HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2853.10 – Inorganic compounds; cyanogen chloride (chlorcyan)
HS code 2853.10 is the 6-digit subheading for inorganic compounds, cyanogen chloride (chlorcyan). It is used for cyanogen chloride gas and cyanogen chloride solution.
What HS 2853.10 covers
Cyanogen chloride (chlorcyan) is a highly toxic inorganic compound classified under this HS code. Its trade is extremely restricted and subject to stringent international controls due to its historical use as a chemical warfare agent and its high toxicity. In industrial applications, it serves as a specialized intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of certain pesticides, dyes, and pharmaceuticals, but these uses are very limited and conducted under highly controlled conditions. International trade is primarily between a few specialized chemical manufacturers and research facilities, operating under strict permits and oversight from international bodies like the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The focus of trade regulations is on preventing its diversion for illicit purposes and ensuring safe handling given its severe health hazards.
- Covers
- Cyanogen chloride gas
- Cyanogen chloride solution
- Examples
- Used in some organic synthesis reactions
- historically as a chemical warfare agent
Codes often confused with 2853.10
Common mistake. This is a very specific compound. It should not be confused with other cyanides (e.g., 2837xx) or other halogen compounds (e.g., 2812xx). Its unique chemical formula is key.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 285310, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 285310 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 35% 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 $383K 48% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $132K 16% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $101K 13% of world exports
World total: $800K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $555K 35% of world imports
- 2 United States $347K 22% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $215K 14% of world imports
World total: $1.6M 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 2853.10
Brazil does not split HS 2853.10: its NCM code is 2853.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.53 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2853.10
What is HS code 285310?
HS code 285310 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Inorganic compounds; cyanogen chloride (chlorcyan). Cyanogen chloride (chlorcyan) is a highly toxic inorganic compound classified under this HS code. Its trade is extremely restricted and subject to stringent international controls due to its historical use as a chemical warfare agent and its high toxicity. In industrial applications, it serves as a specialized intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of certain pesticides, dyes, and pharmaceuticals, but these uses are very limited and conducted under highly controlled conditions. International trade is primarily between a few specialized chemical manufacturers and research facilities, operating under strict permits and oversight from international bodies like the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The focus of trade regulations is on preventing its diversion for illicit purposes and ensuring safe handling given its severe health hazards.
What products fall under HS code 285310?
Cyanogen chloride gas, Cyanogen chloride solution
What are common misclassifications for HS code 285310?
This is a very specific compound. It should not be confused with other cyanides (e.g., 2837xx) or other halogen compounds (e.g., 2812xx). Its unique chemical formula is key.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 285310?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 285310 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($383K, 48% of world exports), the Netherlands ($132K) and the United Kingdom ($101K). World exports came to about $800K, 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 285310?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 285310 in UN Comtrade data were France ($555K, 35% of world imports), the United States ($347K) and the United Kingdom ($215K). World imports came to about $1.6M, 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 285310 structured?
HS code 285310 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (53) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 285310?
In Brazil, HS code 285310 is NCM 2853.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.