Product classification
HS code for Dry ice: 2811.21
Carbon dioxide.
Classification of dry ice under HS 2811.21
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide and is classified under HS code 2811.21. Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System covers inorganic chemicals, and heading 2811 is designated for "Other inorganic acids and other inorganic oxygen compounds of non-metals." Carbon dioxide (CO2) is specifically identified in subheading 2811.21. The classification remains the same regardless of whether the carbon dioxide is in a gaseous, liquid, or solid state. Dry ice is produced by compressing and cooling gaseous CO2 until it liquefies, then allowing it to expand rapidly to form a "snow" which is then compressed into blocks or pellets. Because it is a chemically defined compound (CO2), it must be classified in Chapter 28 according to Note 1 to that chapter, which states that the headings apply to separate chemical elements and separate chemically defined compounds. Its use as a refrigerant or for stage effects does not alter its classification as a basic inorganic chemical.
- Covers
- Solid carbon dioxide blocks
- Dry ice pellets for blast cleaning
- Dry ice slices for food transport refrigeration
- Compressed CO2 snow
- Also under 2811.21
- Linde Carbon Dioxide
- Air Liquide CO2
- Praxair Carbon Dioxide
- Messer CO2
Codes often confused with 2811.21
Common mistake. Dry ice is often misclassified under HS code 2201.90, which covers "ice and snow." However, heading 2201 is strictly for water-based ice (H2O). Another common error is using HS code 3824.99, which is a catch-all for chemical products not elsewhere specified. Since carbon dioxide is specifically named in 2811.21, the rules of specificity (GRI 3a) dictate that the specific chemical code must be used. Additionally, it should not be confused with liquid nitrogen (2804.30), which is also used for cooling but has a different chemical identity.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281121 (the code used for dry ice), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281121 (the code used for dry ice) 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 dry ice.
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 dry ice
Brazil classifies dry ice 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 dry ice
What is the HS code for Dry ice?
The HS code for Dry ice is 281121 (Carbon dioxide). The HS code for dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) is 2811.21.
How do I classify Dry ice for customs?
Dry ice is classified under HS code 281121 — Carbon dioxide. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the packaging for transport change the HS code?
No, the HS code 2811.21 applies to the substance itself. While the insulated containers used to ship dry ice may have their own classification (e.g., Chapter 39 or 73), the dry ice remains 2811.21.
Which countries are the top exporters of dry ice (HS 281121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281121 (the code used for dry ice) 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 dry ice (HS 281121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281121 (the code used for dry ice) 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 Dry ice the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281121 for Dry ice 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 dry ice in Brazil?
In Brazil, dry ice (HS 281121) is classified under NCM 2811.21.00.