Product classification
HS code for Aqua fortis: 2808.00
Nitric acid, sulphonitric acids.
Classification of aqua fortis under HS 2808.00
Aqua fortis, the historical and commercial name for nitric acid, is classified under HS code 2808.00. This classification is found in Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, precious metal compounds, and isotopes. Heading 2808 is a specific, single-level heading that encompasses both nitric acid and sulphonitric acids. Nitric acid is a highly corrosive and primary mineral acid. The classification is based on the chemical's molecular identity rather than its intended use. Whether the aqua fortis is used for etching, fertilizer production, or explosives manufacturing, it remains under 2808.00 as long as it is a chemically defined compound. This code also includes sulphonitric acids, which are mixtures of nitric acid and sulfuric acid in various proportions, often used in nitration processes in organic chemistry.
- Covers
- Nitric acid of all concentrations
- Fuming nitric acid
- Red fuming nitric acid (RFNA)
- Sulphonitric acids (mixtures of nitric and sulfuric acid)
- Commercial grade aqua fortis
- Technical grade nitric acid
- Also under 2808.00
- Yara Nitric Acid
- BASF Nitric Acid
- OCI Nitric Acid
- CF Industries Nitric Acid
- EuroChem Nitric Acid
Codes often confused with 2808.00
Common mistake. Aqua fortis is occasionally confused with other strong inorganic acids. For instance, hydrochloric acid is classified under 2806.10 and sulfuric acid under 2807.00. Importers must ensure the chemical composition is verified before assignment. Another misclassification occurs with HS code 3824, which covers prepared binders for foundry molds or chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries. However, because nitric acid is a specifically named inorganic acid in Chapter 28, it takes precedence over the general preparations in Chapter 38.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280800 (the code used for aqua fortis), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280800 (the code used for aqua fortis) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 8.7% 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 280800, not only aqua fortis.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $108M 25% of world exports
- 2 Germany $81M 19% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $63M 15% of world exports
World total: $429M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $46M 8.7% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $45M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 France $41M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $532M 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 codes for aqua fortis
Brazil splits HS 2808.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2808.00.10Nitric acid
- 2808.00.20Sulphonitric acids
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 aqua fortis
What is the HS code for Aqua fortis?
The HS code for Aqua fortis is 280800 (Nitric acid; sulphonitric acids). The HS code for aqua fortis (nitric acid) is 2808.00.
How do I classify Aqua fortis for customs?
Aqua fortis is classified under HS code 280800 — Nitric acid; sulphonitric acids. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are mixtures of nitric and sulfuric acid classified here?
Yes, sulphonitric acids, which are mixtures of these two acids, are specifically included in HS code 2808.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of aqua fortis (HS 280800)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280800 (the code used for aqua fortis) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($108M, 25% of world exports), Germany ($81M) and Belgium ($63M). World exports came to about $429M, 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 aqua fortis (HS 280800)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280800 (the code used for aqua fortis) in UN Comtrade data were India ($46M, 8.7% of world imports), Belgium ($45M) and France ($41M). World imports came to about $532M, 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 Aqua fortis the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280800 for Aqua fortis 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 aqua fortis in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 280800 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for aqua fortis depends on the product's details: 2808.00.10 (Nitric acid), 2808.00.20 (Sulphonitric acids).