HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3104.20 – Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; potassic, potassium chloride
HS code 3104.20 is the 6-digit subheading for fertilizers, mineral or chemical, potassic, potassium chloride. It is used for muriate of Potash (MOP), granular potassium chloride, standard potassium chloride, red MOP and white MOP..
What HS 3104.20 covers
This HS code specifically covers potassium chloride, a vital mineral or chemical potassic fertilizer. Also known as Muriate of Potash (MOP), it is the most widely used potassium fertilizer globally, essential for plant water regulation, nutrient transport, and overall crop quality and yield. Its high potassium content makes it an efficient and cost-effective source of this macronutrient. International trade is dominated by a few large mining and fertilizer companies, primarily from countries with significant potash reserves. Major exporters include Canada, Russia, Belarus, and Germany. Importing countries are virtually all nations with agricultural sectors, especially those growing staple crops like corn, wheat, rice, and soybeans. Key trade considerations include ensuring purity, managing potential caking during storage, and adherence to international quality standards and environmental regulations related to mining and processing.
- Covers
- Muriate of Potash (MOP)
- Granular potassium chloride
- Standard potassium chloride
- Red MOP
- White MOP.
- Examples
- Nutrien MOP
- Uralkali MOP
- Belaruskali MOP
- K+S MOP
- Mosaic MOP.
Codes often confused with 3104.20
Common mistake. Potassium chloride can be confused with other potassic fertilizers like potassium sulphate (310430) if the specific chemical form is not identified, or with industrial-grade potassium chloride (282739) if its primary use as a fertilizer is not clear.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 310420, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 310420 in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 22% 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 Canada $6.4B 35% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$5.6B 31% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $1.1B 6.2% of world exports
World total: $18.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Brazil $4.6B 22% of world imports
- 2 China $4.0B 20% of world imports
- 3 United States $3.5B 17% of world imports
World total: $20.5B 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 codes for 3104.20 2
Brazil splits HS 3104.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3104.20.10 Potassium chloride, 60% K2O or lessQue contenha, em peso, 60 % ou menos de óxido de potássio (K2O)
- 3104.20.90 Potassium chloride, over 60% K2OOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 31.04 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3104.20
What is HS code 310420?
HS code 310420 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; potassic, potassium chloride. This HS code specifically covers potassium chloride, a vital mineral or chemical potassic fertilizer. Also known as Muriate of Potash (MOP), it is the most widely used potassium fertilizer globally, essential for plant water regulation, nutrient transport, and overall crop quality and yield. Its high potassium content makes it an efficient and cost-effective source of this macronutrient. International trade is dominated by a few large mining and fertilizer companies, primarily from countries with significant potash reserves. Major exporters include Canada, Russia, Belarus, and Germany. Importing countries are virtually all nations with agricultural sectors, especially those growing staple crops like corn, wheat, rice, and soybeans. Key trade considerations include ensuring purity, managing potential caking during storage, and adherence to international quality standards and environmental regulations related to mining and processing.
What products fall under HS code 310420?
Muriate of Potash (MOP), granular potassium chloride, standard potassium chloride, red MOP, white MOP.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 310420?
Potassium chloride can be confused with other potassic fertilizers like potassium sulphate (310430) if the specific chemical form is not identified, or with industrial-grade potassium chloride (282739) if its primary use as a fertilizer is not clear.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 310420?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 310420 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($6.4B, 35% of world exports), Russia (about $5.6B) and the United States ($1.1B). World exports came to about $18.5B, 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 310420?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 310420 in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($4.6B, 22% of world imports), China ($4.0B) and the United States ($3.5B). World imports came to about $20.5B, 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 310420 structured?
HS code 310420 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (31) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 310420?
Brazil splits HS code 310420 into 2 NCM codes: 3104.20.10 (Potassium chloride, 60% K2O or less), 3104.20.90 (Potassium chloride, over 60% K2O). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.