Product classification
HS code for Lye: 2815.11
Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), solid.
Classification of lye under HS 2815.11
Lye, scientifically known as sodium hydroxide or caustic soda, is classified under HS code 2815.11 when it is in its solid form. This classification falls within Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System, which covers inorganic chemicals, precious metals, and rare-earth metals. Specifically, heading 2815 is reserved for sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and peroxides of sodium or potassium. The subheading 2815.11 is strictly for the solid state of sodium hydroxide, which includes forms such as pellets, flakes, or lumps. To be classified here, the product must be a chemically defined compound of high purity, typically resulting from the electrolysis of sodium chloride solutions. The classification is determined by the physical state of the chemical at room temperature and its chemical composition as a base alkali. If the product is dissolved in water, it shifts to a different subheading, making the distinction between solid and liquid forms critical for customs compliance and duty rate determination.
- Covers
- Sodium hydroxide pellets
- Caustic soda flakes
- Anhydrous sodium hydroxide
- Solid lye for soap making
- Technical grade sodium hydroxide in granular form
- Also under 2815.11
- Dow Caustic Soda
- Olin Caustic Soda
- BASF Sodium Hydroxide
- Solvay Caustic Soda
Codes often confused with 2815.11
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 2815.12, which is designated for sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid soda). Importers often confuse the two based on the common name 'lye,' but the physical state (solid vs. liquid) dictates the 6-digit subheading. Additionally, lye mixed with other cleaning agents may be misclassified under 3402 as a detergent or 3824 as a chemical preparation, but pure sodium hydroxide must remain in 2815.11.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281511 (the code used for lye), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281511 (the code used for lye) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 5.3% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 14% of its exports here ($4.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 12% of its imports here ($4.3M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 281511, not only lye.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $350M 36% of world exports
- 2 India $236M 24% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $33M 3.4% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 14% of its exports here ($4.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $978M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $57M 5.3% of world imports
- 2 Nigeria $54M 5.1% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$50M 4.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 12% of its imports here ($4.3M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $1.1B 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 code for lye
Brazil classifies lye under NCM 2815.11.00: HS 2815.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lye
What is the HS code for Lye?
The HS code for Lye is 281511 (Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); solid). The HS code for solid lye (sodium hydroxide) is 2815.11. If the lye is in a liquid solution, the correct code is 2815.12.
How do I classify Lye for customs?
Lye is classified under HS code 281511 — Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); solid. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the purity of the lye affect its HS code?
Generally, no. As long as it is sodium hydroxide in solid form and not mixed with other functional chemicals that change its character into a preparation, it remains under 2815.11 regardless of whether it is technical or food grade.
Which countries are the top exporters of lye (HS 281511)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281511 (the code used for lye) in UN Comtrade data were China ($350M, 36% of world exports), India ($236M) and Thailand ($33M). World exports came to about $978M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 14% of its exports here ($4.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of lye (HS 281511)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281511 (the code used for lye) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($57M, 5.3% of world imports), Nigeria ($54M) and Vietnam (about $50M). World imports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 12% of its imports here ($4.3M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Is the HS code for Lye the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281511 for Lye 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 lye in Brazil?
In Brazil, lye (HS 281511) is classified under NCM 2815.11.00.