Product classification
HS code for Aqueous ammonia: 2814.20
Ammonia, in aqueous solution.
Classification of aqueous ammonia under HS 2814.20
Aqueous ammonia, also known as ammonium hydroxide, is classified under HS code 2814.20. This classification is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, which states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 2814 covers "Ammonia, anhydrous or in aqueous solution." Within this heading, the Harmonized System distinguishes between the gas or liquefied gas form (anhydrous) and the solution in water (aqueous). Aqueous ammonia is an inorganic chemical consisting of ammonia gas (NH3) dissolved in water. It falls under Chapter 28, which encompasses inorganic chemicals and precious metals. The classification remains consistent regardless of the concentration of the ammonia in the water, provided the solution does not contain other added substances that would transform it into a prepared cleaning agent or a complex fertilizer, which would necessitate classification in Chapters 34 or 31, respectively. The chemical purity or industrial grade does not typically change the 2814.20 designation, as long as it remains a simple aqueous solution.
- Covers
- Ammonium hydroxide solutions
- Aqua ammonia
- Ammonia water
- Household ammonia (without added detergents)
- Industrial grade aqueous ammonia
- 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. Aqueous ammonia is frequently misclassified under HS code 2814.10, which is reserved strictly for anhydrous ammonia (ammonia without water). Another common error involves HS code 3102.21, which covers ammonium sulfate used as fertilizer; while aqueous ammonia can be used in agriculture, it remains in Chapter 28 unless it is specifically prepared as a multi-component fertilizer. Additionally, if aqueous ammonia is packaged for retail sale as a disinfectant or cleaning product with added surfactants, it may be misclassified under 3808.94 or 3402.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281420 (the code used for aqueous ammonia), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281420 (the code used for aqueous ammonia) 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 aqueous ammonia.
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 aqueous ammonia
Brazil classifies aqueous ammonia 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 aqueous ammonia
What is the HS code for Aqueous ammonia?
The HS code for Aqueous ammonia is 281420 (Ammonia; in aqueous solution). The HS code for aqueous ammonia (ammonium hydroxide) is 2814.20.
How do I classify Aqueous ammonia for customs?
Aqueous ammonia is classified under HS code 281420 — Ammonia; in aqueous solution. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the concentration of ammonia affect the HS code?
No, whether the solution is 10% or 35% ammonia, it remains under HS code 2814.20 as long as it is a simple solution in water.
Which countries are the top exporters of aqueous ammonia (HS 281420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281420 (the code used for aqueous ammonia) 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 aqueous ammonia (HS 281420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281420 (the code used for aqueous ammonia) 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 Aqueous ammonia the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281420 for Aqueous ammonia 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 aqueous ammonia in Brazil?
In Brazil, aqueous ammonia (HS 281420) is classified under NCM 2814.20.00.