HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2836.40 – Carbonates; potassium carbonate
HS code 2836.40 is the 6-digit subheading for carbonates, potassium carbonate. It is used for potassium carbonate anhydrous, potassium carbonate hydrated, food grade potassium carbonate, technical grade potassium carbonate and pearl ash.
What HS 2836.40 covers
Potassium carbonate, a white salt, is covered by this HS code and is a significant commodity in international trade. It serves as a crucial ingredient in the production of specialty glass (like optical glass and television screens), ceramics, and certain types of soaps and detergents. It's also used as a buffering agent, a fertilizer component, and in the cocoa processing industry to alkalize cocoa powder. Countries with advanced manufacturing sectors, particularly those in electronics, glass, and food processing, are key importers. Exporters typically possess robust chemical industries capable of producing high-purity potassium compounds. Important trade considerations include purity levels, particle size, and whether it's anhydrous or hydrated, as these factors dictate its suitability for specific industrial applications. Its demand is closely tied to technological advancements and specialized industrial needs, making it a valuable, though perhaps less voluminous, chemical in global commerce compared to its sodium counterpart.
- Covers
- Potassium carbonate anhydrous
- Potassium carbonate hydrated
- Food grade potassium carbonate
- Technical grade potassium carbonate
- Pearl ash
- Potash
- Examples
- K+S (potassium chemicals)
- Vynova (potassium carbonate)
- Evonik (specialty chemicals)
- Merck (laboratory chemicals)
Codes often confused with 2836.40
Common mistake. This code is specific for potassium carbonate. It might be confused with 283620 (disodium carbonate) if the cation is not carefully identified, or with 283699 if it's a mixture or an impure form.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 283640, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 283640 in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 7.8% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $2.7B 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 South Korea $114M 31% of world exports
- 2 Germany $44M 12% of world exports
- 3 United States $35M 9.5% of world exports
World total: $367M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $28M 7.8% of world imports
- 2 United States $22M 6.2% of world imports
- 3 Spain $21M 5.8% of world imports
The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $358M 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 2836.40
Brazil does not split HS 2836.40: its NCM code is 2836.40.00.
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 2836.40
What is HS code 283640?
HS code 283640 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Carbonates; potassium carbonate. Potassium carbonate, a white salt, is covered by this HS code and is a significant commodity in international trade. It serves as a crucial ingredient in the production of specialty glass (like optical glass and television screens), ceramics, and certain types of soaps and detergents. It's also used as a buffering agent, a fertilizer component, and in the cocoa processing industry to alkalize cocoa powder. Countries with advanced manufacturing sectors, particularly those in electronics, glass, and food processing, are key importers. Exporters typically possess robust chemical industries capable of producing high-purity potassium compounds. Important trade considerations include purity levels, particle size, and whether it's anhydrous or hydrated, as these factors dictate its suitability for specific industrial applications. Its demand is closely tied to technological advancements and specialized industrial needs, making it a valuable, though perhaps less voluminous, chemical in global commerce compared to its sodium counterpart.
What products fall under HS code 283640?
Potassium carbonate anhydrous, Potassium carbonate hydrated, Food grade potassium carbonate, Technical grade potassium carbonate, Pearl ash, Potash
What are common misclassifications for HS code 283640?
This code is specific for potassium carbonate. It might be confused with 283620 (disodium carbonate) if the cation is not carefully identified, or with 283699 if it's a mixture or an impure form.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 283640?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 283640 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($114M, 31% of world exports), Germany ($44M) and the United States ($35M). World exports came to about $367M, 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 283640?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 283640 in UN Comtrade data were India ($28M, 7.8% of world imports), the United States ($22M) and Spain ($21M). World imports came to about $358M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 283640 structured?
HS code 283640 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 283640?
In Brazil, HS code 283640 is NCM 2836.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.