HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2827.32 – Chlorides; of aluminium
HS code 2827.32 is the 6-digit subheading for chlorides, of aluminium. It is used for anhydrous aluminium chloride, aluminium chloride hexahydrate, pharmaceutical grade aluminium chloride, industrial catalyst and flocculant for water treatment.
What HS 2827.32 covers
Aluminium chloride is a crucial chemical compound with significant global trade, primarily due to its extensive use as a Lewis acid catalyst in organic synthesis, particularly in the Friedel-Crafts reactions within the petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. Countries with advanced chemical manufacturing sectors and robust pharmaceutical or polymer production facilities are major importers. It also finds application in the production of aluminium metal, in antiperspirants, and as a flocculant in water treatment. Key aspects of its trade involve handling its highly reactive and corrosive nature, especially the anhydrous form, which requires specialized packaging and transport. Its various forms, including anhydrous and hexahydrate, cater to different industrial needs, with purity being a critical factor for catalytic applications. Demand is closely tied to the growth of the chemical, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries.
- Covers
- Anhydrous aluminium chloride
- Aluminium chloride hexahydrate
- Pharmaceutical grade aluminium chloride
- Industrial catalyst
- Flocculant for water treatment
- Antiperspirant ingredient
- Dyeing mordant
- Petroleum refining catalyst
- Examples
- BASF Aluminium Chloride
- Sigma-Aldrich Aluminium Chloride
- Merck KGaA Aluminium Chloride
- Solvay Aluminium Chloride
Codes often confused with 2827.32
Common mistake. This code might be confused with other aluminium compounds like aluminium sulfate (283322) used in water treatment, but 282732 specifically covers aluminium chlorides.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 282732, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 282732 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 13% 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 India $52M 21% of world exports
- 2 United States $49M 20% of world exports
- 3 Germany $32M 13% of world exports
World total: $250M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $42M 13% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $20M 6.1% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $19M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $329M 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 2827.32
Brazil does not split HS 2827.32: its NCM code is 2827.32.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.27 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2827.32
What is HS code 282732?
HS code 282732 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Chlorides; of aluminium. Aluminium chloride is a crucial chemical compound with significant global trade, primarily due to its extensive use as a Lewis acid catalyst in organic synthesis, particularly in the Friedel-Crafts reactions within the petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. Countries with advanced chemical manufacturing sectors and robust pharmaceutical or polymer production facilities are major importers. It also finds application in the production of aluminium metal, in antiperspirants, and as a flocculant in water treatment. Key aspects of its trade involve handling its highly reactive and corrosive nature, especially the anhydrous form, which requires specialized packaging and transport. Its various forms, including anhydrous and hexahydrate, cater to different industrial needs, with purity being a critical factor for catalytic applications. Demand is closely tied to the growth of the chemical, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries.
What products fall under HS code 282732?
Anhydrous aluminium chloride, Aluminium chloride hexahydrate, Pharmaceutical grade aluminium chloride, Industrial catalyst, Flocculant for water treatment, Antiperspirant ingredient, Dyeing mordant, Petroleum refining catalyst
What are common misclassifications for HS code 282732?
This code might be confused with other aluminium compounds like aluminium sulfate (283322) used in water treatment, but 282732 specifically covers aluminium chlorides.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 282732?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 282732 in UN Comtrade data were India ($52M, 21% of world exports), the United States ($49M) and Germany ($32M). World exports came to about $250M, 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 282732?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 282732 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($42M, 13% of world imports), Indonesia ($20M) and Malaysia ($19M). World imports came to about $329M, 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 282732 structured?
HS code 282732 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (27) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (32) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 282732?
In Brazil, HS code 282732 is NCM 2827.32.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.