Product classification
HS code for Liquid caustic soda: 2815.12
Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid soda).
Classification of liquid caustic soda under HS 2815.12
Liquid caustic soda, technically known as sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution, is classified under HS code 2815.12. This classification is determined by the rules of Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. Heading 2815 is dedicated to sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), potassium hydroxide (caustic potash), and peroxides of sodium or potassium. The heading is split into two primary subheadings based on the physical state of the chemical: 2815.11 for the solid form (such as flakes, pellets, or blocks) and 2815.12 for the liquid form (aqueous solution). The liquid form is typically produced through the electrolysis of sodium chloride brine and is traded at various concentrations, most commonly 50%. Regardless of the concentration level in water, as long as the product remains a pure chemical solution without the addition of other functional ingredients like surfactants, it remains within 2815.12. This classification follows GRI 1, as the subheading text specifically describes the product in its aqueous state.
- Covers
- Sodium hydroxide solution
- Soda lye
- Liquid soda
- Caustic lye
- Aqueous sodium hydroxide (various concentrations)
- Membrane grade caustic soda liquid
- Diaphragm grade caustic soda liquid
- Also under 2815.12
- Dow Caustic Soda Solution
- Olin Liquid Caustic Soda
- BASF Sodium Hydroxide Solution
- Solvay Soda Lye
Codes often confused with 2815.12
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is 2815.11, which is reserved strictly for solid sodium hydroxide. Importers often confuse the two subheadings if they do not specify the physical state in the shipping documents. Another common error involves HS code 3402, which covers organic surface-active agents and cleaning preparations. If caustic soda is mixed with detergents or other chemicals to create a specialized industrial cleaner, it may lose its identity as a pure chemical and move to Chapter 34. Additionally, 3824 is sometimes incorrectly used for chemical mixtures, but 2815.12 is the specific heading for the aqueous solution of the pure chemical.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281512 (the code used for liquid caustic soda), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281512 (the code used for liquid caustic soda) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 18% 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 281512, not only liquid caustic soda.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.4B 27% of world exports
- 2 China $1.1B 21% of world exports
- 3 Japan $377M 7.2% of world exports
World total: $5.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Australia $1.2B 18% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $826M 13% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $722M 11% of world imports
World total: $6.6B 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 liquid caustic soda
Brazil classifies liquid caustic soda under NCM 2815.12.00: HS 2815.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about liquid caustic soda
What is the HS code for Liquid caustic soda?
The HS code for Liquid caustic soda is 281512 (Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid soda)). The HS code for liquid caustic soda (sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution) is 2815.12.
How do I classify Liquid caustic soda for customs?
Liquid caustic soda is classified under HS code 281512 — Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid soda). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the concentration of the solution change the HS code?
No, the concentration of sodium hydroxide in the water does not change the HS code. Whether it is a 25%, 32%, or 50% solution, it remains classified under 2815.12 as long as it is an aqueous solution of the pure chemical.
Which countries are the top exporters of liquid caustic soda (HS 281512)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281512 (the code used for liquid caustic soda) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.4B, 27% of world exports), China ($1.1B) and Japan ($377M). World exports came to about $5.2B, 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 caustic soda (HS 281512)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281512 (the code used for liquid caustic soda) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($1.2B, 18% of world imports), Brazil ($826M) and Indonesia ($722M). World imports came to about $6.6B, 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 caustic soda the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281512 for Liquid caustic soda 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 caustic soda in Brazil?
In Brazil, liquid caustic soda (HS 281512) is classified under NCM 2815.12.00.