Product classification
HS code for Potassium bromide: 2827.51
Bromides, of sodium or of potassium.
Classification of potassium bromide under HS 2827.51
Potassium bromide (KBr) is classified under HS code 2827.51 because it is an inorganic salt consisting of the bromide of an alkali metal, specifically potassium. Within the Harmonized System, Chapter 28 covers inorganic chemicals, and heading 2827 specifically addresses chlorides, bromide oxides, and bromides. Subheading 2827.51 is reserved for the bromides of sodium or potassium. This classification is determined by the chemical composition of the substance, which is a binary salt formed by the reaction of potassium hydroxide with hydrogen bromide. It is widely used in various industries, from pharmaceuticals as an anticonvulsant to photography as a sensitizing agent. The classification remains consistent regardless of the physical form, whether it is in crystalline powder, granules, or pressed into pellets for infrared spectroscopy. The General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System dictate that products are classified according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since 2827.51 explicitly names potassium bromide, it is the primary classification for the pure chemical substance.
- Covers
- Pharmaceutical grade potassium bromide used as a sedative or anticonvulsant.
- Photographic grade potassium bromide used in the manufacture of photographic emulsions.
- Infrared (IR) spectroscopy grade KBr crystals and powder used for sample preparation.
- Technical grade potassium bromide for industrial chemical synthesis.
- Potassium bromide in aqueous solution for laboratory use.
- Also under 2827.51
- ICL-IP Sodium Bromide
- Chemtura Sodium Bromide
- Merck KGaA Potassium Bromide
- Sigma-Aldrich Sodium Bromide
Codes often confused with 2827.51
Common mistake. Potassium bromide is frequently confused with other halides or organic bromine compounds. It should not be classified under HS code 2827.59, which is reserved for "other" bromides not including sodium or potassium. Additionally, organic compounds containing bromine, such as methyl bromide, fall under Chapter 29 (specifically 2903.39), not Chapter 28. Another common error is misclassifying it under 3824 as a prepared chemical mixture if it is blended with other substances; however, pure KBr must remain in 2827.51. Finally, if the product is put up in measured doses for medical use, it may move to Chapter 30 (3004), though the bulk chemical remains in 2827.51.
Top exporters and importers of HS 282751 (the code used for potassium bromide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282751 (the code used for potassium bromide) in UN Comtrade data was Israel, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Guyana, with about 19% of world imports. Qatar 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 74% of its imports here ($18M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 282751, not only potassium bromide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Israel $47M 24% of world exports
- 2 United States $38M 19% of world exports
- 3 China $25M 13% of world exports
World total: $197M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Guyana* ~$37M 19% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 China $33M 17% of world imports
- 3 United States $22M 11% of world imports
Qatar 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 74% of its imports here ($18M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $193M 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 code for potassium bromide
Brazil classifies potassium bromide under NCM 2827.51.00: HS 2827.51 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about potassium bromide
What is the HS code for Potassium bromide?
The HS code for Potassium bromide is 282751 (Bromides; of sodium or of potassium). The standard international HS code for potassium bromide is 2827.51, which specifically covers bromides of sodium or potassium.
How do I classify Potassium bromide for customs?
Potassium bromide is classified under HS code 282751 — Bromides; of sodium or of potassium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is potassium bromide considered a hazardous material for shipping?
While potassium bromide is generally stable, it is classified as an irritant. For international shipping, it must be packaged according to safety data sheet (SDS) guidelines, though it is not typically classified as a high-risk dangerous good like potassium cyanide.
Which countries are the top exporters of potassium bromide (HS 282751)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282751 (the code used for potassium bromide) in UN Comtrade data were Israel ($47M, 24% of world exports), the United States ($38M) and China ($25M). World exports came to about $197M, 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 potassium bromide (HS 282751)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 282751 (the code used for potassium bromide) in UN Comtrade data were Guyana (about $37M, 19% of world imports), China ($33M) and the United States ($22M). World imports came to about $193M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Qatar 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 74% of its imports here ($18M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Potassium bromide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 282751 for Potassium bromide 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 potassium bromide in Brazil?
In Brazil, potassium bromide (HS 282751) is classified under NCM 2827.51.00.