Product classification
HS code for Phosphorus pentachloride: 2812.14
Phosphorus pentachloride.
Classification of phosphorus pentachloride under HS 2812.14
Phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5) is classified under HS code 2812.14. This classification is part of heading 2812, which covers halides and halide oxides of non-metals. PCl5 is one of the most important phosphorus chlorides and is widely used in the chemical industry as a chlorinating agent. It typically exists as a white to pale yellow crystalline solid with a pungent odor. The classification under 2812.14 is specific to the pentachloride form, distinguishing it from the trichloride form. The Harmonized System organizes these chemicals based on their precise molecular composition. For PCl5, the presence of five chlorine atoms per phosphorus atom dictates its placement in this specific subheading. It is essential for importers to distinguish this from other halides to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Its role in the production of lithium-ion battery electrolytes and pharmaceutical intermediates has increased its trade volume significantly in recent years.
- Covers
- Phosphorus(V) chloride
- Pentachloro-phosphorane
- Crystalline phosphorus pentachloride
- PCl5 reagent grade
- Also under 2812.14
- ICL Group Phosphorus Pentachloride
- Lanxess PCl5
- Solvay Phosphorus Pentachloride
Codes often confused with 2812.14
Common mistake. Phosphorus pentachloride is frequently confused with phosphorus trichloride (HS code 2812.13). The distinction is critical as they have different chemical properties, reactivity levels, and regulatory requirements. Another common misclassification occurs with phosphorus oxychloride (HS code 2812.12). While both are phosphorus-based chemicals in heading 2812, the oxychloride contains oxygen, which PCl5 does not. Furthermore, it should not be confused with antimony pentachloride (HS code 2812.19), which is a metal halide. Accurate classification requires a certificate of analysis confirming the molecular formula and the absence of oxygen within the compound structure to ensure the correct tariff is applied.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281214 (the code used for phosphorus pentachloride), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281214 (the code used for phosphorus pentachloride) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 70% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 29% 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 281214, not only phosphorus pentachloride.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $276K 70% of world exports
- 2 China $103K 26% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $9K 2.2% of world exports
World total: $396K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $263K 29% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $227K 25% of world imports
- 3 Croatia $103K 12% of world imports
World total: $894K 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 phosphorus pentachloride
Brazil classifies phosphorus pentachloride under NCM 2812.14.00: HS 2812.14 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about phosphorus pentachloride
What is the HS code for Phosphorus pentachloride?
The HS code for Phosphorus pentachloride is 281214 (Phosphorus pentachloride). The HS code for phosphorus pentachloride is 2812.14.
How do I classify Phosphorus pentachloride for customs?
Phosphorus pentachloride is classified under HS code 281214 — Phosphorus pentachloride. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does PCl5 differ from PCl3 in classification?
PCl5 is classified under 2812.14, while PCl3 is classified under 2812.13; the distinction is based on the number of chlorine atoms in the molecule.
Which countries are the top exporters of phosphorus pentachloride (HS 281214)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281214 (the code used for phosphorus pentachloride) in UN Comtrade data were India ($276K, 70% of world exports), China ($103K) and Switzerland ($9K). World exports came to about $396K, 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 pentachloride (HS 281214)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281214 (the code used for phosphorus pentachloride) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($263K, 29% of world imports), South Korea ($227K) and Croatia ($103K). World imports came to about $894K, 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 pentachloride the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281214 for Phosphorus pentachloride 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 pentachloride in Brazil?
In Brazil, phosphorus pentachloride (HS 281214) is classified under NCM 2812.14.00.