Product classification

HS code for Phosphorus oxychloride: 2812.12

Phosphorus oxychloride.

Classification of phosphorus oxychloride under HS 2812.12

Phosphorus oxychloride, also known as phosphoryl chloride (POCl3), is classified under HS code 2812.12. This code falls under heading 2812, which is designated for halides and halide oxides of non-metals. Phosphorus oxychloride is a clear, colorless liquid that fumes in moist air and is primarily used as a chlorinating agent and in the production of phosphate esters. The classification is driven by its chemical structure as a halide oxide, where phosphorus is bonded to both oxygen and chlorine. Under the Harmonized System, inorganic compounds are categorized based on their constituent elements and functional groups. Since POCl3 contains a non-metal (phosphorus) combined with a halogen (chlorine) and oxygen, it is specifically identified in the subheadings of 2812. This substance is highly regulated due to its potential use as a precursor for chemical weapons, making accurate classification vital for international security compliance and adherence to the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Covers
  • Phosphoryl chloride
  • Phosphorus oxytrichloride
  • Technical grade phosphorus oxychloride
  • Reagent grade POCl3
Also under 2812.12
  • Lanxess Phosphorus Oxychloride
  • ICL Group POCl3
  • Solvay Phosphorus Oxychloride

Codes often confused with 2812.12

Common mistake. This product is most commonly confused with phosphorus trichloride (HS code 2812.13) and phosphorus pentachloride (HS code 2812.14). The primary difference lies in the presence of oxygen; 2812.12 is a halide oxide, whereas the others are pure halides. Misidentifying these can lead to significant regulatory hurdles, especially regarding the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) schedules. It is also sometimes confused with thionyl chloride (HS code 2812.17), which is a sulfur-based halide oxide. While they serve similar industrial roles as chlorinating agents, their chemical composition requires distinct classification. Proper documentation must specify the presence of the phosphoryl group to justify the 2812.12 code.

2812.13Phosphorus trichloride2812.14Phosphorus pentachloride2812.17Thionyl chloride

Top exporters and importers of HS 281212 (the code used for phosphorus oxychloride), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281212 (the code used for phosphorus oxychloride) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 23% 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 281212, not only phosphorus oxychloride.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $13M
  2. 2 Germany $12M
  3. 3 United States $2.7M

World total: $35M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Thailand $7.6M
  2. 2 United Kingdom $4.7M
  3. 3 Taiwan* ~$4.0M

World total: $33M 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 code for phosphorus oxychloride

Brazil classifies phosphorus oxychloride under NCM 2812.12.00: HS 2812.12 with 00 added.

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

Questions about phosphorus oxychloride

What is the HS code for Phosphorus oxychloride?

The HS code for Phosphorus oxychloride is 281212 (Phosphorus oxychloride). The HS code for phosphorus oxychloride is 2812.12.

How do I classify Phosphorus oxychloride for customs?

Phosphorus oxychloride is classified under HS code 281212 — Phosphorus oxychloride. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is phosphorus oxychloride subject to export controls?

Yes, because it is a precursor for chemical agents, it is often subject to strict export licensing and monitoring under international treaties.

Which countries are the top exporters of phosphorus oxychloride (HS 281212)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281212 (the code used for phosphorus oxychloride) in UN Comtrade data were China ($13M, 37% of world exports), Germany ($12M) and the United States ($2.7M). World exports came to about $35M, 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 phosphorus oxychloride (HS 281212)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 281212 (the code used for phosphorus oxychloride) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($7.6M, 23% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($4.7M) and Taiwan (about $4.0M). World imports came to about $33M, 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 Phosphorus oxychloride the same in all countries?

The base HS code 281212 for Phosphorus oxychloride 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 phosphorus oxychloride in Brazil?

In Brazil, phosphorus oxychloride (HS 281212) is classified under NCM 2812.12.00.