HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2815.11 – Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); solid
HS code 2815.11 is the 6-digit subheading for sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), solid. It is used for caustic soda flakes, sodium hydroxide pellets, solid NaOH, lye and caustic soda granules.
What HS 2815.11 covers
Solid sodium hydroxide, commonly known as caustic soda, is a highly corrosive and strong alkaline chemical traded globally in various forms such as flakes, pellets, or granules. It is a foundational chemical with extensive industrial applications, particularly in the pulp and paper industry for pulping and bleaching, in the production of alumina from bauxite, and in the manufacture of soaps, detergents, and textiles. It also plays a crucial role in water treatment, petroleum refining, and chemical synthesis. Major importers and exporters include large chemical producers, mining companies, and manufacturers across diverse sectors. Due to its highly corrosive nature, international trade in solid caustic soda demands strict adherence to dangerous goods regulations for packaging, labeling, and transportation to ensure safety and prevent environmental contamination. Its demand is closely linked to global industrial activity and manufacturing output.
- Covers
- Caustic soda flakes
- Sodium hydroxide pellets
- Solid NaOH
- Lye
- Caustic soda granules
- Industrial alkali
- Examples
- Dow Caustic Soda
- Olin Caustic Soda
- BASF Sodium Hydroxide
- Solvay Caustic Soda
Codes often confused with 2815.11
Common mistake. This code specifically covers sodium hydroxide in its solid form, distinguishing it from sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution (2815.12), which has different handling and concentration characteristics.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 281511, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 281511 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 5.3% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 14% of its exports here ($4.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 12% of its imports here ($4.3M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $350M 36% of world exports
- 2 India $236M 24% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $33M 3.4% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 14% of its exports here ($4.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $978M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $57M 5.3% of world imports
- 2 Nigeria $54M 5.1% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$50M 4.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 12% of its imports here ($4.3M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $1.1B 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. 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 2815.11
Brazil does not split HS 2815.11: its NCM code is 2815.11.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.15 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2815.11
What is HS code 281511?
HS code 281511 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); solid. Solid sodium hydroxide, commonly known as caustic soda, is a highly corrosive and strong alkaline chemical traded globally in various forms such as flakes, pellets, or granules. It is a foundational chemical with extensive industrial applications, particularly in the pulp and paper industry for pulping and bleaching, in the production of alumina from bauxite, and in the manufacture of soaps, detergents, and textiles. It also plays a crucial role in water treatment, petroleum refining, and chemical synthesis. Major importers and exporters include large chemical producers, mining companies, and manufacturers across diverse sectors. Due to its highly corrosive nature, international trade in solid caustic soda demands strict adherence to dangerous goods regulations for packaging, labeling, and transportation to ensure safety and prevent environmental contamination. Its demand is closely linked to global industrial activity and manufacturing output.
What products fall under HS code 281511?
Caustic soda flakes, Sodium hydroxide pellets, Solid NaOH, Lye, Caustic soda granules, Industrial alkali
What are common misclassifications for HS code 281511?
This code specifically covers sodium hydroxide in its solid form, distinguishing it from sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution (2815.12), which has different handling and concentration characteristics.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 281511?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 281511 in UN Comtrade data were China ($350M, 36% of world exports), India ($236M) and Thailand ($33M). World exports came to about $978M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 14% of its exports here ($4.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 281511?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 281511 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($57M, 5.3% of world imports), Nigeria ($54M) and Vietnam (about $50M). World imports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 12% of its imports here ($4.3M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
How is HS code 281511 structured?
HS code 281511 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (15) 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 281511?
In Brazil, HS code 281511 is NCM 2815.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.