Product classification
HS code for Carbon dioxide: 2811.21
Carbon dioxide.
Classification of carbon dioxide under HS 2811.21
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a naturally occurring chemical compound composed of two oxygen atoms covalently bonded to a single carbon atom. In the Harmonized System, it is classified under HS code 2811.21. This code falls under Heading 2811, which covers other inorganic acids and other inorganic oxygen compounds of non-metals. Carbon dioxide is specifically identified at the six-digit level. This classification applies to CO2 in its gaseous, liquid, or solid state. When in its solid state, it is commonly known as dry ice. The classification is straightforward because CO2 is a well-defined inorganic oxygen compound. It is used extensively in the food industry for carbonation, in the medical field, as a refrigerant, and in fire suppression systems. Proper classification is vital for safety regulations, especially when transported in pressurized cylinders or as a cryogenic liquid. The HS code remains 2811.21 regardless of the purity level, provided it is not mixed with other chemicals to form a new preparation.
- Covers
- Gaseous carbon dioxide
- Liquid carbon dioxide
- Solid carbon dioxide (Dry ice)
- Carbon dioxide in pressurized cylinders
- Carbon dioxide for beverage carbonation
- Also under 2811.21
- Linde Carbon Dioxide
- Air Liquide CO2
- Praxair Carbon Dioxide
- Messer CO2
Codes often confused with 2811.21
Common mistake. Carbon dioxide is sometimes misclassified under HS code 2201.10 if it is already dissolved in water (mineral waters and aerated waters). However, the gas itself, even if intended for the beverage industry, belongs in 2811.21. Another common error is classifying dry ice under 3824.99 (other chemical products), but the HS specifically includes the solid form of CO2 under the chemical heading 2811.21. Additionally, it should not be confused with carbon monoxide, which falls under 2811.29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281121 (the code used for carbon dioxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281121 (the code used for carbon dioxide) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 7.9% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 281121, not only carbon dioxide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $169M 24% of world exports
- 2 United States $42M 6.0% of world exports
- 3 Germany $31M 4.5% of world exports
World total: $700M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $63M 7.9% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $45M 5.7% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $44M 5.5% of world imports
The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
World total: $793M 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 carbon dioxide
Brazil classifies carbon dioxide under NCM 2811.21.00: HS 2811.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about carbon dioxide
What is the HS code for Carbon dioxide?
The HS code for Carbon dioxide is 281121 (Carbon dioxide). The HS code for carbon dioxide in all physical states (gas, liquid, or solid) is 2811.21.
How do I classify Carbon dioxide for customs?
Carbon dioxide is classified under HS code 281121 — Carbon dioxide. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is dry ice classified differently than gaseous CO2?
No, both dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) and gaseous carbon dioxide are classified under the same HS code, 2811.21.
Which countries are the top exporters of carbon dioxide (HS 281121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281121 (the code used for carbon dioxide) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($169M, 24% of world exports), the United States ($42M) and Germany ($31M). World exports came to about $700M, 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 carbon dioxide (HS 281121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281121 (the code used for carbon dioxide) in UN Comtrade data were France ($63M, 7.9% of world imports), Mexico ($45M) and the United Kingdom ($44M). World imports came to about $793M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Is the HS code for Carbon dioxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281121 for Carbon dioxide 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 carbon dioxide in Brazil?
In Brazil, carbon dioxide (HS 281121) is classified under NCM 2811.21.00.