Product classification
HS code for Chlorine: 2801.10
Chlorine.
Classification of chlorine under HS 2801.10
Chlorine is classified under HS code 2801.10. This classification is straightforward as it falls under Chapter 28, which encompasses inorganic chemicals, precious metals, and rare-earth metals. Heading 2801 is specifically reserved for halogens, including fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine. Chlorine is the second element in this group and is assigned the first subheading, 2801.10. This code covers chlorine in its elemental state, regardless of whether it is transported as a compressed gas or as a liquefied gas in specialized pressurized cylinders or tankers. The classification is determined by the purity and elemental nature of the gas. It is a vital industrial chemical used in water purification, the manufacture of chlorinated organic chemicals, and the production of plastics like PVC.
- Covers
- Liquid chlorine
- Gaseous chlorine
- Compressed chlorine gas
- Chlorine in pressurized containers
- Elemental chlorine for industrial use
- Also under 2801.10
- Dow Chemical Chlorine
- Olin Chlor Alkali
- Westlake Chemical Chlorine
- Axiall Chlorine
Codes often confused with 2801.10
Common mistake. Chlorine is often misclassified under HS code 2828, which covers hypochlorites, such as sodium hypochlorite (liquid bleach). While bleach contains chlorine, it is a chemical compound, not the element itself. Another common error is classification under 3808, which covers disinfectants put up for retail sale. If chlorine is packaged specifically as a swimming pool disinfectant for consumers, it might be argued into 3808, but in its pure industrial form, 2801.10 is the correct legal classification. It should also not be confused with hydrochloric acid (2806.10).
Top exporters and importers of HS 280110 (the code used for chlorine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280110 (the code used for chlorine) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 52% 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 280110, not only chlorine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $133M 43% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $30M 9.7% of world exports
- 3 Colombia $12M 4.0% of world exports
World total: $308M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $168M 52% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $9.3M 2.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $9.1M 2.8% of world imports
World total: $325M 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 chlorine
Brazil classifies chlorine under NCM 2801.10.00: HS 2801.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chlorine
What is the HS code for Chlorine?
The HS code for Chlorine is 280110 (Chlorine). The HS code for elemental chlorine is 2801.10.
How do I classify Chlorine for customs?
Chlorine is classified under HS code 280110 — Chlorine. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is household bleach classified under the chlorine HS code?
No, household bleach is typically sodium hypochlorite and is classified under HS code 2828.10 or 2828.90, not 2801.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of chlorine (HS 280110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280110 (the code used for chlorine) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($133M, 43% of world exports), Mexico ($30M) and Colombia ($12M). World exports came to about $308M, 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 chlorine (HS 280110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280110 (the code used for chlorine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($168M, 52% of world imports), Belgium ($9.3M) and Germany ($9.1M). World imports came to about $325M, 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 Chlorine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280110 for Chlorine 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 chlorine in Brazil?
In Brazil, chlorine (HS 280110) is classified under NCM 2801.10.00.