HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2834.21 – Nitrates; of potassium
HS code 2834.21 is the 6-digit subheading for nitrates, of potassium. It is used for potassium nitrate (saltpeter), niter, KNO3 fertilizer, potassium nitrate for pyrotechnics and potassium nitrate for glass manufacturing.
What HS 2834.21 covers
This specific HS code covers potassium nitrate, a vital inorganic chemical compound widely recognized for its dual role. It is extensively used as a fertilizer, supplying both essential potassium and nitrogen for robust plant growth, making it a cornerstone of modern agriculture. Beyond farming, potassium nitrate is a key ingredient in the manufacture of gunpowder, fireworks, and rocket propellants, and it also finds application in certain food preservation processes, such as curing meats. Agricultural companies, explosives manufacturers, and chemical distributors are the primary importers, with large chemical and fertilizer producers acting as the main exporters. The 'CBAM' tag highlights its energy-intensive production. Key trade considerations include purity, granulation size for agricultural use, and stringent regulatory controls due to its dual-use potential as both a fertilizer and an explosive. Global demand is heavily influenced by agricultural cycles and geopolitical factors.
- Covers
- Potassium nitrate (saltpeter)
- Niter
- KNO3 fertilizer
- Potassium nitrate for pyrotechnics
- Potassium nitrate for glass manufacturing
- Examples
- Miracle-Gro (some formulations)
- Saltpeter (food curing)
- Black Powder (historical use)
- Rocket Candy (hobbyist propellants)
- Haifa Chemicals (fertilizer)
Codes often confused with 2834.21
Common mistake. Potassium nitrate (2834.21) should not be confused with other nitrates like sodium nitrate (2834.29) or ammonium nitrate (3102.30), which have different chemical properties and primary uses.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 283421, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 283421 in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 17% 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 Chile $306M 37% of world exports
- 2 China $136M 16% of world exports
- 3 Jordan* ~$126M 15% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $833M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $168M 17% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $133M 13% of world imports
- 3 United States $91M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $1.0B 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 codes for 2834.21 2
Brazil splits HS 2834.21 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2834.21.10 Potassium nitrate, 98% KNO3 or lessCom um teor de KNO3 inferior ou igual a 98 %, em peso
- 2834.21.90 Other potassium nitrateOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.34 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about HS 2834.21
What is HS code 283421?
HS code 283421 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Nitrates; of potassium. This specific HS code covers potassium nitrate, a vital inorganic chemical compound widely recognized for its dual role. It is extensively used as a fertilizer, supplying both essential potassium and nitrogen for robust plant growth, making it a cornerstone of modern agriculture. Beyond farming, potassium nitrate is a key ingredient in the manufacture of gunpowder, fireworks, and rocket propellants, and it also finds application in certain food preservation processes, such as curing meats. Agricultural companies, explosives manufacturers, and chemical distributors are the primary importers, with large chemical and fertilizer producers acting as the main exporters. The 'CBAM' tag highlights its energy-intensive production. Key trade considerations include purity, granulation size for agricultural use, and stringent regulatory controls due to its dual-use potential as both a fertilizer and an explosive. Global demand is heavily influenced by agricultural cycles and geopolitical factors.
What products fall under HS code 283421?
Potassium nitrate (saltpeter), Niter, KNO3 fertilizer, Potassium nitrate for pyrotechnics, Potassium nitrate for glass manufacturing
What are common misclassifications for HS code 283421?
Potassium nitrate (2834.21) should not be confused with other nitrates like sodium nitrate (2834.29) or ammonium nitrate (3102.30), which have different chemical properties and primary uses.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 283421?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 283421 in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($306M, 37% of world exports), China ($136M) and Jordan (about $126M). World exports came to about $833M, 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 283421?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 283421 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($168M, 17% of world imports), the Netherlands ($133M) and the United States ($91M). World imports came to about $1.0B, 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 283421 structured?
HS code 283421 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (34) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 283421?
Brazil splits HS code 283421 into 2 NCM codes: 2834.21.10 (Potassium nitrate, 98% KNO3 or less), 2834.21.90 (Other potassium nitrate). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.