Product classification
HS code for Caustic potash: 2815.20
Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash).
Classification of caustic potash under HS 2815.20
Caustic potash, chemically known as potassium hydroxide (KOH), is classified under HS code 2815.20. This code is part of the inorganic chemicals chapter and specifically identifies potassium hydroxide. Unlike sodium hydroxide, the HS code for potassium hydroxide does not distinguish between solid and liquid (aqueous solution) forms at the six-digit level. It is a strong alkaline substance produced through the electrolysis of potassium chloride. Its classification is straightforward as it is a chemically defined inorganic base. The Harmonized System groups it with other sodium and potassium hydroxides because of their similar chemical nature as strong alkalis used in industrial processes like soap making, biodiesel production, and as an electrolyte in alkaline batteries.
- Covers
- Potassium hydroxide pellets
- Potassium hydroxide flakes
- Potassium hydroxide in aqueous solution (liquid caustic potash)
- Potassium hydroxide lumps
- Also under 2815.20
- Vynova Potassium Hydroxide
- Occidental Chemical KOH
- Tessenderlo Group Caustic Potash
- Sigma-Aldrich Potassium Hydroxide
Codes often confused with 2815.20
Common mistake. Sometimes confused with 2815.11 or 2815.12 (caustic soda) due to similar industrial uses and names. It may also be misclassified under 3824 if it is part of a complex chemical mixture, but pure KOH or KOH dissolved in water must remain in 2815.20 regardless of concentration.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281520 (the code used for caustic potash), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281520 (the code used for caustic potash) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 9.4% 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 281520, not only caustic potash.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $175M 22% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $155M 19% of world exports
- 3 United States $98M 12% of world exports
World total: $794M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $82M 9.4% of world imports
- 2 Israel $59M 6.7% of world imports
- 3 United States $58M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $878M 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 caustic potash
Brazil classifies caustic potash under NCM 2815.20.00: HS 2815.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about caustic potash
What is the HS code for Caustic potash?
The HS code for Caustic potash is 281520 (Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash)). The HS code for caustic potash (potassium hydroxide) is 2815.20.
How do I classify Caustic potash for customs?
Caustic potash is classified under HS code 281520 — Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the liquid form have a different code?
No, unlike caustic soda, both solid and aqueous solutions of potassium hydroxide are classified under the single code 2815.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of caustic potash (HS 281520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281520 (the code used for caustic potash) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($175M, 22% of world exports), Belgium ($155M) and the United States ($98M). World exports came to about $794M, 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 caustic potash (HS 281520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281520 (the code used for caustic potash) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($82M, 9.4% of world imports), Israel ($59M) and the United States ($58M). World imports came to about $878M, 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 Caustic potash the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281520 for Caustic potash 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 caustic potash in Brazil?
In Brazil, caustic potash (HS 281520) is classified under NCM 2815.20.00.