Product classification
HS code for Kelp ash: 2621.90
Slag and ash n.e.c. in chapter 26, including seaweed ash (kelp) but excluding ash and residues from the incineration of municipal waste.
Classification of kelp ash under HS 2621.90
Kelp ash is classified under HS code 2621.90. This classification is found within Chapter 26, which encompasses ores, slag, and ash. Heading 2621 is a broad category for other slag and ash, including seaweed ash, which is specifically mentioned in the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System for this heading. Kelp ash is the residual substance remaining after the combustion of seaweed (kelp). Historically, this ash was a primary source of soda ash and iodine. The classification is based on the fact that the product is a residue of incineration rather than a primary vegetable product or a chemically defined compound. General Interpretative Rule 1 applies here, as the product fits the specific description of seaweed ash provided in the nomenclature. It is distinct from processed seaweed used for food or fertilizers, as the chemical and physical state has been fundamentally altered by burning, resulting in a mineral-rich residue used in industrial processes or as a raw material for chemical extraction.
- Covers
- Seaweed ash (Kelp ash)
- Incinerated marine vegetation residue
- Kelp residue for iodine extraction
- Industrial kelp ash
- Also under 2621.90
- Acadian Seaplants kelp meal
- various power plant fly ash (if not specifically coal)
- agricultural wood ash
- cement kiln dust
Codes often confused with 2621.90
Common mistake. Kelp ash is often confused with HS code 1212.21, which covers fresh, chilled, frozen, or dried seaweed and other algae. The critical distinction is that 1212.21 applies to the plant matter itself, even if ground, whereas 2621.90 applies only to the ash remaining after burning. It may also be misclassified under HS code 3101.00 as an animal or vegetable fertilizer. However, because it is an ash residue, it is specifically directed to Chapter 26 by the HS nomenclature.
Top exporters and importers of HS 262190 (the code used for kelp ash), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 262190 (the code used for kelp ash) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 13% 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 262190, not only kelp ash.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $78M 23% of world exports
- 2 China $51M 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $27M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $338M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$52M 13% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Germany $36M 8.8% of world imports
- 3 United States $35M 8.5% of world imports
World total: $410M 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. 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 kelp ash
Brazil splits HS 2621.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2621.90.10Vegetable ash (incl. seaweed ash)
- 2621.90.90Other slag and ash
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about kelp ash
What is the HS code for Kelp ash?
The HS code for Kelp ash is 262190 (Slag and ash n.e.c. in chapter 26; including seaweed ash (kelp) but excluding ash and residues from the incineration of municipal waste). The HS code for kelp ash (seaweed ash) is 2621.90, which covers other slag and ash.
How do I classify Kelp ash for customs?
Kelp ash is classified under HS code 262190 — Slag and ash n.e.c. in chapter 26; including seaweed ash (kelp) but excluding ash and residues from the incineration of municipal waste. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
One more relevant question
Is dried kelp classified under the same code? No, dried kelp is classified under HS code 1212.21. Only the ash resulting from the incineration of kelp is classified under 2621.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of kelp ash (HS 262190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 262190 (the code used for kelp ash) in UN Comtrade data were India ($78M, 23% of world exports), China ($51M) and Germany ($27M). World exports came to about $338M, 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 kelp ash (HS 262190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 262190 (the code used for kelp ash) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $52M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($36M) and the United States ($35M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Kelp ash the same in all countries?
The base HS code 262190 for Kelp ash 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 kelp ash in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 262190 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for kelp ash depends on the product's details: 2621.90.10 (Vegetable ash (incl. seaweed ash)), 2621.90.90 (Other slag and ash).