Product classification
HS code for Hydrocyanic acid: 2811.12
Hydrogen cyanide (hydrocyanic acid).
Classification of hydrocyanic acid under HS 2811.12
Hydrocyanic acid, also known as hydrogen cyanide, is classified under HS code 281112. This classification is situated within Chapter 28 (Inorganic chemicals) and specifically under heading 2811, which covers other inorganic acids and other inorganic oxygen compounds of non-metals. The subheading 281112 was specifically created to identify hydrogen cyanide due to its high toxicity and industrial significance. Classification is determined by the chemical identity of the molecule (HCN). It applies to the acid in its pure form, whether as a liquid or a gas, and in aqueous solutions. Because it is a non-oxygenated acid (binary acid), it is grouped with other inorganic acids that do not contain oxygen, following the systematic chemical nomenclature used throughout the Harmonized System.
- Covers
- Hydrogen cyanide (anhydrous)
- Hydrocyanic acid (aqueous solutions)
- Prussic acid
- Formonitrile
- Liquid hydrogen cyanide
- Hydrogen cyanide gas
- Also under 2811.12
- Evonik Hydrogen Cyanide
- BASF Hydrogen Cyanide
- Mitsubishi Chemical Hydrogen Cyanide
- Dow Chemical Hydrogen Cyanide
Codes often confused with 2811.12
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion is between hydrocyanic acid (281112) and cyanide salts, such as sodium cyanide, which are classified under HS code 283711. While the acid and the salts are chemically related, the HS system distinguishes between acids (Heading 2811) and salts (Heading 2837). Additionally, organic nitriles, which contain the cyano group attached to an organic radical, are classified in Chapter 29 (e.g., 292690). Importers must ensure that the product is indeed the inorganic acid and not an organic derivative or a metallic salt to ensure correct tariff application.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281112 (the code used for hydrocyanic acid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281112 (the code used for hydrocyanic acid) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 29% 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 281112, not only hydrocyanic acid.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $249K 44% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $220K 39% of world exports
- 3 France $33K 5.8% of world exports
World total: $559K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $533K 29% of world imports
- 2 Germany $346K 19% of world imports
- 3 Sweden $157K 8.6% of world imports
World total: $1.8M 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 hydrocyanic acid
Brazil classifies hydrocyanic acid under NCM 2811.12.00: HS 2811.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hydrocyanic acid
What is the HS code for Hydrocyanic acid?
The HS code for Hydrocyanic acid is 281112 (Hydrogen cyanide (hydrocyanic acid)). The HS code for hydrocyanic acid (hydrogen cyanide) is 281112.
How do I classify Hydrocyanic acid for customs?
Hydrocyanic acid is classified under HS code 281112 — Hydrogen cyanide (hydrocyanic acid). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are cyanide salts included in this HS code?
No, cyanide salts like potassium or sodium cyanide are classified under heading 2837, not under the code for hydrocyanic acid.
Which countries are the top exporters of hydrocyanic acid (HS 281112)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281112 (the code used for hydrocyanic acid) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($249K, 44% of world exports), Belgium ($220K) and France ($33K). World exports came to about $559K, 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 hydrocyanic acid (HS 281112)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281112 (the code used for hydrocyanic acid) in UN Comtrade data were France ($533K, 29% of world imports), Germany ($346K) and Sweden ($157K). World imports came to about $1.8M, 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 Hydrocyanic acid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281112 for Hydrocyanic 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 hydrocyanic acid in Brazil?
In Brazil, hydrocyanic acid (HS 281112) is classified under NCM 2811.12.00.