Product classification
HS code for Potash: 2836.40
Carbonates, potassium carbonate.
Classification of potash under HS 2836.40
Potash, specifically in the form of potassium carbonate, is classified under HS code 2836.40. This code is situated within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, and Heading 2836, which is dedicated to carbonates and peroxocarbonates. Potassium carbonate (K2CO3) is an inorganic salt that appears as a white, deliquescent powder. It is classified here because it is a chemically defined compound. The classification process requires distinguishing between industrial-grade chemicals and mineral fertilizers. While 'potash' is a broad term often used in the agricultural industry to refer to various potassium-bearing minerals and chemicals, the specific chemical potassium carbonate is strictly assigned to 2836.40. This substance is widely used in the production of glass, soap, and as a buffering agent in various industrial processes. It is produced either through the electrolysis of potassium chloride or by reacting potassium hydroxide with carbon dioxide.
- Covers
- Anhydrous potassium carbonate
- Hydrated potassium carbonate
- Pearl ash (refined potassium carbonate)
- Salt of tartar
- Calcined potash for industrial use
- Also under 2836.40
- K+S (potassium chemicals)
- Vynova (potassium carbonate)
- Evonik (specialty chemicals)
- Merck (laboratory chemicals)
Codes often confused with 2836.40
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 3104, which covers mineral or chemical fertilizers (potassic). While potassium chloride and potassium sulfate are often called potash in trade, they belong in 3104. Potassium carbonate (2836.40) is rarely used as a direct fertilizer due to its alkalinity and cost. Another confusion point is 2815.20 for potassium hydroxide (caustic potash), which is a strong base and chemically distinct from the carbonate form.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283640 (the code used for potash), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283640 (the code used for potash) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 7.8% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 283640, not only potash.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $114M 31% of world exports
- 2 Germany $44M 12% of world exports
- 3 United States $35M 9.5% of world exports
World total: $367M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $28M 7.8% of world imports
- 2 United States $22M 6.2% of world imports
- 3 Spain $21M 5.8% of world imports
The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $358M 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 potash
Brazil classifies potash under NCM 2836.40.00: HS 2836.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about potash
What is the HS code for Potash?
The HS code for Potash is 283640 (Carbonates; potassium carbonate). The HS code for potassium carbonate (potash) is 2836.40. However, if you are referring to potassic fertilizer, the code is 3104.
How do I classify Potash for customs?
Potash is classified under HS code 283640 — Carbonates; potassium carbonate. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is caustic potash classified here?
No, caustic potash is potassium hydroxide and is classified under HS code 2815.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of potash (HS 283640)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283640 (the code used for potash) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($114M, 31% of world exports), Germany ($44M) and the United States ($35M). World exports came to about $367M, 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 potash (HS 283640)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283640 (the code used for potash) in UN Comtrade data were India ($28M, 7.8% of world imports), the United States ($22M) and Spain ($21M). World imports came to about $358M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Potash the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283640 for Potash 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 potash in Brazil?
In Brazil, potash (HS 283640) is classified under NCM 2836.40.00.