HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2812.17 – Thionyl chloride
HS code 2812.17 is the 6-digit subheading for thionyl chloride. It is used for thionyl chloride, SOCl2, chlorinating agent, reagent for organic synthesis and chemical intermediate.
What HS 2812.17 covers
Thionyl chloride is a highly reactive inorganic chemical compound primarily used as a chlorinating agent in organic synthesis, particularly in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty chemical industries. Its strong reactivity makes it invaluable for converting carboxylic acids and alcohols into their corresponding acyl chlorides and alkyl chlorides, respectively. Companies involved in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), pesticides, and various fine chemicals are major importers and exporters of this substance. Due to its corrosive and toxic nature, international trade in thionyl chloride is subject to stringent regulations regarding handling, packaging, and transportation, often requiring specialized containers and adherence to dangerous goods classifications. Key things to know include its role in creating intermediates for complex molecules and the critical safety protocols required for its global movement. Its demand is closely tied to the growth of the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors, making it a strategic commodity for these industries.
- Covers
- Thionyl chloride
- SOCl2
- Chlorinating agent
- Reagent for organic synthesis
- Chemical intermediate
- Acyl chloride precursor
- Examples
- Sigma-Aldrich Thionyl Chloride
- Merck Thionyl Chloride
- BASF Thionyl Chloride
- TCI Thionyl Chloride
Codes often confused with 2812.17
Common mistake. This code might be confused with other inorganic chlorides under 2812.19, but 2812.17 specifically covers thionyl chloride due to its distinct chemical structure and primary applications.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 281217, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 281217 in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% 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 Switzerland $3.6M 48% of world exports
- 2 France $1.7M 22% of world exports
- 3 India $1.2M 16% of world exports
World total: $7.6M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $5.5M 22% of world imports
- 2 Italy $3.3M 13% of world imports
- 3 France $2.2M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $24M 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 2812.17
Brazil does not split HS 2812.17: its NCM code is 2812.17.00.
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 2812.17
What is HS code 281217?
HS code 281217 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Thionyl chloride. Thionyl chloride is a highly reactive inorganic chemical compound primarily used as a chlorinating agent in organic synthesis, particularly in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty chemical industries. Its strong reactivity makes it invaluable for converting carboxylic acids and alcohols into their corresponding acyl chlorides and alkyl chlorides, respectively. Companies involved in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), pesticides, and various fine chemicals are major importers and exporters of this substance. Due to its corrosive and toxic nature, international trade in thionyl chloride is subject to stringent regulations regarding handling, packaging, and transportation, often requiring specialized containers and adherence to dangerous goods classifications. Key things to know include its role in creating intermediates for complex molecules and the critical safety protocols required for its global movement. Its demand is closely tied to the growth of the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors, making it a strategic commodity for these industries.
What products fall under HS code 281217?
Thionyl chloride, SOCl2, Chlorinating agent, Reagent for organic synthesis, Chemical intermediate, Acyl chloride precursor
What are common misclassifications for HS code 281217?
This code might be confused with other inorganic chlorides under 2812.19, but 2812.17 specifically covers thionyl chloride due to its distinct chemical structure and primary applications.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 281217?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 281217 in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($3.6M, 48% of world exports), France ($1.7M) and India ($1.2M). World exports came to about $7.6M, 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 281217?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 281217 in UN Comtrade data were China ($5.5M, 22% of world imports), Italy ($3.3M) and France ($2.2M). World imports came to about $24M, 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 281217 structured?
HS code 281217 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 (17) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 281217?
In Brazil, HS code 281217 is NCM 2812.17.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.