Product classification
HS code for Liquid bleach: 2828.90
Hypochlorites, n.e.c. in heading no. 2828.
Classification of liquid bleach under HS 2828.90
Liquid bleach is primarily classified under HS code 2828.90. This code falls within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals. Heading 2828 specifically includes hypochlorites, commercial calcium hypochlorite, chlorites, and hypobromites. Most commercial liquid bleaches are aqueous solutions of sodium hypochlorite. For a product to be classified here, it must be a basic chemical solution used for its oxidative properties in bleaching textiles, paper pulp, or for water treatment. The classification is based on the chemical identity of the active ingredient. If the liquid bleach is simply sodium hypochlorite diluted in water, it remains in 2828.90. However, the addition of other functional ingredients like surfactants or fragrances can change the classification, as the product may then be viewed as a prepared cleaning agent rather than a basic inorganic chemical.
- Covers
- Sodium hypochlorite solutions (liquid bleach)
- Lithium hypochlorite
- Potassium hypochlorite
- Commercial hypochlorite solutions for industrial use
- Also under 2828.90
- Clorox Bleach
- Diversey Sodium Hypochlorite
- Ecolab Hypochlorite Sanitizer
- PPG Industries Sodium Hypochlorite
Codes often confused with 2828.90
Common mistake. Liquid bleach is frequently misclassified under 3402.20 or 3402.90. These codes are for organic surface-active agents and cleaning preparations. If the bleach contains added detergents or soaps for household cleaning, it moves to Chapter 34. Another common error is 3808.94, which covers disinfectants. While bleach has disinfectant properties, it is classified by its chemical constituent in Chapter 28 unless it is put up in forms or packings for retail sale as a disinfectant.
Top exporters and importers of HS 282890 (the code used for liquid bleach), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282890 (the code used for liquid bleach) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 282890, not only liquid bleach.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $66M 12% of world exports
- 2 Canada $50M 9.6% of world exports
- 3 Germany $49M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $527M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $60M 12% of world imports
- 2 France $47M 9.3% of world imports
- 3 Germany $34M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $502M 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 liquid bleach
Brazil splits HS 2828.90 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2828.90.11Sodium hypochlorite
- 2828.90.19Other hypochlorites
- 2828.90.20Sodium chlorite
- 2828.90.90Other chlorites and hypobromites
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about liquid bleach
What is the HS code for Liquid bleach?
The HS code for Liquid bleach is 282890 (Hypochlorites; n.e.c. in heading no. 2828). The HS code for standard liquid bleach (sodium hypochlorite solution) is 2828.90.
How do I classify Liquid bleach for customs?
Liquid bleach is classified under HS code 282890 — Hypochlorites; n.e.c. in heading no. 2828. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
When is bleach classified under Chapter 34 instead of 28?
Bleach is classified under Chapter 34 (specifically 3402) if it contains added surfactants, perfumes, or other cleaning agents that make it a prepared detergent.
Which countries are the top exporters of liquid bleach (HS 282890)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282890 (the code used for liquid bleach) in UN Comtrade data were China ($66M, 12% of world exports), Canada ($50M) and Germany ($49M). World exports came to about $527M, 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 liquid bleach (HS 282890)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 282890 (the code used for liquid bleach) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($60M, 12% of world imports), France ($47M) and Germany ($34M). World imports came to about $502M, 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 Liquid bleach the same in all countries?
The base HS code 282890 for Liquid bleach 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 liquid bleach in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 282890 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for liquid bleach depends on the product's details: 2828.90.11 (Sodium hypochlorite), 2828.90.19 (Other hypochlorites), 2828.90.20 (Sodium chlorite), 2828.90.90 (Other chlorites and hypobromites).