HS code · 2-digit chapter

HS Code 31 – Fertilizers

What HS 31 covers

Chapter 31 of the Harmonized System (HS) is dedicated to "Fertilizers," encompassing a broad range of products essential for agricultural productivity and global food security. This chapter primarily covers both mineral or chemical fertilizers and animal or vegetable fertilizers, whether in their natural state, mixed, or chemically treated. The scope is defined by products specifically prepared and used as fertilizers, providing essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to plants. It includes straight fertilizers (supplying one primary nutrient), compound fertilizers (supplying two or three primary nutrients), and other specialized formulations. Key sub-categories within this chapter distinguish between nitrogenous (HS 3102), phosphatic (HS 3103), and potassic (HS 3104) mineral or chemical fertilizers, as well as complex NPK fertilizers and other mixtures (HS 3105). Animal or vegetable fertilizers are classified under HS 3101. Correct classification under Chapter 31 is paramount for trade compliance, directly impacting applicable import duties, potential export restrictions, eligibility for preferential trade agreements, and adherence to specific national agricultural and environmental regulations. Given the critical role of fertilizers in modern agriculture, accurate classification ensures smooth customs clearance, prevents costly delays or penalties, and supports efficient global supply chains for food production. Historically, the trade in fertilizers has been pivotal in boosting crop yields, enabling intensified farming practices, and supporting an ever-growing global population, making it a highly significant commodity in international commerce.

Covers
  • Urea
  • Ammonium nitrate
  • Diammonium phosphate (DAP)
  • Monoammonium phosphate (MAP)
  • Triple superphosphate (TSP)
  • Potassium chloride (MOP)
  • Potassium sulphate (SOP)
  • NPK compound fertilizers
  • Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN)
  • Superphosphate
  • Nitric acid (fertilizer grade)
  • Organic-mineral fertilizers
  • Liquid foliar fertilizers
  • Bone meal fertilizers
  • Guano
  • Prepared compost
  • Magnesium sulphate (fertilizer grade)
  • Micronutrient fortified fertilizers
  • Slow-release nitrogen fertilizers
  • Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) solutions
  • Ammonium sulphate
  • Ammonium polyphosphate
  • Potassium nitrate
  • Calcium nitrate
  • Iron chelates (for fertilizer use)
Examples

A large agricultural cooperative in Brazil regularly imports high-grade NPK compound fertilizers from Germany to enhance the yield of their soybean and corn crops, typically shipped via ocean freight through major ports like Santos. A Canadian potash mining company exports vast quantities of potassium chloride (MOP) to the United States and Southeast Asian markets, primarily for corn, wheat, and palm oil cultivation, utilizing rail and ocean vessels for transport. A Moroccan state-owned enterprise specializes in exporting diammonium phosphate (DAP) to India, a major agricultural economy, to support rice and wheat production, with shipments primarily departing from Safi or Jorf Lasfar. A Chinese chemical manufacturer exports urea to Australia and New Zealand for pasture improvement and crop fertilization, with bulk shipments arriving at various ports. Furthermore, European agricultural firms often trade specialized liquid foliar fertilizers across EU borders, leveraging road transport for rapid delivery to farms for precise nutrient application.

Headings in chapter 31 5

31.01Fertilizers; animal or vegetable, whether or not mixed together or chemically treated; fertilizers produced by the mixing or chemical treatment of animal or vegetable products31.02Fertilizers; mineral or chemical, nitrogenous31.03Fertilizers; mineral or chemical, phosphatic31.04Fertilizers; mineral or chemical, potassic31.05Fertilizers; mineral or chemical, containing 2 or 3 of the elements nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium; other fertilisers; goods of chapter 31 in tablets or packages of gross weight not exceeding 10kg

35 Brazil NCM codes in chapter 31 →

Codes often confused with 31

Common mistake. Common misclassification mistakes for Chapter 31 often arise from confusing primary use or chemical composition. One frequent error is classifying certain chemical compounds under Chapter 28 (Inorganic chemicals) or Chapter 29 (Organic chemicals) when they are specifically formulated and intended for use as fertilizers. For example, pure potassium chloride (HS 2827) used in industrial processes would differ from potassium chloride specifically prepared and marketed as a fertilizer (HS 3104). Another common confusion is with Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous chemical products), particularly prepared additives or plant growth regulators that might enhance crop production but do not primarily provide essential plant nutrients as defined for fertilizers. The key differentiator is the *primary function* of the product: if its main purpose is to supply plant nutrients for growth, it belongs in Chapter 31. Traders might also incorrectly classify unprocessed organic materials under Chapter 23 (Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal fodder) instead of prepared animal or vegetable fertilizers of 3101.

28.27Chlorides; chloride oxides and chloride hydroxides; bromides and bromide oxides; iodides and iodide oxides31.04Fertilizers; mineral or chemical, potassic31.01Fertilizers; animal or vegetable, whether or not mixed together or chemically treated; fertilizers produced by the mixing or chemical treatment of animal or vegetable products

Top exporters and importers of HS code 31, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 31 in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 15% 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. 1 Russia* ~$17.8B
  2. 2 Morocco $15.4B
  3. 3 China $13.5B

World total: $110.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Brazil $16.7B
  2. 2 India $14.2B
  3. 3 United States $9.0B

World total: $113.3B 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.

Questions about HS 31

What is HS code 31?

HS code 31 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Fertilizers. Chapter 31 of the Harmonized System (HS) is dedicated to "Fertilizers," encompassing a broad range of products essential for agricultural productivity and global food security. This chapter primarily covers both mineral or chemical fertilizers and animal or vegetable fertilizers, whether in their natural state, mixed, or chemically treated. The scope is defined by products specifically prepared and used as fertilizers, providing essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to plants. It includes straight fertilizers (supplying one primary nutrient), compound fertilizers (supplying two or three primary nutrients), and other specialized formulations. Key sub-categories within this chapter distinguish between nitrogenous (HS 3102), phosphatic (HS 3103), and potassic (HS 3104) mineral or chemical fertilizers, as well as complex NPK fertilizers and other mixtures (HS 3105). Animal or vegetable fertilizers are classified under HS 3101. Correct classification under Chapter 31 is paramount for trade compliance, directly impacting applicable import duties, potential export restrictions, eligibility for preferential trade agreements, and adherence to specific national agricultural and environmental regulations. Given the critical role of fertilizers in modern agriculture, accurate classification ensures smooth customs clearance, prevents costly delays or penalties, and supports efficient global supply chains for food production. Historically, the trade in fertilizers has been pivotal in boosting crop yields, enabling intensified farming practices, and supporting an ever-growing global population, making it a highly significant commodity in international commerce.

What products fall under HS code 31?

Urea, Ammonium nitrate, Diammonium phosphate (DAP), Monoammonium phosphate (MAP), Triple superphosphate (TSP), Potassium chloride (MOP), Potassium sulphate (SOP), NPK compound fertilizers, Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), Superphosphate, Nitric acid (fertilizer grade), Organic-mineral fertilizers, Liquid foliar fertilizers, Bone meal fertilizers, Guano, Prepared compost, Magnesium sulphate (fertilizer grade), Micronutrient fortified fertilizers, Slow-release nitrogen fertilizers, Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) solutions, Ammonium sulphate, Ammonium polyphosphate, Potassium nitrate, Calcium nitrate, Iron chelates (for fertilizer use)

What are common misclassifications for HS code 31?

Common misclassification mistakes for Chapter 31 often arise from confusing primary use or chemical composition. One frequent error is classifying certain chemical compounds under Chapter 28 (Inorganic chemicals) or Chapter 29 (Organic chemicals) when they are specifically formulated and intended for use as fertilizers. For example, pure potassium chloride (HS 2827) used in industrial processes would differ from potassium chloride specifically prepared and marketed as a fertilizer (HS 3104). Another common confusion is with Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous chemical products), particularly prepared additives or plant growth regulators that might enhance crop production but do not primarily provide essential plant nutrients as defined for fertilizers. The key differentiator is the *primary function* of the product: if its main purpose is to supply plant nutrients for growth, it belongs in Chapter 31. Traders might also incorrectly classify unprocessed organic materials under Chapter 23 (Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal fodder) instead of prepared animal or vegetable fertilizers of 3101.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 31?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 31 in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $17.8B, 16% of world exports), Morocco ($15.4B) and China ($13.5B). World exports came to about $110.9B, 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 31?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 31 in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($16.7B, 15% of world imports), India ($14.2B) and the United States ($9.0B). World imports came to about $113.3B, 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 31 structured?

HS code 31 is a 2-digit chapter code in the Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. It represents a broad category of goods and contains multiple 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings for more specific classifications.