HS Code 28.47 – Hydrogen peroxide; whether or not solidified with urea

HS code 2847 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Hydrogen peroxide; whether or not solidified with urea. Heading 2847 of the Harmonized System (HS) encompasses hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), whether or not it has been solidified with urea. This classification specifically covers hydrogen peroxide in various concentrations and forms, including its aqueous solutions and its stable adduct with urea, commonly known as urea-hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The scope is broad for the chemical substance itself, meaning pure hydrogen peroxide or its simple solutions are classified here, regardless of concentration or grade (e.g., technical, food, pharmaceutical). However, the boundary is drawn when hydrogen peroxide becomes an integral part of a more complex mixture or a finished product with a distinct function, such as a formulated cosmetic or a specific medical preparation, which would then be classified under more specific headings (e.g., Chapter 33 for cosmetics or Chapter 30 for medicaments). While 2847 is a single-item heading, sub-categories in trade often refer to different concentrations (e.g., 3%, 35%, 50%) or purity grades. This classification is critical for trade compliance due to hydrogen peroxide's oxidizing properties, which subject it to stringent safety regulations for transport, storage, and handling, often requiring specific packaging and labeling. Its use as a precursor chemical also means end-use controls may apply in some jurisdictions. Historically, hydrogen peroxide has evolved from a niche bleaching agent to an indispensable chemical in numerous industries, with urea-hydrogen peroxide providing a safer, solid alternative for specific applications like dental whitening. Its inclusion in Chapter 28 highlights its status as a fundamental inorganic chemical compound.

Aqueous hydrogen peroxide solutions (3%), aqueous hydrogen peroxide solutions (6%), aqueous hydrogen peroxide solutions (12%), aqueous hydrogen peroxide solutions (35%), aqueous hydrogen peroxide solutions (50%), aqueous hydrogen peroxide solutions (70%), industrial-grade hydrogen peroxide, technical-grade hydrogen peroxide, food-grade hydrogen peroxide, cosmetic-grade hydrogen peroxide, pharmaceutical-grade hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide for paper bleaching, hydrogen peroxide for textile bleaching, hydrogen peroxide for water treatment, hydrogen peroxide for electronics cleaning, hydrogen peroxide for medical disinfection, hydrogen peroxide for laboratory reagents, carbamide peroxide for dental whitening, urea hydrogen peroxide solid, stabilized hydrogen peroxide solutions, concentrated hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide for environmental remediation.

A common misclassification occurs when hydrogen peroxide is part of a *specific preparation* rather than being traded as the raw chemical substance. If H2O2 is an ingredient in a formulated cleaning solution or a multi-component chemical product, it might be confused with heading 3824 (Prepared binders for foundry moulds; chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries). Similarly, if it's integrated into a cosmetic product like a hair dye activator, it could be mistakenly classified under 3304 (Beauty or make-up preparations) or 3305 (Preparations for use on the hair). The key distinction for 2847 is that it covers hydrogen peroxide *as a chemical compound*, not as a component of a finished, functional mixture or article classified elsewhere.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2847 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($132M, 15% of world exports), the Netherlands ($93M) and South Korea ($85M). World exports came to about $891M, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2847 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($87M, 8.5% of world imports), the United States ($57M) and France ($53M). World imports came to about $1.0B, 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.

HS code 2847 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (47) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.