Product classification
HS code for Polyphosphoric acid: 2809.20
Phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acids.
Classification of polyphosphoric acid under HS 2809.20
Polyphosphoric acid is classified under HS code 2809.20, which specifically covers phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acids. This classification is determined by the chemical composition of the substance as an inorganic acid derived from phosphorus. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), specifically GRI 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 28 covers inorganic chemicals, and heading 2809 specifically addresses diphosphorus pentaoxide, phosphoric acid, and polyphosphoric acids. Polyphosphoric acids are condensed phosphoric acids formed by the dehydration of orthophosphoric acid, resulting in a mixture of polymers with the general formula Hn+2PnO3n+1. Because the HS nomenclature groups these condensed acids with their parent phosphoric acid under the same subheading, 2809.20 is the definitive code for international trade documentation. The product is often traded based on its P2O5 (phosphorus pentoxide) equivalent content, which typically ranges from 72% to 84% for polyphosphoric acids, whereas standard orthophosphoric acid is usually around 54% to 62% P2O5. Despite these concentration differences, the HS nomenclature maintains them under a single subheading.
- Covers
- Tetraphosphoric acid
- Pyrophosphoric acid
- Superphosphoric acid
- Condensed phosphoric acids
- Metaphosphoric 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. Polyphosphoric acid is frequently confused with HS code 2809.10, which is reserved strictly for diphosphorus pentaoxide (phosphorus pentoxide). While polyphosphoric acid is often described by its phosphorus pentoxide equivalent, it is chemically distinct as an acid rather than an oxide. Another common error is using HS code 2811.19, which covers other inorganic acids. However, since polyphosphoric acid is explicitly named in heading 2809, the more specific code must be used according to GRI 3(a).
Top exporters and importers of HS 280920 (the code used for polyphosphoric acid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280920 (the code used for polyphosphoric 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 polyphosphoric acid.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Morocco $3.6B 46% of world exports
- 2 China $896M 12% of world exports
- 3 Jordan* ~$830M 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $7.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $2.5B 40% of world imports
- 2 Pakistan $484M 7.8% of world imports
- 3 United States $331M 5.3% of world imports
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 polyphosphoric acid
Brazil splits HS 2809.20 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2809.20.11Phosphoric acid with less than 750 ppm iron
- 2809.20.19Other phosphoric acid
- 2809.20.20Metaphosphoric acids
- 2809.20.30Pyrophosphoric acid
- 2809.20.90Other polyphosphoric acids
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polyphosphoric acid
What is the HS code for Polyphosphoric acid?
The HS code for Polyphosphoric acid is 280920 (Phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acids). The HS code for Polyphosphoric acid is 2809.20, which includes both phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acids.
How do I classify Polyphosphoric acid for customs?
Polyphosphoric acid is classified under HS code 280920 — Phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acids. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between phosphoric and polyphosphoric acid in trade?
While both share the same HS code, polyphosphoric acid has a higher concentration of P2O5 and is used in specialized industrial applications like catalyst production and metal finishing, whereas standard phosphoric acid is more common in food and fertilizer industries.
Which countries are the top exporters of polyphosphoric acid (HS 280920)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280920 (the code used for polyphosphoric 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 polyphosphoric acid (HS 280920)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280920 (the code used for polyphosphoric 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 Polyphosphoric acid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280920 for Polyphosphoric 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 polyphosphoric acid in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 280920 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for polyphosphoric 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).