HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3104.90 – Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; potassic, n.e.c. in heading no. 3104
HS code 3104.90 is the 6-digit subheading for fertilizers, mineral or chemical, potassic, n.e.c. in heading no. 3104. It is used for muriate of Potash (MOP), sulfate of Potash (SOP), potassium Chloride, potassium Sulfate and potash fertilizer blends.
What HS 3104.90 covers
This HS code covers mineral or chemical potassic fertilizers not specifically classified elsewhere within heading 3104. These fertilizers are crucial for agriculture, providing potassium, an essential macronutrient that enhances crop quality, disease resistance, and water use efficiency. Global trade in these products is significant, driven by the need to replenish soil nutrients and boost agricultural productivity worldwide. Major exporters typically include countries with abundant potash reserves, such as Canada, Russia, and Belarus, which supply vast quantities to agricultural powerhouses. Key importers are often large agricultural nations like Brazil, China, India, and the United States, where intensive farming practices necessitate consistent nutrient input. Understanding the specific potassium compound and its concentration is vital for accurate classification and trade compliance, as different forms offer varying release rates and soil interactions.
- Covers
- Muriate of Potash (MOP)
- Sulfate of Potash (SOP)
- Potassium Chloride
- Potassium Sulfate
- Potash fertilizer blends
- Potassium Magnesium Sulfate
- Examples
- Mosaic Potash
- Nutrien Potash
- ICL Potash
- K+S Potash
- Uralkali Potash
Codes often confused with 3104.90
Common mistake. This code can be confused with other single-nutrient mineral fertilizers, such as nitrogenous (3102) or phosphatic (3103) fertilizers, if the primary nutrient isn't clearly identified as potassium. It's also distinct from NPK compound fertilizers (310520) which contain multiple primary nutrients.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 310490, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 310490 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 8.6% of world imports. Russia 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 0.3% of its exports here ($166K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $111M 28% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $101M 25% of world exports
- 3 Uzbekistan* ~$29M 7.3% of world exports · partner records ↗
Russia 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 0.3% of its exports here ($166K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $396M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $47M 8.6% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $41M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Canada $41M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $550M 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 3104.90 2
Brazil splits HS 3104.90 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3104.90.10 Potassium magnesium sulphate, 30% K2O or moreSulfato duplo de potássio e magnésio, que contenha, em peso, 30 % ou mais de óxido de potássio (K2O)
- 3104.90.90 Other potassic fertilizersOutros
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 3104.90
What is HS code 310490?
HS code 310490 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; potassic, n.e.c. in heading no. 3104. This HS code covers mineral or chemical potassic fertilizers not specifically classified elsewhere within heading 3104. These fertilizers are crucial for agriculture, providing potassium, an essential macronutrient that enhances crop quality, disease resistance, and water use efficiency. Global trade in these products is significant, driven by the need to replenish soil nutrients and boost agricultural productivity worldwide. Major exporters typically include countries with abundant potash reserves, such as Canada, Russia, and Belarus, which supply vast quantities to agricultural powerhouses. Key importers are often large agricultural nations like Brazil, China, India, and the United States, where intensive farming practices necessitate consistent nutrient input. Understanding the specific potassium compound and its concentration is vital for accurate classification and trade compliance, as different forms offer varying release rates and soil interactions.
What products fall under HS code 310490?
Muriate of Potash (MOP), Sulfate of Potash (SOP), Potassium Chloride, Potassium Sulfate, Potash fertilizer blends, Potassium Magnesium Sulfate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 310490?
This code can be confused with other single-nutrient mineral fertilizers, such as nitrogenous (3102) or phosphatic (3103) fertilizers, if the primary nutrient isn't clearly identified as potassium. It's also distinct from NPK compound fertilizers (310520) which contain multiple primary nutrients.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 310490?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 310490 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($111M, 28% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($101M) and Uzbekistan (about $29M). World exports came to about $396M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Russia 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 0.3% of its exports here ($166K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 310490?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 310490 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($47M, 8.6% of world imports), Brazil ($41M) and Canada ($41M). World imports came to about $550M, 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 310490 structured?
HS code 310490 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 310490?
Brazil splits HS code 310490 into 2 NCM codes: 3104.90.10 (Potassium magnesium sulphate, 30% K2O or more), 3104.90.90 (Other potassic fertilizers). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.