Product classification
HS code for Chile saltpeter: 3102.50
Fertilizers, mineral or chemical, nitrogenous, sodium nitrate.
Classification of chile saltpeter under HS 3102.50
Chile saltpeter, chemically known as sodium nitrate, is classified under HS code 310250 because it is primarily utilized as a nitrogenous mineral or chemical fertilizer. Chapter 31 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to fertilizers, which are substances used to provide nutrients to plants and improve soil fertility. Heading 3102 specifically covers nitrogenous fertilizers. Sodium nitrate is a naturally occurring mineral, historically sourced from the Atacama Desert in Chile. For a product to be classified under 310250, it must be intended for agricultural use. The HS code system distinguishes between technical-grade chemicals and agricultural-grade fertilizers to manage trade statistics and apply appropriate tariffs or subsidies related to food production. This classification remains consistent whether the sodium nitrate is in a crude state or has been refined, provided its end-use remains soil enrichment. The inclusion of sodium nitrate in this heading is vital for monitoring the global trade of agricultural inputs, which are often subject to specific environmental regulations and import duties designed to support local farming sectors. Furthermore, the classification helps in identifying products that may be subject to dual-use regulations, as certain nitrogenous compounds can be diverted for non-agricultural purposes. Proper documentation must specify the nitrogen content and the intended application to ensure the correct application of the 310250 code during the customs entry process.
- Covers
- Natural sodium nitrate (Chile saltpeter)
- Refined sodium nitrate for agricultural applications
- Nitrogenous mineral fertilizers containing sodium nitrate
- Sodium nitrate prills or granules for soil application
- Also under 3102.50
- SQM Chilean Nitrate
- YaraLiva Nitrabor (contains sodium nitrate)
- Haifa-Cal (contains sodium nitrate)
- ICL Specialty Fertilizers Sodium Nitrate.
Codes often confused with 3102.50
Common mistake. A common error is classifying Chile saltpeter under HS code 2834.21. Heading 2834 is reserved for nitrites and nitrates as pure chemical compounds. If the sodium nitrate is of high purity and intended for industrial purposes—such as the manufacture of glass, explosives, or as a food preservative—it belongs in Chapter 28 rather than Chapter 31. The distinction relies heavily on the intended use and the presentation of the product. Another potential confusion is with 3105, which covers fertilizers containing multiple fertilizing elements; however, pure sodium nitrate only provides nitrogen and thus stays in 3102.
Top exporters and importers of HS 310250 (the code used for chile saltpeter), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 310250 (the code used for chile saltpeter) in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 310250, not only chile saltpeter.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Chile $39M 33% of world exports
- 2 China $39M 32% of world exports
- 3 United States $11M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $119M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $26M 16% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$23M 15% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Canada $9.0M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $157M 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 codes for chile saltpeter
Brazil splits HS 3102.50 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3102.50.11Natural sodium nitrate, 16.3% nitrogen or less
- 3102.50.19Other natural sodium nitrate
- 3102.50.90Other sodium nitrate, not natural
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 chile saltpeter
What is the HS code for Chile saltpeter?
The HS code for Chile saltpeter is 310250 (Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; nitrogenous, sodium nitrate). The standard HS code for Chile saltpeter used as a nitrogenous fertilizer is 310250.
How do I classify Chile saltpeter for customs?
Chile saltpeter is classified under HS code 310250 — Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; nitrogenous, sodium nitrate. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can sodium nitrate be classified in Chapter 28?
Yes, if the sodium nitrate is an industrial chemical not intended for use as a fertilizer, it is classified under 2834.21.
Which countries are the top exporters of chile saltpeter (HS 310250)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 310250 (the code used for chile saltpeter) in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($39M, 33% of world exports), China ($39M) and the United States ($11M). World exports came to about $119M, 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 chile saltpeter (HS 310250)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 310250 (the code used for chile saltpeter) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($26M, 16% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $23M) and Canada ($9.0M). World imports came to about $157M, 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 Chile saltpeter the same in all countries?
The base HS code 310250 for Chile saltpeter 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 chile saltpeter in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 310250 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for chile saltpeter depends on the product's details: 3102.50.11 (Natural sodium nitrate, 16.3% nitrogen or less), 3102.50.19 (Other natural sodium nitrate), 3102.50.90 (Other sodium nitrate, not natural).