Product classification
HS code for Nitric acid: 2808.00
Nitric acid, sulphonitric acids.
Classification of nitric acid under HS 2808.00
Nitric acid is classified under HS code 2808.00. This heading is unique because it covers both nitric acid and sulphonitric acids. Nitric acid (HNO3) is a highly corrosive mineral acid and a powerful oxidizing agent. In the Harmonized System, Chapter 28 deals with inorganic chemicals. Heading 28.08 is a specific heading that does not have further subheadings in the standard international nomenclature, meaning all concentrations of nitric acid, including fuming nitric acid and aqueous solutions, fall under 2808.00. Sulphonitric acids, which are mixtures of nitric acid and sulphuric acid in varying proportions, are also included here. The classification remains consistent regardless of the concentration of the acid, provided it is not mixed with other substances that would change its character to a preparation classified in another chapter. Nitric acid is a vital industrial chemical used in the production of fertilizers (like ammonium nitrate), explosives, and in the etching and cleaning of metals. Because of its hazardous nature, this HS code is often flagged for safety regulations and transport of dangerous goods (ADR/IMDG) requirements during the customs clearance process.
- Covers
- Aqueous nitric acid solutions
- Fuming nitric acid (red or white)
- Sulphonitric acid (mixtures of nitric and sulphuric acid)
- Concentrated nitric acid (e.g., 68% or 98%)
- Technical grade nitric acid
- Also under 2808.00
- Yara Nitric Acid
- BASF Nitric Acid
- OCI Nitric Acid
- CF Industries Nitric Acid
- EuroChem Nitric Acid
Codes often confused with 2808.00
Common mistake. Nitric acid is sometimes confused with HS code 2807.00, which is for sulphuric acid and oleum. While they are both strong mineral acids, they are distinct headings. Another misclassification occurs with 3403, which covers metal-treating preparations; if nitric acid is mixed with inhibitors and surfactants for specific industrial cleaning, it may move to Chapter 34. It should also not be confused with nitrous acid, which is classified under 2811.19.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280800 (the code used for nitric acid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280800 (the code used for nitric acid) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 8.7% 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 280800, not only nitric acid.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $108M 25% of world exports
- 2 Germany $81M 19% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $63M 15% of world exports
World total: $429M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $46M 8.7% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $45M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 France $41M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $532M 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 nitric acid
Brazil splits HS 2808.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2808.00.10Nitric acid
- 2808.00.20Sulphonitric acids
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about nitric acid
What is the HS code for Nitric acid?
The HS code for Nitric acid is 280800 (Nitric acid; sulphonitric acids). The HS code for nitric acid and sulphonitric acids is 2808.00.
How do I classify Nitric acid for customs?
Nitric acid is classified under HS code 280800 — Nitric acid; sulphonitric acids. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is fuming nitric acid classified differently?
No, fuming nitric acid is classified under the same HS code, 2808.00, as standard nitric acid.
Which countries are the top exporters of nitric acid (HS 280800)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280800 (the code used for nitric acid) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($108M, 25% of world exports), Germany ($81M) and Belgium ($63M). World exports came to about $429M, 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 nitric acid (HS 280800)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280800 (the code used for nitric acid) in UN Comtrade data were India ($46M, 8.7% of world imports), Belgium ($45M) and France ($41M). World imports came to about $532M, 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 Nitric acid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280800 for Nitric 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 nitric acid in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 280800 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for nitric acid depends on the product's details: 2808.00.10 (Nitric acid), 2808.00.20 (Sulphonitric acids).