Product classification
HS code for Phosgene: 2812.11
Carbonyl dichloride (phosgene).
Classification of phosgene under HS 2812.11
Phosgene, chemically known as carbonyl dichloride, is classified under HS code 2812.11. This classification falls within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, precious metals, and rare-earth metals. Specifically, heading 2812 covers halides and halide oxides of non-metals. Phosgene is a highly toxic, colorless gas used primarily in the industrial production of polyurethanes and polycarbonate plastics. The classification is straightforward as 2812.11 is a specific entry for carbonyl dichloride. It is important to note that because of its toxicity and history as a chemical weapon, its trade is strictly monitored under international conventions, such as the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). For customs purposes, the chemical identity as an inorganic halide oxide of carbon (which is treated as a non-metal in this context) determines its placement. The HS code 2812.11 is a relatively recent addition to the Harmonized System to allow for better tracking of this specific substance due to its dual-use nature in both industrial and military applications.
- Covers
- Carbonyl dichloride (Phosgene)
- Liquefied phosgene gas
- Phosgene in pressurized cylinders
- Technical grade phosgene for industrial synthesis
- Also under 2812.11
- Covestro Phosgene (for MDI/TDI production)
- BASF Phosgene (for intermediates)
Codes often confused with 2812.11
Common mistake. Phosgene is sometimes misclassified under 2812.19, which is the "other" category for halides and halide oxides of non-metals. However, since the 2017 HS nomenclature update, phosgene has its own specific code (2812.11). It is also occasionally confused with organic chlorides in Chapter 29, but as a derivative of carbonic acid, it is traditionally classified as an inorganic chemical in Chapter 28.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281211 (the code used for phosgene), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281211 (the code used for phosgene) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 50% 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 281211, not only phosgene.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $582K 58% of world exports
- 2 Germany $198K 20% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $196K 20% of world exports
World total: $1.0M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $1.5M 50% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $739K 25% of world imports
- 3 Germany $183K 6.3% of world imports
World total: $2.9M 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 phosgene
Brazil classifies phosgene under NCM 2812.11.00: HS 2812.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about phosgene
What is the HS code for Phosgene?
The HS code for Phosgene is 281211 (Carbonyl dichloride (phosgene)). The HS code for Phosgene (carbonyl dichloride) is 2812.11.
How do I classify Phosgene for customs?
Phosgene is classified under HS code 281211 — Carbonyl dichloride (phosgene). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is phosgene subject to additional import controls?
Yes, because it is listed under Schedule 3 of the Chemical Weapons Convention, it often requires specific export/import licenses and end-use certificates in addition to standard customs documentation.
Which countries are the top exporters of phosgene (HS 281211)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281211 (the code used for phosgene) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($582K, 58% of world exports), Germany ($198K) and Czechia ($196K). World exports came to about $1.0M, 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 phosgene (HS 281211)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281211 (the code used for phosgene) in UN Comtrade data were France ($1.5M, 50% of world imports), the Netherlands ($739K) and Germany ($183K). World imports came to about $2.9M, 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 Phosgene the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281211 for Phosgene 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 phosgene in Brazil?
In Brazil, phosgene (HS 281211) is classified under NCM 2812.11.00.