Product classification
HS code for Aluminum chloride: 2827.32
Chlorides, of aluminium.
Classification of aluminum chloride under HS 2827.32
Aluminum chloride, a significant inorganic chemical compound with the formula AlCl3, is classified under HS code 2827.32. This classification falls within Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System, which is dedicated to inorganic chemicals, organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, of radioactive elements or of isotopes. Specifically, heading 2827 encompasses chlorides, chlorite, and hypochlorites. The subsequent subheading, 2827.32, precisely identifies "Chlorides; of aluminium." This granular classification is based on the distinct chemical composition of aluminum chloride as an inorganic salt formed from aluminum and chlorine. Its primary chemical identity, rather than its end-use or concentration in a solution, dictates this specific classification, ensuring consistency in international trade nomenclature for this fundamental chemical.
- Covers
- Anhydrous aluminum chloride (AlCl3)
- Aluminum chloride hexahydrate (AlCl3·6H2O)
- Poly aluminum chloride (PAC) solutions, provided the predominant chemical identity remains aluminum chloride and not a complex formulated mixture.
- Aluminum chlorohydrate, when its chemical structure and primary function align with a chloride of aluminum.
- Also under 2827.32
- BASF Aluminium Chloride
- Sigma-Aldrich Aluminium Chloride
- Merck KGaA Aluminium Chloride
- Solvay Aluminium Chloride
Codes often confused with 2827.32
Common mistake. Several other HS codes can be confused with 2827.32. One common point of confusion is 2827.39 (Other chlorides). This broader subheading is intended for chlorides of metals other than aluminum, or for aluminum chlorides that do not fit the specific criteria of 2827.32, which is highly unlikely for pure aluminum chloride. The specificity of 2827.32 for "of aluminium" makes it the definitive choice. Another potential misclassification involves 3824.99 (Prepared binders for foundry moulds or cores; chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries, not elsewhere specified or included). This code is typically applied to complex chemical mixtures or preparations where aluminum chloride might be an ingredient but not the sole or principal constituent. For instance, a formulated flocculant containing aluminum chloride alongside other active ingredients might fall under Chapter 38. However, pure or technical grade aluminum chloride, even in aqueous solution, should consistently be classified under 2827.32, as its chemical identity remains paramount.
Top exporters and importers of HS 282732 (the code used for aluminum chloride), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282732 (the code used for aluminum chloride) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 13% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 282732, not only aluminum chloride.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $52M 21% of world exports
- 2 United States $49M 20% of world exports
- 3 Germany $32M 13% of world exports
World total: $250M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Japan $42M 13% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $20M 6.1% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $19M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $329M 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 aluminum chloride
Brazil classifies aluminum chloride under NCM 2827.32.00: HS 2827.32 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about aluminum chloride
What is the HS code for Aluminum chloride?
The HS code for Aluminum chloride is 282732 (Chlorides; of aluminium). The HS code for aluminum chloride is 2827.32. This code is specifically designated for chlorides of aluminum, reflecting its chemical composition as an inorganic salt within the broader category of inorganic chemicals.
How do I classify Aluminum chloride for customs?
Aluminum chloride is classified under HS code 282732 — Chlorides; of aluminium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does the concentration of aluminum chloride in a solution affect its HS classification?
The concentration of aluminum chloride in an aqueous solution generally does not alter its fundamental HS classification under 2827.32, provided it remains primarily aluminum chloride dissolved in water. The classification is based on the chemical identity of the substance. However, if the solution contains other significant active ingredients or is a specifically formulated preparation for a particular end-use, it might be considered a chemical preparation and could potentially fall under a different heading, such as those in Chapter 38, depending on the nature and function of the complete mixture.
Which countries are the top exporters of aluminum chloride (HS 282732)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282732 (the code used for aluminum chloride) in UN Comtrade data were India ($52M, 21% of world exports), the United States ($49M) and Germany ($32M). World exports came to about $250M, 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 aluminum chloride (HS 282732)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 282732 (the code used for aluminum chloride) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($42M, 13% of world imports), Indonesia ($20M) and Malaysia ($19M). World imports came to about $329M, 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.
Is the HS code for Aluminum chloride the same in all countries?
The base HS code 282732 for Aluminum chloride is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for aluminum chloride in Brazil?
In Brazil, aluminum chloride (HS 282732) is classified under NCM 2827.32.00.