HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2812.13 – Phosphorus trichloride
HS code 2812.13 is the 6-digit subheading for phosphorus trichloride. It is used for phosphorus trichloride, PCl3 and trichlorophosphine.
What HS 2812.13 covers
Phosphorus trichloride (PCl3) is classified under this HS code, serving as a crucial intermediate in the synthesis of a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds. It is extensively used in the production of phosphites, phosphonates, and other phosphorus-containing chemicals, which are vital for manufacturing pesticides, plasticizers, flame retardants, and pharmaceuticals. Countries with robust chemical industries, including China, India, the United States, and Germany, are major participants in its global trade. Due to its corrosive and reactive nature, particularly with water, PCl3 requires specialized handling, storage, and transportation protocols to ensure safety and prevent environmental contamination. The purity of phosphorus trichloride is a critical factor influencing its suitability for various high-value chemical syntheses.
- Covers
- Phosphorus trichloride
- PCl3
- Trichlorophosphine
- Examples
- ICL Group Phosphorus Trichloride
- Lanxess PCl3
- Solvay Phosphorus Trichloride
Codes often confused with 2812.13
Common mistake. This code is specific, but it can be confused with phosphorus oxychloride (2812.12) or phosphorus pentachloride (2812.14) due to similar chemical names and applications, requiring careful attention to the number of chlorine atoms.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 281213, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 281213 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 52% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 34% 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 Germany $26M 52% of world exports
- 2 China $15M 29% of world exports
- 3 India $5.0M 10% of world exports
World total: $50M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $16M 34% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $13M 27% of world imports
- 3 United States $8.7M 19% of world imports
World total: $47M 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 2812.13
Brazil does not split HS 2812.13: its NCM code is 2812.13.00.
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 2812.13
What is HS code 281213?
HS code 281213 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Phosphorus trichloride. Phosphorus trichloride (PCl3) is classified under this HS code, serving as a crucial intermediate in the synthesis of a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds. It is extensively used in the production of phosphites, phosphonates, and other phosphorus-containing chemicals, which are vital for manufacturing pesticides, plasticizers, flame retardants, and pharmaceuticals. Countries with robust chemical industries, including China, India, the United States, and Germany, are major participants in its global trade. Due to its corrosive and reactive nature, particularly with water, PCl3 requires specialized handling, storage, and transportation protocols to ensure safety and prevent environmental contamination. The purity of phosphorus trichloride is a critical factor influencing its suitability for various high-value chemical syntheses.
What products fall under HS code 281213?
Phosphorus trichloride, PCl3, Trichlorophosphine
What are common misclassifications for HS code 281213?
This code is specific, but it can be confused with phosphorus oxychloride (2812.12) or phosphorus pentachloride (2812.14) due to similar chemical names and applications, requiring careful attention to the number of chlorine atoms.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 281213?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 281213 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($26M, 52% of world exports), China ($15M) and India ($5.0M). World exports came to about $50M, 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 281213?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 281213 in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($16M, 34% of world imports), South Korea ($13M) and the United States ($8.7M). World imports came to about $47M, 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 281213 structured?
HS code 281213 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 (13) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 281213?
In Brazil, HS code 281213 is NCM 2812.13.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.