Product classification
HS code for NPK fertilizer: 3105.20
Fertilizers, mineral or chemical, containing the three fertilizing elements nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Classification of NPK fertilizer under HS 3105.20
NPK fertilizers are classified under HS code 3105.20. This classification is straightforward as the subheading specifically names mineral or chemical fertilizers containing the three fertilizing elements: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These are often referred to as "complete" fertilizers because they provide the three primary macronutrients required for plant growth. The classification applies regardless of the ratio (e.g., 15-15-15 or 20-10-10), provided all three elements are present in chemically significant quantities. Under the Harmonized System, these products are categorized in Chapter 31. Heading 3105 covers fertilizers put up in tablets or similar forms or in packages of a gross weight not exceeding 10 kg, as well as other fertilizers. However, 3105.20 specifically captures the ternary blends in bulk or large packaging. The classification is determined by the presence of the three elements, often verified through laboratory testing of the nitrogen, P2O5, and K2O content. This code is vital for global agricultural trade, as NPK blends are the most commonly used fertilizers worldwide for a variety of crops. The classification is governed by Note 2 to Chapter 31, which defines the products that fall under mineral or chemical fertilizers.
- Covers
- NPK 15-15-15 complex fertilizer
- NPK 10-26-26 granulated blends
- Liquid NPK fertilizer solutions
- NPK fertilizers in tablets or small retail packs (if exceeding 10kg, otherwise 3105.10)
- Also under 3105.20
- YaraMila
- Haifa Multi-K
- Grow More NPK
- Compo Expert NovaTec
- Nutrien NPK blends
Codes often confused with 3105.20
Common mistake. NPK fertilizers are sometimes misclassified under 3105.10 if the importer fails to notice the weight limit (10kg) for that code. They are also confused with 3105.51 or 3105.59 (NP fertilizers) or 3105.60 (PK fertilizers) if one of the three primary nutrients is missing or present only in negligible trace amounts.
Top exporters and importers of HS 310520 (the code used for NPK fertilizer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 310520 (the code used for NPK fertilizer) in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, 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 310520, not only NPK fertilizer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Russia* ~$2.8B 33% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Morocco $905M 11% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $780M 9.2% of world exports
World total: $8.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $1.2B 12% of world imports
- 2 China $709M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $617M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $10.1B 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 NPK fertilizer
Brazil classifies NPK fertilizer under NCM 3105.20.00: HS 3105.20 with 00 added.
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 NPK fertilizer
What is the HS code for NPK fertilizer?
The HS code for NPK fertilizer is 310520 (Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; containing the three fertilizing elements nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). The HS code for NPK fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is 3105.20.
How do I classify NPK fertilizer for customs?
NPK fertilizer is classified under HS code 310520 — Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; containing the three fertilizing elements nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the NPK ratio affect the HS code?
No, as long as all three elements are present, the ratio (like 10-20-10 vs 20-20-20) does not change the 3105.20 classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of NPK fertilizer (HS 310520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 310520 (the code used for NPK fertilizer) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $2.8B, 33% of world exports), Morocco ($905M) and Belgium ($780M). World exports came to about $8.5B, 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 NPK fertilizer (HS 310520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 310520 (the code used for NPK fertilizer) in UN Comtrade data were India ($1.2B, 12% of world imports), China ($709M) and Brazil ($617M). World imports came to about $10.1B, 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 NPK fertilizer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 310520 for NPK fertilizer 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 NPK fertilizer in Brazil?
In Brazil, NPK fertilizer (HS 310520) is classified under NCM 3105.20.00.