HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 28.36 – Carbonates; peroxocarbonates (percarbonates); commercial ammonium carbonate containing ammonium carbamate
What HS 28.36 covers
Heading 2836 encompasses a vital and widely utilized group of inorganic chemicals: carbonates, peroxocarbonates (percarbonates), and specific commercial ammonium carbonate containing ammonium carbamate. These compounds are essentially salts of carbonic acid or peroxocarbonic acid, forming the backbone for countless industrial processes and consumer products globally. The scope is broad, covering both pure chemical compounds like sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate, and potassium carbonate, as well as their peroxo counterparts such as sodium percarbonate. It also specifically includes commercial grades of ammonium carbonate that contain ammonium carbamate, addressing common industrial formulations. This classification is crucial for trade compliance as these chemicals have diverse applications, ranging from food additives and pharmaceuticals to construction materials, detergents, and industrial reagents. Proper classification ensures adherence to varying purity standards, specific end-use regulations (e.g., food-grade vs. industrial-grade), and environmental safety protocols. Historically, carbonates like soda ash (sodium carbonate) have been traded for centuries, fundamental to glassmaking and cleaning, and their trade significance continues to grow with industrial expansion. This heading is a core component of Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, distinguishing these carbon-oxygen-metal salts from other inorganic acids, oxides, or metallic compounds classified elsewhere in the chapter, underscoring their unique chemical structure and widespread utility in the global supply chain.
- Covers
- Sodium carbonate (soda ash)
- Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
- Potassium carbonate
- Calcium carbonate (precipitated)
- Magnesium carbonate
- Lithium carbonate
- Ammonium carbonate
- Barium carbonate
- Strontium carbonate
- Zinc carbonate
- Lead carbonate
- Copper carbonate
- Sodium percarbonate
- Potassium percarbonate
- Commercial ammonium carbonate containing ammonium carbamate
- Basic bismuth carbonate
- Cobalt carbonate
- Manganese carbonate
- Iron carbonate
- Cesium carbonate
- Rubidium carbonate
- Calcium bicarbonate
- Ammonium bicarbonate
- Magnesium percarbonate
- Potassium bicarbonate
- Examples
A large Chinese chemical manufacturer frequently exports bulk quantities of sodium carbonate (soda ash) to glass production facilities across Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam and Indonesia, via major maritime shipping routes. A German specialty chemical company ships high-purity potassium carbonate to South Korea for use in optical glass manufacturing and specialized detergents, typically utilizing containerized sea freight. US-based food ingredient distributors import significant volumes of food-grade sodium bicarbonate from Turkey for baking and pharmaceutical applications, often in bulk bags on pallets. A Peruvian mining firm exports purified calcium carbonate powder to agricultural markets in Brazil and Argentina for soil conditioning and animal feed supplements, primarily through land and sea routes. Lithium carbonate, a critical raw material for electric vehicle batteries, is frequently exported from Chile to battery cell manufacturers in Japan and Germany, transported in specialized containers under strict safety regulations.
Subheadings under 28.36 8
Codes often confused with 28.36
Common mistake. Traders frequently misclassify carbonates (2836) by confusing them with other inorganic salts, particularly sulphates (2833) or phosphates (2835), if the chemical anion is not precisely identified. For instance, calcium carbonate (2836) might be mistakenly classified as calcium sulphate (2833) if only 'calcium salt' is considered. Another common error involves distinguishing between purified chemical carbonates and natural mineral forms. Unworked or simply crushed natural calcium carbonates like limestone, marble, or chalk often fall under Chapter 25 (e.g., 2517, 2521), whereas chemically defined or refined carbonates belong to 2836. Misclassification can lead to incorrect duty assessments, regulatory non-compliance, and delays in customs clearance.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 2836, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2836 in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% 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 $1.9B 19% of world exports
- 2 United States $1.7B 17% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $1.2B 11% of world exports
World total: $10.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $2.5B 21% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $581M 4.9% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $422M 3.6% of world imports
World total: $11.8B 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 28.36
What is HS code 2836?
HS code 2836 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Carbonates; peroxocarbonates (percarbonates); commercial ammonium carbonate containing ammonium carbamate. Heading 2836 encompasses a vital and widely utilized group of inorganic chemicals: carbonates, peroxocarbonates (percarbonates), and specific commercial ammonium carbonate containing ammonium carbamate. These compounds are essentially salts of carbonic acid or peroxocarbonic acid, forming the backbone for countless industrial processes and consumer products globally. The scope is broad, covering both pure chemical compounds like sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate, and potassium carbonate, as well as their peroxo counterparts such as sodium percarbonate. It also specifically includes commercial grades of ammonium carbonate that contain ammonium carbamate, addressing common industrial formulations. This classification is crucial for trade compliance as these chemicals have diverse applications, ranging from food additives and pharmaceuticals to construction materials, detergents, and industrial reagents. Proper classification ensures adherence to varying purity standards, specific end-use regulations (e.g., food-grade vs. industrial-grade), and environmental safety protocols. Historically, carbonates like soda ash (sodium carbonate) have been traded for centuries, fundamental to glassmaking and cleaning, and their trade significance continues to grow with industrial expansion. This heading is a core component of Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, distinguishing these carbon-oxygen-metal salts from other inorganic acids, oxides, or metallic compounds classified elsewhere in the chapter, underscoring their unique chemical structure and widespread utility in the global supply chain.
What products fall under HS code 2836?
Sodium carbonate (soda ash), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), potassium carbonate, calcium carbonate (precipitated), magnesium carbonate, lithium carbonate, ammonium carbonate, barium carbonate, strontium carbonate, zinc carbonate, lead carbonate, copper carbonate, sodium percarbonate, potassium percarbonate, commercial ammonium carbonate containing ammonium carbamate, basic bismuth carbonate, cobalt carbonate, manganese carbonate, iron carbonate, cesium carbonate, rubidium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, magnesium percarbonate, potassium bicarbonate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2836?
Traders frequently misclassify carbonates (2836) by confusing them with other inorganic salts, particularly sulphates (2833) or phosphates (2835), if the chemical anion is not precisely identified. For instance, calcium carbonate (2836) might be mistakenly classified as calcium sulphate (2833) if only 'calcium salt' is considered. Another common error involves distinguishing between purified chemical carbonates and natural mineral forms. Unworked or simply crushed natural calcium carbonates like limestone, marble, or chalk often fall under Chapter 25 (e.g., 2517, 2521), whereas chemically defined or refined carbonates belong to 2836. Misclassification can lead to incorrect duty assessments, regulatory non-compliance, and delays in customs clearance.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2836?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2836 in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($1.9B, 19% of world exports), the United States ($1.7B) and Türkiye ($1.2B). World exports came to about $10.2B, 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 2836?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2836 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.5B, 21% of world imports), South Korea ($581M) and Mexico ($422M). World imports came to about $11.8B, 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 2836 structured?
HS code 2836 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (36) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.