HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2812.11 – Carbonyl dichloride (phosgene)
HS code 2812.11 is the 6-digit subheading for carbonyl dichloride (phosgene). It is used for phosgene gas, liquid phosgene and carbonyl chloride.
What HS 2812.11 covers
This HS code specifically identifies carbonyl dichloride, more commonly known as phosgene, a highly toxic chemical compound. Despite its extreme toxicity, phosgene is a crucial industrial intermediate, primarily used in the production of polycarbonates, isocyanates (for polyurethanes), and various pharmaceuticals and pesticides. Due to its hazardous nature and historical use as a chemical weapon, international trade in phosgene is extremely restricted and heavily regulated under conventions like the Chemical Weapons Convention. Only a limited number of specialized chemical manufacturers in countries with stringent safety protocols, such as Germany, the United States, and Japan, are involved in its production and controlled trade. Importers are typically large industrial consumers with the necessary infrastructure for safe handling. Its trade is characterized by strict licensing, monitoring, and security measures to prevent misuse and ensure safe transportation.
- Covers
- Phosgene gas
- Liquid phosgene
- Carbonyl chloride
- Examples
- Covestro Phosgene (for MDI/TDI production)
- BASF Phosgene (for intermediates)
Codes often confused with 2812.11
Common mistake. Given its unique and hazardous nature, misclassification is less common, but it could potentially be confused with other highly reactive halogenated compounds if not precisely identified by its chemical name.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 281211, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 281211 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 50% 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 $582K 58% of world exports
- 2 Germany $198K 20% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $196K 20% of world exports
World total: $1.0M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $1.5M 50% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $739K 25% of world imports
- 3 Germany $183K 6.3% of world imports
World total: $2.9M 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 2812.11
Brazil does not split HS 2812.11: its NCM code is 2812.11.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.12 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2812.11
What is HS code 281211?
HS code 281211 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Carbonyl dichloride (phosgene). This HS code specifically identifies carbonyl dichloride, more commonly known as phosgene, a highly toxic chemical compound. Despite its extreme toxicity, phosgene is a crucial industrial intermediate, primarily used in the production of polycarbonates, isocyanates (for polyurethanes), and various pharmaceuticals and pesticides. Due to its hazardous nature and historical use as a chemical weapon, international trade in phosgene is extremely restricted and heavily regulated under conventions like the Chemical Weapons Convention. Only a limited number of specialized chemical manufacturers in countries with stringent safety protocols, such as Germany, the United States, and Japan, are involved in its production and controlled trade. Importers are typically large industrial consumers with the necessary infrastructure for safe handling. Its trade is characterized by strict licensing, monitoring, and security measures to prevent misuse and ensure safe transportation.
What products fall under HS code 281211?
Phosgene gas, Liquid phosgene, Carbonyl chloride
What are common misclassifications for HS code 281211?
Given its unique and hazardous nature, misclassification is less common, but it could potentially be confused with other highly reactive halogenated compounds if not precisely identified by its chemical name.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 281211?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 281211 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($582K, 58% of world exports), Germany ($198K) and Czechia ($196K). World exports came to about $1.0M, 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 281211?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 281211 in UN Comtrade data were France ($1.5M, 50% of world imports), the Netherlands ($739K) and Germany ($183K). World imports came to about $2.9M, 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 281211 structured?
HS code 281211 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 281211?
In Brazil, HS code 281211 is NCM 2812.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.