HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2812.12 – Phosphorus oxychloride
HS code 2812.12 is the 6-digit subheading for phosphorus oxychloride. It is used for phosphorus oxychloride, phosphoryl chloride and POCl3.
What HS 2812.12 covers
Phosphorus oxychloride (POCl3) is covered by this HS code, a key chemical intermediate with diverse industrial applications. It is primarily used in the production of phosphate esters, which find use as plasticizers, hydraulic fluids, and flame retardants. Additionally, it's a vital reagent in organic synthesis, particularly for chlorination reactions and in the manufacture of certain pharmaceuticals and pesticides. Countries with advanced chemical industries, such as China, India, the United States, and Germany, are significant players in its import and export. Trade in POCl3 requires careful handling due to its corrosive nature and reactivity with water, necessitating specialized packaging and transportation. Its purity is often critical for its end-use applications, and its classification is important for customs and safety regulations.
- Covers
- Phosphorus oxychloride
- Phosphoryl chloride
- POCl3
- Examples
- Lanxess Phosphorus Oxychloride
- ICL Group POCl3
- Solvay Phosphorus Oxychloride
Codes often confused with 2812.12
Common mistake. This code is quite specific. Potential confusion might arise with other phosphorus halides like phosphorus trichloride (2812.13) or phosphorus pentachloride (2812.14) if the "oxy" component is overlooked.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 281212, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 281212 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 23% 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 China $13M 37% of world exports
- 2 Germany $12M 35% of world exports
- 3 United States $2.7M 7.8% of world exports
World total: $35M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Thailand $7.6M 23% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $4.7M 14% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$4.0M 12% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $33M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 2812.12
Brazil does not split HS 2812.12: its NCM code is 2812.12.00.
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 2812.12
What is HS code 281212?
HS code 281212 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Phosphorus oxychloride. Phosphorus oxychloride (POCl3) is covered by this HS code, a key chemical intermediate with diverse industrial applications. It is primarily used in the production of phosphate esters, which find use as plasticizers, hydraulic fluids, and flame retardants. Additionally, it's a vital reagent in organic synthesis, particularly for chlorination reactions and in the manufacture of certain pharmaceuticals and pesticides. Countries with advanced chemical industries, such as China, India, the United States, and Germany, are significant players in its import and export. Trade in POCl3 requires careful handling due to its corrosive nature and reactivity with water, necessitating specialized packaging and transportation. Its purity is often critical for its end-use applications, and its classification is important for customs and safety regulations.
What products fall under HS code 281212?
Phosphorus oxychloride, Phosphoryl chloride, POCl3
What are common misclassifications for HS code 281212?
This code is quite specific. Potential confusion might arise with other phosphorus halides like phosphorus trichloride (2812.13) or phosphorus pentachloride (2812.14) if the "oxy" component is overlooked.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 281212?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 281212 in UN Comtrade data were China ($13M, 37% of world exports), Germany ($12M) and the United States ($2.7M). World exports came to about $35M, 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 281212?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 281212 in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($7.6M, 23% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($4.7M) and Taiwan (about $4.0M). World imports came to about $33M, 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 281212 structured?
HS code 281212 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 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 281212?
In Brazil, HS code 281212 is NCM 2812.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.