HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2815.20 – Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash)
HS code 2815.20 is the 6-digit subheading for potassium hydroxide (caustic potash). It is used for caustic potash, potassium hydroxide flakes, KOH pellets, liquid KOH and potassium lye.
What HS 2815.20 covers
Potassium hydroxide (KOH), commonly known as caustic potash, is a strong alkaline chemical traded in both solid (flakes, pellets) and aqueous solution forms, though this code covers both. It is a versatile compound with significant industrial importance, particularly in the production of potassium carbonates, phosphates, and other potassium salts. It is also widely used in the manufacturing of liquid soaps and detergents, as an electrolyte in alkaline batteries, in agricultural fertilizers, and in various chemical synthesis processes. Importers and exporters include chemical manufacturers, battery producers, agricultural chemical companies, and specialty soap manufacturers. Due to its highly corrosive nature, international trade in potassium hydroxide is subject to stringent dangerous goods regulations for packaging, labeling, and transportation, whether in solid or liquid form, to ensure safety and environmental protection. Its demand is driven by the global market for specialty chemicals and consumer goods.
- Covers
- Caustic potash
- Potassium hydroxide flakes
- KOH pellets
- Liquid KOH
- Potassium lye
- Alkaline battery electrolyte
- Examples
- Vynova Potassium Hydroxide
- Occidental Chemical KOH
- Tessenderlo Group Caustic Potash
- Sigma-Aldrich Potassium Hydroxide
Codes often confused with 2815.20
Common mistake. This code specifically covers potassium hydroxide, distinguishing it from sodium hydroxide (2815.11 and 2815.12) due to its different cation and distinct applications, despite both being strong bases.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 281520, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 281520 in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 9.4% 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 South Korea $175M 22% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $155M 19% of world exports
- 3 United States $98M 12% of world exports
World total: $794M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $82M 9.4% of world imports
- 2 Israel $59M 6.7% of world imports
- 3 United States $58M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $878M 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 2815.20
Brazil does not split HS 2815.20: its NCM code is 2815.20.00.
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 2815.20
What is HS code 281520?
HS code 281520 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash). Potassium hydroxide (KOH), commonly known as caustic potash, is a strong alkaline chemical traded in both solid (flakes, pellets) and aqueous solution forms, though this code covers both. It is a versatile compound with significant industrial importance, particularly in the production of potassium carbonates, phosphates, and other potassium salts. It is also widely used in the manufacturing of liquid soaps and detergents, as an electrolyte in alkaline batteries, in agricultural fertilizers, and in various chemical synthesis processes. Importers and exporters include chemical manufacturers, battery producers, agricultural chemical companies, and specialty soap manufacturers. Due to its highly corrosive nature, international trade in potassium hydroxide is subject to stringent dangerous goods regulations for packaging, labeling, and transportation, whether in solid or liquid form, to ensure safety and environmental protection. Its demand is driven by the global market for specialty chemicals and consumer goods.
What products fall under HS code 281520?
Caustic potash, Potassium hydroxide flakes, KOH pellets, Liquid KOH, Potassium lye, Alkaline battery electrolyte
What are common misclassifications for HS code 281520?
This code specifically covers potassium hydroxide, distinguishing it from sodium hydroxide (2815.11 and 2815.12) due to its different cation and distinct applications, despite both being strong bases.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 281520?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 281520 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($175M, 22% of world exports), Belgium ($155M) and the United States ($98M). World exports came to about $794M, 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 281520?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 281520 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($82M, 9.4% of world imports), Israel ($59M) and the United States ($58M). World imports came to about $878M, 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 281520 structured?
HS code 281520 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 281520?
In Brazil, HS code 281520 is NCM 2815.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.