HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2836.20 – Carbonates; disodium carbonate
HS code 2836.20 is the 6-digit subheading for carbonates, disodium carbonate. It is used for light soda ash, dense soda ash, sodium carbonate anhydrous, soda ash granular and soda ash powder.
What HS 2836.20 covers
Disodium carbonate, commonly known as soda ash, is a fundamental industrial chemical covered by this HS code. It exists in two main forms: light soda ash and dense soda ash, each suited for different applications. Soda ash is a cornerstone ingredient in glass manufacturing, where it reduces the melting point of silica. It's also vital in detergent production, water treatment, and various chemical processes. Countries with large glass industries, detergent manufacturers, and chemical processing plants are major importers. Exporters are typically nations with abundant natural trona deposits or significant synthetic soda ash production capacity. Key aspects of trade include the form (light or dense), purity, and competitive pricing, as it's a high-volume commodity. The global demand for soda ash is closely linked to industrial growth and consumer goods production, making it a bellwether for industrial activity.
- Covers
- Light soda ash
- Dense soda ash
- Sodium carbonate anhydrous
- Soda ash granular
- Soda ash powder
- Calcined soda ash
- Examples
- Solvay (soda ash)
- Ciner Resources (soda ash)
- Tata Chemicals (soda ash)
- OCI Chemical (soda ash)
Codes often confused with 2836.20
Common mistake. This code is quite specific for disodium carbonate. Confusion might arise with 283630 (sodium hydrogen carbonate) if the "bi" is missed, or with 283699 (other carbonates) if it's a mixture or impure form.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 283620, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 283620 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 7.0% 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 United States $1.5B 38% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $907M 23% of world exports
- 3 China $398M 10% of world exports
World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $325M 7.0% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $311M 6.7% of world imports
- 3 Chile $262M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $4.6B 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 codes for 2836.20 2
Brazil splits HS 2836.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.36 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2836.20
What is HS code 283620?
HS code 283620 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Carbonates; disodium carbonate. Disodium carbonate, commonly known as soda ash, is a fundamental industrial chemical covered by this HS code. It exists in two main forms: light soda ash and dense soda ash, each suited for different applications. Soda ash is a cornerstone ingredient in glass manufacturing, where it reduces the melting point of silica. It's also vital in detergent production, water treatment, and various chemical processes. Countries with large glass industries, detergent manufacturers, and chemical processing plants are major importers. Exporters are typically nations with abundant natural trona deposits or significant synthetic soda ash production capacity. Key aspects of trade include the form (light or dense), purity, and competitive pricing, as it's a high-volume commodity. The global demand for soda ash is closely linked to industrial growth and consumer goods production, making it a bellwether for industrial activity.
What products fall under HS code 283620?
Light soda ash, Dense soda ash, Sodium carbonate anhydrous, Soda ash granular, Soda ash powder, Calcined soda ash
What are common misclassifications for HS code 283620?
This code is quite specific for disodium carbonate. Confusion might arise with 283630 (sodium hydrogen carbonate) if the "bi" is missed, or with 283699 (other carbonates) if it's a mixture or impure form.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 283620?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 283620 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 38% of world exports), Türkiye ($907M) and China ($398M). World exports came to about $3.9B, 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 283620?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 283620 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($325M, 7.0% of world imports), Brazil ($311M) and Chile ($262M). World imports came to about $4.6B, 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 283620 structured?
HS code 283620 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (36) 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 283620?
Brazil splits HS code 283620 into 2 NCM codes: 2836.20.10 (Anhydrous disodium carbonate), 2836.20.90 (Other disodium carbonate). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.