Product classification
HS code for Phosphatic fertilizer: 3103.90
Fertilizers, mineral or chemical, phosphatic, n.e.c. in heading no. 3103.
Classification of phosphatic fertilizer under HS 3103.90
Phosphatic fertilizers that do not fall under the more specific categories of superphosphates are classified under HS code 3103.90. Chapter 31 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to fertilizers. Heading 3103 specifically covers mineral or chemical fertilizers that are phosphatic in nature. While superphosphates are categorized under 3103.11 and 3103.19, the "other" category (3103.90) captures various phosphatic mineral products used to enrich soil. This includes basic slag and other phosphatic materials not specifically named elsewhere in the heading. The classification depends on the chemical composition and the intended use as a fertilizer, provided the product is not a mixture containing nitrogen or potassium, which would shift it to heading 3105. To qualify for Chapter 31, the product must be intended for use as a fertilizer and must contain phosphorus as the primary nutrient. This code is essential for distinguishing between common superphosphates and more specialized or less common phosphatic mineral treatments used in agriculture.
- Covers
- Basic slag (Thomas slag)
- Calcined natural phosphates
- Fused phosphates
- Other mineral or chemical phosphatic fertilizers not elsewhere specified
- Ground or unground phosphatic rock treated for fertilizer use
- Also under 3103.90
- Thomas slag (various producers)
- Fused Magnesium Phosphate (FMP)
- various treated rock phosphate products.
Codes often confused with 3103.90
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is using 3103.11 or 3103.19, which are reserved specifically for superphosphates. Another error is classifying these under 3105.20 or 3105.30 if the product contains even trace amounts of nitrogen or potassium; heading 3105 is for multi-nutrient fertilizers. Additionally, raw phosphate rock that has not been chemically treated is classified in 2510 rather than 3103.
Top exporters and importers of HS 310390 (the code used for phosphatic fertilizer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 310390 (the code used for phosphatic fertilizer) in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 32% of world imports. 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 77% of its exports here ($16M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 310390, not only phosphatic fertilizer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Russia* ~$72M 28% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Egypt $66M 26% of world exports
- 3 Spain $22M 8.4% of world exports
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 77% of its exports here ($16M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $257M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $179M 32% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $150M 27% of world imports
- 3 United States $84M 15% of world imports
World total: $551M 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 codes for phosphatic fertilizer
Brazil splits HS 3103.90 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3103.90.11Calcium hydrogenorthophosphate, 46% P2O5 or less
- 3103.90.19Calcium hydrogenorthophosphate, over 46% P2O5
- 3103.90.90Other phosphatic fertilizers
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about phosphatic fertilizer
What is the HS code for Phosphatic fertilizer?
The HS code for Phosphatic fertilizer is 310390 (Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; phosphatic, n.e.c. in heading no. 3103). For phosphatic fertilizers other than superphosphates, the HS code is 3103.90.
How do I classify Phosphatic fertilizer for customs?
Phosphatic fertilizer is classified under HS code 310390 — Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; phosphatic, n.e.c. in heading no. 3103. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 3103 and 3105?
Heading 3103 is for fertilizers containing only phosphorus as a nutrient, while 3105 is for fertilizers containing two or three fertilizing elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium).
Which countries are the top exporters of phosphatic fertilizer (HS 310390)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 310390 (the code used for phosphatic fertilizer) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $72M, 28% of world exports), Egypt ($66M) and Spain ($22M). World exports came to about $257M, 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 77% of its exports here ($16M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of phosphatic fertilizer (HS 310390)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 310390 (the code used for phosphatic fertilizer) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($179M, 32% of world imports), Brazil ($150M) and the United States ($84M). World imports came to about $551M, 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 Phosphatic fertilizer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 310390 for Phosphatic 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 phosphatic fertilizer in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 310390 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for phosphatic fertilizer depends on the product's details: 3103.90.11 (Calcium hydrogenorthophosphate, 46% P2O5 or less), 3103.90.19 (Calcium hydrogenorthophosphate, over 46% P2O5), 3103.90.90 (Other phosphatic fertilizers).