Product classification
HS code for Phosphorus trichloride: 2812.13
Phosphorus trichloride.
Classification of phosphorus trichloride under HS 2812.13
Phosphorus trichloride (PCl3) is classified under HS code 2812.13. This falls under heading 2812, which encompasses halides and halide oxides of non-metals. Phosphorus trichloride is a colorless or slightly yellow fuming liquid that is highly toxic and corrosive. It is a key precursor in the manufacture of a wide range of products, including organophosphorus pesticides, plasticizers, flame retardants, and pharmaceutical intermediates. The classification is determined by its chemical identity as a binary halide of phosphorus and chlorine. Within heading 2812, the system differentiates between various phosphorus halides based on the number of halogen atoms and the presence of oxygen. PCl3 is specifically isolated in subheading 2812.13 to facilitate monitoring and trade statistics. Due to its volatility and reactivity, it is subject to stringent shipping regulations and international monitoring under the Chemical Weapons Convention.
- Covers
- Phosphorus(III) chloride
- Trichlorophosphine
- Technical grade PCl3
- Phosphorus trichloride liquid
- Also under 2812.13
- ICL Group Phosphorus Trichloride
- Lanxess PCl3
- Solvay Phosphorus Trichloride
Codes often confused with 2812.13
Common mistake. Phosphorus trichloride is often confused with phosphorus pentachloride (HS code 2812.14) or phosphorus oxychloride (HS code 2812.12). Accurate classification depends on the specific molecular structure and the absence of oxygen in the halide. It is also sometimes mistaken for sulfur chlorides, such as sulfur monochloride (HS code 2812.15) or sulfur dichloride (HS code 2812.16), due to their similar fuming liquid appearance and industrial roles as chlorinating agents. However, the central atom (phosphorus vs. sulfur) dictates the correct subheading. Importers must ensure that the chemical formula PCl3 is clearly stated on all shipping documents to avoid confusion with these other hazardous halides and to ensure proper duty rates.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281213 (the code used for phosphorus trichloride), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281213 (the code used for phosphorus trichloride) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 52% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 34% 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 281213, not only phosphorus trichloride.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $26M 52% of world exports
- 2 China $15M 29% of world exports
- 3 India $5.0M 10% of world exports
World total: $50M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $16M 34% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $13M 27% of world imports
- 3 United States $8.7M 19% of world imports
World total: $47M 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 trichloride
Brazil classifies phosphorus trichloride under NCM 2812.13.00: HS 2812.13 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about phosphorus trichloride
What is the HS code for Phosphorus trichloride?
The HS code for Phosphorus trichloride is 281213 (Phosphorus trichloride). The HS code for phosphorus trichloride is 2812.13.
How do I classify Phosphorus trichloride for customs?
Phosphorus trichloride is classified under HS code 281213 — Phosphorus trichloride. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What are the primary industrial uses for PCl3?
It is primarily used as an intermediate in the production of herbicides, insecticides, and various plastic additives.
Which countries are the top exporters of phosphorus trichloride (HS 281213)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281213 (the code used for phosphorus trichloride) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($26M, 52% of world exports), China ($15M) and India ($5.0M). World exports came to about $50M, 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 trichloride (HS 281213)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281213 (the code used for phosphorus trichloride) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($16M, 34% of world imports), South Korea ($13M) and the United States ($8.7M). World imports came to about $47M, 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 trichloride the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281213 for Phosphorus trichloride 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 trichloride in Brazil?
In Brazil, phosphorus trichloride (HS 281213) is classified under NCM 2812.13.00.