HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 28.27 – Chlorides; chloride oxides and chloride hydroxides; bromides and bromide oxides; iodides and iodide oxides
What HS 28.27 covers
Heading 2827 is a comprehensive classification covering chlorides, chloride oxides, chloride hydroxides, bromides, bromide oxides, iodides, and iodide oxides. This broad heading encompasses a vast array of inorganic salts formed between metals or non-metals and halogens (chlorine, bromine, iodine), as well as their oxygenated derivatives. It includes common industrial staples like sodium chloride (table salt), calcium chloride, and potassium chloride, alongside more specialized compounds such as ferric chloride, zinc chloride, and various bromides and iodides used in pharmaceuticals and photography. The scope explicitly excludes organic halogenated compounds, which are classified in Chapter 29, and certain mixtures or preparations where the halide is not the primary character. This classification is crucial for trade compliance due to the sheer volume and diversity of applications, ranging from food additives and water treatment to agriculture, metallurgy, and chemical synthesis. Accurate classification ensures proper duty assessment, regulatory adherence for hazardous materials, and eligibility for specific trade programs. Historically, the trade of many of these salts, like sodium chloride, has been fundamental to human civilization, while others have grown in importance with industrialization. This heading is a cornerstone of Chapter 28, representing a significant portion of the inorganic chemical trade and providing a clear framework for distinguishing these essential halide compounds from other chemical categories.
- Covers
- Sodium chloride
- Calcium chloride
- Potassium chloride
- Magnesium chloride
- Ammonium chloride
- Aluminum chloride
- Ferric chloride
- Zinc chloride
- Cuprous chloride
- Lithium bromide
- Potassium bromide
- Sodium bromide
- Magnesium bromide
- Sodium iodide
- Potassium iodide
- Lithium iodide
- Silver iodide
- Iodine monochloride
- Phosphorus trichloride
- Thionyl chloride
- Hydrogen chloride (anhydrous)
- Barium chloride
- Strontium chloride
- Tin(II) chloride
- Chromium chloride
- Cobalt chloride
- Nickel chloride
- Copper(II) chloride
- Lead(II) chloride
- Examples
A Canadian fertilizer company exports large volumes of potassium chloride to Brazil for use in agricultural fertilizers, typically shipped in bulk carriers across the Atlantic. In another scenario, a Chinese chemical manufacturer ships calcium chloride to the United States for de-icing roads during winter and as a desiccant, often transported in containers. Furthermore, a pharmaceutical company in India supplies sodium iodide to Germany for the synthesis of contrast agents and other pharmaceutical intermediates, usually in smaller, specialized consignments by air or sea freight.
Subheadings under 28.27 11
Codes often confused with 28.27
Common mistake. Traders often misclassify products under 2827 by confusing them with organic halogenated derivatives, which belong to Chapter 29 (e.g., 2903 for chlorinated hydrocarbons or 2904 for sulfonated derivatives). For example, chloromethane is an organic compound, not an inorganic chloride. Another common error is classifying natural mineral forms of these salts, such as rock salt (sodium chloride) or sylvite (potassium chloride), as raw minerals under Chapter 25 (e.g., 2501 for salt) when they have undergone minimal processing, instead of classifying refined or chemically pure forms in 2827. Finally, certain formulated solutions or mixtures containing these salts, if they impart a specific function beyond the simple salt, might fall under Chapter 38 (e.g., 3824 for chemical preparations).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 2827, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2827 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% of world imports. Japan reports $555M of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $759M 20% of world exports
- 2 United States $525M 14% of world exports
- 3 India $338M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $3.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $445M 11% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $270M 6.5% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $225M 5.4% of world imports
Japan reports $555M of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $4.2B 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.
Questions about HS 28.27
What is HS code 2827?
HS code 2827 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Chlorides; chloride oxides and chloride hydroxides; bromides and bromide oxides; iodides and iodide oxides. Heading 2827 is a comprehensive classification covering chlorides, chloride oxides, chloride hydroxides, bromides, bromide oxides, iodides, and iodide oxides. This broad heading encompasses a vast array of inorganic salts formed between metals or non-metals and halogens (chlorine, bromine, iodine), as well as their oxygenated derivatives. It includes common industrial staples like sodium chloride (table salt), calcium chloride, and potassium chloride, alongside more specialized compounds such as ferric chloride, zinc chloride, and various bromides and iodides used in pharmaceuticals and photography. The scope explicitly excludes organic halogenated compounds, which are classified in Chapter 29, and certain mixtures or preparations where the halide is not the primary character. This classification is crucial for trade compliance due to the sheer volume and diversity of applications, ranging from food additives and water treatment to agriculture, metallurgy, and chemical synthesis. Accurate classification ensures proper duty assessment, regulatory adherence for hazardous materials, and eligibility for specific trade programs. Historically, the trade of many of these salts, like sodium chloride, has been fundamental to human civilization, while others have grown in importance with industrialization. This heading is a cornerstone of Chapter 28, representing a significant portion of the inorganic chemical trade and providing a clear framework for distinguishing these essential halide compounds from other chemical categories.
What products fall under HS code 2827?
Sodium chloride, Calcium chloride, Potassium chloride, Magnesium chloride, Ammonium chloride, Aluminum chloride, Ferric chloride, Zinc chloride, Cuprous chloride, Lithium bromide, Potassium bromide, Sodium bromide, Magnesium bromide, Sodium iodide, Potassium iodide, Lithium iodide, Silver iodide, Iodine monochloride, Phosphorus trichloride, Thionyl chloride, Hydrogen chloride (anhydrous), Barium chloride, Strontium chloride, Tin(II) chloride, Chromium chloride, Cobalt chloride, Nickel chloride, Copper(II) chloride, Lead(II) chloride
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2827?
Traders often misclassify products under 2827 by confusing them with organic halogenated derivatives, which belong to Chapter 29 (e.g., 2903 for chlorinated hydrocarbons or 2904 for sulfonated derivatives). For example, chloromethane is an organic compound, not an inorganic chloride. Another common error is classifying natural mineral forms of these salts, such as rock salt (sodium chloride) or sylvite (potassium chloride), as raw minerals under Chapter 25 (e.g., 2501 for salt) when they have undergone minimal processing, instead of classifying refined or chemically pure forms in 2827. Finally, certain formulated solutions or mixtures containing these salts, if they impart a specific function beyond the simple salt, might fall under Chapter 38 (e.g., 3824 for chemical preparations).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2827?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2827 in UN Comtrade data were China ($759M, 20% of world exports), the United States ($525M) and India ($338M). World exports came to about $3.7B, 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 2827?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2827 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($445M, 11% of world imports), South Korea ($270M) and Mexico ($225M). World imports came to about $4.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Japan reports $555M of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 2827 structured?
HS code 2827 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (27) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.