Product classification
HS code for Caustic soda: 2815.11
Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), solid.
Classification of caustic soda under HS 2815.11
Caustic soda, or sodium hydroxide (NaOH), is classified under HS code 2815.11 specifically when it is in solid form. This includes flakes, pellets, or blocks. The classification is based on the chemical identity of the substance as an inorganic base. The Harmonized System provides a specific split for sodium hydroxide based on its physical state: 2815.11 for solids and 2815.12 for aqueous solutions (lye). This distinction is critical for customs valuation and regulatory compliance, as the solid form is typically 100% concentration while solutions vary. Caustic soda is a fundamental industrial chemical used in paper manufacturing, textile processing, and the production of soaps and detergents, and its classification remains consistent globally under the HS framework.
- Covers
- Sodium hydroxide flakes
- Sodium hydroxide pellets
- Anhydrous caustic soda
- Caustic soda pearls
- Sodium hydroxide blocks
- Also under 2815.11
- Dow Caustic Soda
- Olin Caustic Soda
- BASF Sodium Hydroxide
- Solvay Caustic Soda
Codes often confused with 2815.11
Common mistake. The most common error is using 2815.11 for liquid caustic soda, which must be classified under 2815.12. It is also occasionally confused with 2815.20 (potassium hydroxide) or 2807.00 (sulfuric acid) in general chemical handling contexts, though the chemical properties are vastly different. Mixtures containing caustic soda may fall under 3824.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281511 (the code used for caustic soda), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281511 (the code used for caustic soda) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 5.3% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 14% of its exports here ($4.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 12% of its imports here ($4.3M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 281511, not only caustic soda.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $350M 36% of world exports
- 2 India $236M 24% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $33M 3.4% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 14% of its exports here ($4.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $978M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $57M 5.3% of world imports
- 2 Nigeria $54M 5.1% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$50M 4.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 12% of its imports here ($4.3M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $1.1B 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. 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 soda
Brazil classifies caustic soda under NCM 2815.11.00: HS 2815.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about caustic soda
What is the HS code for Caustic soda?
The HS code for Caustic soda is 281511 (Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); solid). The HS code for solid caustic soda is 2815.11, while the liquid form is 2815.12.
How do I classify Caustic soda for customs?
Caustic soda is classified under HS code 281511 — Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); solid. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is the physical state important for classification?
The Harmonized System explicitly separates sodium hydroxide by state (solid vs. liquid) to facilitate more accurate trade statistics and duty applications.
Which countries are the top exporters of caustic soda (HS 281511)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281511 (the code used for caustic soda) in UN Comtrade data were China ($350M, 36% of world exports), India ($236M) and Thailand ($33M). World exports came to about $978M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 14% of its exports here ($4.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of caustic soda (HS 281511)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281511 (the code used for caustic soda) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($57M, 5.3% of world imports), Nigeria ($54M) and Vietnam (about $50M). World imports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 12% of its imports here ($4.3M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Is the HS code for Caustic soda the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281511 for Caustic soda 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 soda in Brazil?
In Brazil, caustic soda (HS 281511) is classified under NCM 2815.11.00.