Product classification
HS code for Ammonium hydroxide: 2814.20
Ammonia, in aqueous solution.
Classification of ammonium hydroxide under HS 2814.20
Ammonium hydroxide, commonly known as aqueous ammonia or ammonia water, is classified under HS code 2814.20. This code specifically covers "Ammonia in aqueous solution." It falls under heading 2814, which includes ammonia, whether anhydrous or in aqueous solution. The distinction between the two subheadings in 2814 is based entirely on the physical state and the presence of water as a solvent. Anhydrous ammonia, which is ammonia gas or liquefied ammonia without water, is classified under 2814.10. Ammonium hydroxide is a solution of ammonia in water and is a vital industrial chemical used in the production of fertilizers, explosives, plastics, and various cleaning agents. The classification remains 2814.20 regardless of the concentration of the ammonia in the water, provided it is a simple solution. It is important to distinguish this bulk chemical from prepared cleaning products. If ammonium hydroxide is mixed with surfactants, perfumes, or other additives and packaged for retail sale as a household cleaner, it would be classified under heading 3402. However, the pure aqueous solution used for industrial or laboratory purposes is strictly 2814.20.
- Covers
- Aqueous ammonia solution
- Ammonia water
- Household ammonia (if not containing other detergents)
- Technical grade ammonium hydroxide
- Reagent grade ammonium hydroxide
- 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. The most common misclassification is using HS code 2814.10, which is only for anhydrous ammonia. Another frequent error is classifying industrial ammonium hydroxide under 3824.99 (miscellaneous chemical products) or 3402.90 (cleaning preparations). If the product is simply ammonia dissolved in water, 2814.20 is the only appropriate code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281420 (the code used for ammonium hydroxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281420 (the code used for ammonium hydroxide) 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 ammonium hydroxide.
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 ammonium hydroxide
Brazil classifies ammonium hydroxide 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 ammonium hydroxide
What is the HS code for Ammonium hydroxide?
The HS code for Ammonium hydroxide is 281420 (Ammonia; in aqueous solution). The HS code for ammonium hydroxide (ammonia in aqueous solution) is 2814.20.
How do I classify Ammonium hydroxide for customs?
Ammonium hydroxide is classified under HS code 281420 — Ammonia; in aqueous solution. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the concentration of the solution change the HS code?
No, as long as it is a solution of ammonia in water, it is classified under 2814.20 regardless of the concentration percentage.
Which countries are the top exporters of ammonium hydroxide (HS 281420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281420 (the code used for ammonium hydroxide) 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 ammonium hydroxide (HS 281420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281420 (the code used for ammonium hydroxide) 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 Ammonium hydroxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281420 for Ammonium hydroxide 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 ammonium hydroxide in Brazil?
In Brazil, ammonium hydroxide (HS 281420) is classified under NCM 2814.20.00.