Product classification

HS code for Phosphoric acid: 2809.20

Phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acids.

Classification of phosphoric acid under HS 2809.20

Phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acids are classified under HS code 2809.20. This code is part of Chapter 28, which encompasses inorganic chemicals. Heading 2809 specifically covers diphosphorus pentaoxide, phosphoric acid, and polyphosphoric acids, whether or not chemically defined. Phosphoric acid (orthophosphoric acid) is a major industrial chemical used in the production of fertilizers, detergents, and food additives. The classification is determined by the chemical identity of the acid. Even when the acid is of high purity (food grade) or used in specific industrial applications, it remains under 2809.20 unless it is prepared as a finished product like a fertilizer mixture. Polyphosphoric acids, which are polymers of phosphoric acid with lower water content, are also included in this subheading. The classification is based on the chemical structure of the phosphorus-oxygen-hydrogen compound. Importers should be aware that while phosphoric acid is a precursor for many fertilizers, the pure acid is always classified in Chapter 28, whereas the resulting fertilizer salts or mixtures are classified in Chapter 31.

Covers
  • Orthophosphoric acid (H3PO4)
  • Pyrophosphoric acid
  • Metaphosphoric acid
  • Polyphosphoric acids
  • Food-grade phosphoric acid
  • Technical-grade phosphoric acid
Also under 2809.20
  • Mosaic Phosphoric Acid
  • Nutrien Phosphoric Acid
  • OCP Group Phosphoric Acid
  • ICL Phosphoric Acid
  • Innophos Phosphoric Acid

Codes often confused with 2809.20

Common mistake. Phosphoric acid is sometimes misclassified under 2809.10, which is reserved for diphosphorus pentaoxide (the anhydride of phosphoric acid). It is also occasionally confused with 3103 if the importer assumes all phosphorus-based agricultural chemicals belong in the fertilizer chapter. However, as a discrete inorganic acid, it must stay in 2809.20.

2809.10Diphosphorus pentoxide31.03Fertilizers; mineral or chemical, phosphatic

Top exporters and importers of HS 280920 (the code used for phosphoric acid), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280920 (the code used for phosphoric acid) in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 40% 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 280920, not only phosphoric acid.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Morocco $3.6B
  2. 2 China $896M
  3. 3 Jordan* ~$830M

World total: $7.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 India $2.5B
  2. 2 Pakistan $484M
  3. 3 United States $331M

World total: $6.2B 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 phosphoric acid

Brazil splits HS 2809.20 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about phosphoric acid

What is the HS code for Phosphoric acid?

The HS code for Phosphoric acid is 280920 (Phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acids). The HS code for phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acids is 2809.20.

How do I classify Phosphoric acid for customs?

Phosphoric acid is classified under HS code 280920 — Phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acids. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is food-grade phosphoric acid classified differently?

No, the HS code 2809.20 applies to phosphoric acid regardless of its purity level, including food-grade and electronic-grade variations.

Which countries are the top exporters of phosphoric acid (HS 280920)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280920 (the code used for phosphoric acid) in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($3.6B, 46% of world exports), China ($896M) and Jordan (about $830M). World exports came to about $7.7B, 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 phosphoric acid (HS 280920)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 280920 (the code used for phosphoric acid) in UN Comtrade data were India ($2.5B, 40% of world imports), Pakistan ($484M) and the United States ($331M). World imports came to about $6.2B, 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 Phosphoric acid the same in all countries?

The base HS code 280920 for Phosphoric 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 phosphoric acid in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 280920 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for phosphoric acid depends on the product's details: 2809.20.11 (Phosphoric acid with less than 750 ppm iron), 2809.20.19 (Other phosphoric acid), 2809.20.20 (Metaphosphoric acids), 2809.20.30 (Pyrophosphoric acid), 2809.20.90 (Other polyphosphoric acids).