HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2837.11 – Cyanides and cyanide oxides; of sodium
HS code 2837.11 is the 6-digit subheading for cyanides and cyanide oxides, of sodium. It is used for sodium cyanide briquettes, sodium cyanide pellets, sodium cyanide solution, high-purity sodium cyanide and sodium cyanide for gold extraction.
What HS 2837.11 covers
Sodium cyanide (NaCN) is a highly toxic inorganic compound primarily traded in solid form, often as briquettes or pellets. Its most significant application is in the gold mining industry, where it is used in the leaching process to extract gold and silver from ore. Beyond mining, it serves as a crucial chemical intermediate in the production of various organic chemicals, dyes, pigments, and pharmaceuticals. It's also used in electroplating for surface treatment of metals and in some specialized agricultural applications. Due to its extreme toxicity, the international trade of sodium cyanide is subject to stringent regulations, including packaging, labeling, transportation, and storage requirements. Major importers are typically countries with active gold mining operations or significant chemical manufacturing sectors. Exporters are often large chemical producers with the necessary infrastructure for safe handling and distribution. Compliance with international conventions and national safety standards is paramount for all parties involved in its trade.
- Covers
- Sodium cyanide briquettes
- Sodium cyanide pellets
- Sodium cyanide solution
- High-purity sodium cyanide
- Sodium cyanide for gold extraction
- Sodium cyanide for electroplating
- Examples
- Cyanco Sodium Cyanide
- Orica Sodium Cyanide
- Evonik Sodium Cyanide
Codes often confused with 2837.11
Common mistake. This code is distinct for sodium cyanide; however, it could be confused with other inorganic cyanides under 283719 if the specific cation is not clearly identified. It's also important not to confuse it with ferrocyanides or ferricyanides (283720), which are complex cyanides with different properties and uses.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 283711, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 283711 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 7.1% of world imports. Zimbabwe did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 10% of its imports here ($4.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $521M 46% of world exports
- 2 United States $253M 22% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $185M 16% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $98M 7.1% of world imports
- 2 Peru* ~$82M 6.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Burkina Faso* ~$78M 5.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
Zimbabwe did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 10% of its imports here ($4.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $1.4B 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 code for 2837.11
Brazil does not split HS 2837.11: its NCM code is 2837.11.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.37 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2837.11
What is HS code 283711?
HS code 283711 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cyanides and cyanide oxides; of sodium. Sodium cyanide (NaCN) is a highly toxic inorganic compound primarily traded in solid form, often as briquettes or pellets. Its most significant application is in the gold mining industry, where it is used in the leaching process to extract gold and silver from ore. Beyond mining, it serves as a crucial chemical intermediate in the production of various organic chemicals, dyes, pigments, and pharmaceuticals. It's also used in electroplating for surface treatment of metals and in some specialized agricultural applications. Due to its extreme toxicity, the international trade of sodium cyanide is subject to stringent regulations, including packaging, labeling, transportation, and storage requirements. Major importers are typically countries with active gold mining operations or significant chemical manufacturing sectors. Exporters are often large chemical producers with the necessary infrastructure for safe handling and distribution. Compliance with international conventions and national safety standards is paramount for all parties involved in its trade.
What products fall under HS code 283711?
Sodium cyanide briquettes, Sodium cyanide pellets, Sodium cyanide solution, High-purity sodium cyanide, Sodium cyanide for gold extraction, Sodium cyanide for electroplating
What are common misclassifications for HS code 283711?
This code is distinct for sodium cyanide; however, it could be confused with other inorganic cyanides under 283719 if the specific cation is not clearly identified. It's also important not to confuse it with ferrocyanides or ferricyanides (283720), which are complex cyanides with different properties and uses.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 283711?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 283711 in UN Comtrade data were China ($521M, 46% of world exports), the United States ($253M) and South Korea ($185M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 283711?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 283711 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($98M, 7.1% of world imports), Peru (about $82M) and Burkina Faso (about $78M). World imports came to about $1.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Zimbabwe did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 10% of its imports here ($4.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 283711 structured?
HS code 283711 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (37) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 283711?
In Brazil, HS code 283711 is NCM 2837.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.