Product classification
HS code for Hydrofluoric acid: 2811.11
Hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid).
Classification of hydrofluoric acid under HS 2811.11
Hydrofluoric acid is classified under HS code 281111. This code is part of the inorganic chemicals chapter (Chapter 28) and falls under heading 2811, which encompasses other inorganic acids. Specifically, 281111 is the designated subheading for hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid). The classification is based on the chemical composition of the substance, which consists of hydrogen and fluorine. This code applies to both the anhydrous form (hydrogen fluoride gas or liquid) and the aqueous solution (hydrofluoric acid). The Harmonized System treats these forms as the same chemical entity for classification purposes. It is widely used in industrial applications such as glass etching, metal cleaning, and as a precursor to fluoropharmaceuticals, but its classification remains strictly tied to its identity as an inorganic acid.
- Covers
- Anhydrous hydrogen fluoride
- Aqueous hydrofluoric acid solutions
- Technical grade hydrofluoric acid
- Electronic grade hydrofluoric acid
- Etching grade hydrofluoric acid
- Also under 2811.11
- Honeywell Hydrofluoric Acid
- Solvay Hydrofluoric Acid
- Arkema Hydrofluoric Acid
- Stella Chemifa Hydrofluoric Acid
Codes often confused with 2811.11
Common mistake. Hydrofluoric acid is often confused with other fluorine-based inorganic chemicals. For instance, fluorides, fluorosilicates, and other complex fluorine salts are classified under heading 2826. Specifically, sodium fluoride is 282619. Another common misclassification occurs when hydrofluoric acid is part of a prepared mixture for cleaning or etching; if the solution contains additives like detergents or specialized buffers, it may be classified under HS code 3402 or 3810. It is critical to verify if the product is a pure chemical solution or a formulated preparation before assigning code 281111.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281111 (the code used for hydrofluoric acid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281111 (the code used for hydrofluoric acid) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 57% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 20% 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 281111, not only hydrofluoric acid.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $431M 57% of world exports
- 2 Germany $66M 8.8% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$54M 7.2% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $754M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $203M 20% of world imports
- 2 United States $188M 19% of world imports
- 3 Japan $139M 14% of world imports
World total: $1.0B 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 hydrofluoric acid
Brazil classifies hydrofluoric acid under NCM 2811.11.00: HS 2811.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hydrofluoric acid
What is the HS code for Hydrofluoric acid?
The HS code for Hydrofluoric acid is 281111 (Hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid)). The HS code for hydrofluoric acid and hydrogen fluoride is 281111.
How do I classify Hydrofluoric acid for customs?
Hydrofluoric acid is classified under HS code 281111 — Hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the concentration of the acid affect the HS code?
No, whether the hydrofluoric acid is highly concentrated or diluted in water, it remains classified under HS code 281111, provided it is not mixed with other functional ingredients.
Which countries are the top exporters of hydrofluoric acid (HS 281111)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281111 (the code used for hydrofluoric acid) in UN Comtrade data were China ($431M, 57% of world exports), Germany ($66M) and Taiwan (about $54M). World exports came to about $754M, 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 hydrofluoric acid (HS 281111)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281111 (the code used for hydrofluoric acid) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($203M, 20% of world imports), the United States ($188M) and Japan ($139M). World imports came to about $1.0B, 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 Hydrofluoric acid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281111 for Hydrofluoric 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 hydrofluoric acid in Brazil?
In Brazil, hydrofluoric acid (HS 281111) is classified under NCM 2811.11.00.