, refrigeration) to medical applications, welding, and even enhanced oil recovery. Major industrial gas companies are key players in its import and export, serving diverse manufacturing sectors. The trade in CO2 is influenced by industrial demand, technological advancements in capture and utilization, and increasingly, environmental regulations. Its non-flammable nature makes it relatively safe to transport, but its high-pressure storage and potential for asphyxiation require careful handling. The purity level is often a crucial factor determining its end-use and market value.
What products fall under HS code 281121?
Liquid carbon dioxide, Gaseous carbon dioxide, Solid carbon dioxide (dry ice), Food-grade CO2, Industrial-grade CO2, Medical-grade CO2
What are common misclassifications for HS code 281121?
This code is quite specific, but confusion might arise with other industrial gases under 2804 (e.g., oxygen, nitrogen) if not carefully identified, or with mixtures containing CO2.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 281121?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 281121 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($169M, 24% of world exports), the United States ($42M) and Germany ($31M). World exports came to about $700M, 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 281121?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 281121 in UN Comtrade data were France ($63M, 7.9% of world imports), Mexico ($45M) and the United Kingdom ($44M). World imports came to about $793M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
How is HS code 281121 structured?
HS code 281121 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 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 281121?
In Brazil, HS code 281121 is NCM 2811.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.