Product classification
HS code for Potassic fertilizer: 3104.90
Fertilizers, mineral or chemical, potassic, n.e.c. in heading no. 3104.
Classification of potassic fertilizer under HS 3104.90
Potassic fertilizers are classified under HS code 3104.90 when they do not fall into the more specific subheadings of Heading 3104. Chapter 31 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to fertilizers, and Heading 3104 specifically covers mineral or chemical potassic fertilizers. Subheading 3104.90 is a residual category for potassic fertilizers other than potassium chloride (3104.20) or potassium sulfate (3104.30). This classification includes natural potassium salts, such as carnallite or sylvite, and mixtures of potassic fertilizers. According to Note 4 to Chapter 31, Heading 3104 applies only to specific products like unpurified potassium salts and products mixed together. The classification is essential for distinguishing between pure chemicals (Chapter 28) and products intended for soil enrichment. Even if these products are used for industrial purposes, they remain in Chapter 31 if they meet the descriptions provided in the Chapter Notes.
- Covers
- Crude natural potassium salts
- Carnallite and kainite
- Sylvite (potassium chloride in natural form)
- Magnesium potassium sulfate mixtures
- Other mineral potassic fertilizers not elsewhere specified
- Also under 3104.90
- Mosaic Potash
- Nutrien Potash
- ICL Potash
- K+S Potash
- Uralkali Potash
Codes often confused with 3104.90
Common mistake. Potassic fertilizers are frequently confused with multi-nutrient fertilizers under Heading 3105. If the fertilizer contains nitrogen or phosphorus in addition to potassium, it must be classified under 3105. Another common error is classifying pure, chemically defined potassium compounds under 3104; if they are not specifically listed in the Chapter 31 notes, they may belong in Chapter 28. For example, pure potassium nitrate is classified under 2834.21, even if used as a fertilizer.
Top exporters and importers of HS 310490 (the code used for potassic fertilizer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 310490 (the code used for potassic fertilizer) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 8.6% of world imports. Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 0.3% of its exports here ($166K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 310490, not only potassic fertilizer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $111M 28% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $101M 25% of world exports
- 3 Uzbekistan* ~$29M 7.3% of world exports · partner records ↗
Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 0.3% of its exports here ($166K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $396M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $47M 8.6% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $41M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Canada $41M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $550M 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 potassic fertilizer
Brazil splits HS 3104.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3104.90.10Potassium magnesium sulphate, 30% K2O or more
- 3104.90.90Other potassic fertilizers
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about potassic fertilizer
What is the HS code for Potassic fertilizer?
The HS code for Potassic fertilizer is 310490 (Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; potassic, n.e.c. in heading no. 3104). The general HS code for other potassic fertilizers is 3104.90, while potassium chloride is 3104.20 and potassium sulfate is 3104.30.
How do I classify Potassic fertilizer for customs?
Potassic fertilizer is classified under HS code 310490 — Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; potassic, n.e.c. in heading no. 3104. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can I use this code for NPK mixtures?
No, mixtures containing Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK) are classified under HS code 3105.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of potassic fertilizer (HS 310490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 310490 (the code used for potassic fertilizer) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($111M, 28% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($101M) and Uzbekistan (about $29M). World exports came to about $396M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 0.3% of its exports here ($166K, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of potassic fertilizer (HS 310490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 310490 (the code used for potassic fertilizer) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($47M, 8.6% of world imports), Brazil ($41M) and Canada ($41M). World imports came to about $550M, 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 Potassic fertilizer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 310490 for Potassic fertilizer 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 potassic fertilizer in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 310490 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for potassic fertilizer depends on the product's details: 3104.90.10 (Potassium magnesium sulphate, 30% K2O or more), 3104.90.90 (Other potassic fertilizers).