Product classification
HS code for Hydrochloric acid: 2806.10
Hydrogen chloride (hydrochloric acid).
Classification of hydrochloric acid under HS 2806.10
Hydrochloric acid is classified under HS code 280610. This code is part of Chapter 28, which is dedicated to inorganic chemicals. Specifically, heading 2806 covers hydrogen chloride (hydrochloric acid) and chlorosulphuric acid. The classification is straightforward because hydrochloric acid is a fundamental inorganic acid. Under GRI 1, the product is classified according to the specific name provided in the heading. Whether the product is in its gaseous state (hydrogen chloride) or dissolved in water (hydrochloric acid/muriatic acid), it remains under 280610. The purity level, whether technical grade for industrial use or reagent grade for laboratory analysis, does not change the HS code, provided it is not mixed with other chemicals that would transform it into a prepared chemical mixture of Chapter 38.
- Covers
- Anhydrous hydrogen chloride gas
- Aqueous hydrochloric acid solutions
- Muriatic acid
- Technical grade hydrochloric acid
- Reagent grade hydrochloric acid
- Commercial grade spirits of salt
- Also under 2806.10
- Dow Chemical Hydrochloric Acid
- BASF HCl
- Olin Chlor Alkali HCl
- Axiall HCl
- Westlake Chemical HCl
Codes often confused with 2806.10
Common mistake. Hydrochloric acid is sometimes misclassified under HS code 280620, which is reserved for chlorosulphuric acid. While both are related to chlorine and sulfur, they are chemically distinct. Another error involves classifying mixtures containing hydrochloric acid, such as metal pickling preparations, under HS code 381010. If the acid is part of a formulated preparation with inhibitors or surfactants, it moves to Chapter 38. Furthermore, importers should not confuse it with other inorganic acids like sulfuric acid (280700) or nitric acid (280800), which have their own specific headings.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280610 (the code used for hydrochloric acid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280610 (the code used for hydrochloric acid) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% 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 280610, not only hydrochloric acid.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $66M 16% of world exports
- 2 Canada $57M 14% of world exports
- 3 Japan $33M 7.9% of world exports
World total: $410M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $70M 16% of world imports
- 2 France $50M 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $25M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $444M 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 codes for hydrochloric acid
Brazil splits HS 2806.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2806.10.10Hydrogen chloride, gaseous or liquefied
- 2806.10.20Hydrochloric acid in aqueous solution
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hydrochloric acid
What is the HS code for Hydrochloric acid?
The HS code for Hydrochloric acid is 280610 (Hydrogen chloride (hydrochloric acid)). The HS code for hydrochloric acid, as well as hydrogen chloride gas, is 280610.
How do I classify Hydrochloric acid for customs?
Hydrochloric acid is classified under HS code 280610 — Hydrogen chloride (hydrochloric acid). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is muriatic acid classified under the same HS code?
Yes, muriatic acid is simply a common name for industrial-grade hydrochloric acid and is classified under HS code 280610.
Which countries are the top exporters of hydrochloric acid (HS 280610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280610 (the code used for hydrochloric acid) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($66M, 16% of world exports), Canada ($57M) and Japan ($33M). World exports came to about $410M, 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 hydrochloric acid (HS 280610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280610 (the code used for hydrochloric acid) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($70M, 16% of world imports), France ($50M) and Germany ($25M). World imports came to about $444M, 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 Hydrochloric acid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280610 for Hydrochloric acid 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 hydrochloric acid in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 280610 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for hydrochloric acid depends on the product's details: 2806.10.10 (Hydrogen chloride, gaseous or liquefied), 2806.10.20 (Hydrochloric acid in aqueous solution).