Product classification
HS code for Parathion: 2920.11
Esters, thiophosphoric esters (phosphorothioates) and their salts, their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, parathion (ISO) and parathion-methyl (ISO) (methyl-parathion).
Classification of parathion under HS 2920.11
Parathion is classified under HS code 2920.11. This classification is determined by its chemical structure as an ester of an inorganic acid. Specifically, parathion is a thiophosphoric ester (phosphorothioate). Heading 2920 covers esters of other inorganic acids of non-metals and their salts. Subheading 2920.11 is specifically designated for Parathion (ISO) and Parathion-methyl (ISO). The classification follows the principle that pure, chemically defined organic compounds are classified in Chapter 29. Even though parathion is a potent insecticide, it is classified here when it is in its technical grade or pure form, rather than as a formulated pesticide product ready for retail sale. The presence of the sulfur atom replacing oxygen in the phosphate group characterizes it as a phosphorothioate, which is a key factor in its specific sub-classification within the 2920 group. This substance is subject to various international trade regulations, such as the Rotterdam Convention, but its HS classification remains strictly tied to its chemical composition under Chapter 29. The classification process involves identifying the functional groups; since it is an ester of thiophosphoric acid, it must fall under 2920. The specific mention of Parathion in the subheading 2920.11 provides a clear, non-ambiguous path for customs declaration, provided the material is not mixed with carriers or surfactants that would transform it into a prepared pesticide.
- Covers
- Technical grade Parathion
- Parathion-methyl (ISO)
- Ethyl parathion (pure)
- Thiophosphoric esters of parathion
- Also under 2920.11
- Bayer CropScience (historically produced)
- Syngenta (historically produced)
- specific generic agrochemical manufacturers
Codes often confused with 2920.11
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is HS code 3808.91, which covers insecticides put up in forms or packings for retail sale. If the parathion is mixed with other ingredients to be used directly as a pesticide, it moves from Chapter 29 to Chapter 38. Another confusion arises with 2920.19, which is for other thiophosphoric esters not specifically named.
Top exporters and importers of HS 292011 (the code used for parathion), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 292011 (the code used for parathion) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 93% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 55% 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 292011, not only parathion.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.1M 93% of world exports
- 2 Germany $29K 2.5% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $22K 1.9% of world exports
World total: $1.2M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Africa $469K 55% of world imports
- 2 Guatemala $129K 15% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$114K 13% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $849K 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 parathion
Brazil splits HS 2920.11 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2920.11.10Parathion (ethyl parathion)
- 2920.11.20Parathion-methyl (methyl parathion)
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about parathion
What is the HS code for Parathion?
The HS code for Parathion is 292011 (Esters; thiophosphoric esters (phosphorothioates) and their salts, their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, parathion (ISO) and parathion-methyl (ISO) (methyl-parathion)). The HS code for Parathion is 2920.11.
How do I classify Parathion for customs?
Parathion is classified under HS code 292011 — Esters; thiophosphoric esters (phosphorothioates) and their salts, their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives, parathion (ISO) and parathion-methyl (ISO) (methyl-parathion). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
When should Parathion be classified under Chapter 38?
It should be classified under Chapter 38 (specifically 3808.91) when it is formulated as a finished insecticide product, such as a spray or powder ready for use, rather than a pure chemical.
Which countries are the top exporters of parathion (HS 292011)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 292011 (the code used for parathion) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1M, 93% of world exports), Germany ($29K) and Indonesia ($22K). World exports came to about $1.2M, 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 parathion (HS 292011)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 292011 (the code used for parathion) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($469K, 55% of world imports), Guatemala ($129K) and Taiwan (about $114K). World imports came to about $849K, 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 Parathion the same in all countries?
The base HS code 292011 for Parathion 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 parathion in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 292011 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for parathion depends on the product's details: 2920.11.10 (Parathion (ethyl parathion)), 2920.11.20 (Parathion-methyl (methyl parathion)).