Product classification
HS code for Ammonia solution: 2814.20
Ammonia, in aqueous solution.
Classification of ammonia solution under HS 2814.20
Ammonia solution, commonly known as ammonium hydroxide or ammonia water, is precisely classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 281420. This classification is situated within Chapter 28 of the HS nomenclature, which is exclusively dedicated to inorganic chemicals. The specific description for 281420, "Ammonia; in aqueous solution," directly and accurately identifies ammonia that has been dissolved in water. This precise categorization is crucial for distinguishing products consisting of ammonia in a water-based medium from other forms of ammonia or related chemical compounds. The fundamental chemical nature of ammonia as an inorganic compound and its presentation as an aqueous solution are the primary and definitive criteria for its classification under this specific HS code. This ensures consistent global trade classification for this widely used chemical.
- Covers
- Aqueous ammonia
- Ammonium hydroxide
- Ammonia water
- Diluted ammonia solution
- Household ammonia (when primarily ammonia in water)
- Also under 2814.20
- Clorox Ammonia Cleaner
- Fisher Scientific Ammonium Hydroxide
- BASF Ammonia Solution
- Ecolab Ammonia Solution
Codes often confused with 2814.20
Common mistake. A frequent source of misclassification for ammonia solution involves HS code 281410, which is designated for "Ammonia; anhydrous." Anhydrous ammonia refers to pure ammonia gas, which is not dissolved in water and is typically handled as a compressed gas. The distinction between these two codes is critical: 281410 applies to the un-dissolved gaseous form, while 281420 is specifically reserved for the aqueous solution. Another potential misclassification might occur with broader or less specific categories, such as general inorganic chemical codes, but 281420 provides the most accurate and specific classification for ammonia in its dissolved, aqueous form.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281420 (the code used for ammonia solution), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281420 (the code used for ammonia solution) in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 15% 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 281420, not only ammonia solution.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Egypt $36M 23% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $15M 9.3% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$14M 8.7% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $161M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $24M 15% of world imports
- 2 Spain $15M 9.5% of world imports
- 3 Germany $11M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $162M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 ammonia solution
Brazil classifies ammonia solution under NCM 2814.20.00: HS 2814.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about ammonia solution
What is the HS code for Ammonia solution?
The HS code for Ammonia solution is 281420 (Ammonia; in aqueous solution). The HS code for ammonia solution is 281420. This code specifically covers "Ammonia; in aqueous solution," accurately reflecting its chemical composition and form.
How do I classify Ammonia solution for customs?
Ammonia solution is classified under HS code 281420 — Ammonia; in aqueous solution. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the primary difference between anhydrous ammonia and ammonia solution?
The primary difference lies in their physical state and composition. Anhydrous ammonia (HS 281410) is pure ammonia gas, typically stored under pressure. Ammonia solution (HS 281420) is ammonia gas dissolved in water, forming ammonium hydroxide, and is a liquid at ambient conditions.
Which countries are the top exporters of ammonia solution (HS 281420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281420 (the code used for ammonia solution) in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($36M, 23% of world exports), the Netherlands ($15M) and Taiwan (about $14M). World exports came to about $161M, 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 ammonia solution (HS 281420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281420 (the code used for ammonia solution) in UN Comtrade data were France ($24M, 15% of world imports), Spain ($15M) and Germany ($11M). World imports came to about $162M, 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 Ammonia solution the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281420 for Ammonia solution 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 ammonia solution in Brazil?
In Brazil, ammonia solution (HS 281420) is classified under NCM 2814.20.00.