Product classification
HS code for Potassium carbonate: 2836.40
Carbonates, potassium carbonate.
Classification of potassium carbonate under HS 2836.40
Potassium carbonate is classified under HS code 2836.40. This classification is found in Chapter 28 (Inorganic chemicals), specifically under heading 2836, which covers carbonates, peroxocarbonates, and commercial ammonium carbonate containing ammonium carbamate. Potassium carbonate, often referred to as potash or pearl ash, is a white salt that is soluble in water but insoluble in ethanol. It is primarily used in the production of glass, soap, and as a buffering agent in various industrial processes. The classification is determined by GRI 1, as the subheading 2836.40 specifically names potassium carbonates. This includes both the anhydrous form and the hydrated forms (such as the sesquihydrate). The product is classified here provided it is a separate chemically defined compound, which is the standard requirement for most items in Chapter 28.
- Covers
- Anhydrous potassium carbonate
- Potassium carbonate sesquihydrate
- Pearl ash (refined potassium carbonate)
- Potash (when referring specifically to K2CO3)
- 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. Potassium carbonate is sometimes misclassified under 3104.20 or 3104.30. These codes belong to Chapter 31, which covers fertilizers. While potassium carbonate contains potassium, it is rarely used as a primary fertilizer in its pure form; if it is intended for use as a fertilizer or is part of a fertilizer mix, it might be moved to Chapter 31, but pure chemical K2CO3 belongs in 2836.40. It is also occasionally confused with potassium bicarbonate (potassium hydrogen carbonate), which is classified under 2836.40 in some jurisdictions but may be distinguished in others, though the 4-digit heading 2836 remains the same.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283640 (the code used for potassium carbonate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283640 (the code used for potassium carbonate) 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 potassium carbonate.
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 potassium carbonate
Brazil classifies potassium carbonate 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 potassium carbonate
What is the HS code for Potassium carbonate?
The HS code for Potassium carbonate is 283640 (Carbonates; potassium carbonate). The HS code for Potassium carbonate is 2836.40.
How do I classify Potassium carbonate for customs?
Potassium carbonate is classified under HS code 283640 — Carbonates; potassium carbonate. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is food-grade potassium carbonate classified differently?
No, food-grade potassium carbonate (used as an acidity regulator or in baking) is still classified under 2836.40, provided it is not mixed with other substances that would change its character to a prepared food additive (Chapter 21).
Which countries are the top exporters of potassium carbonate (HS 283640)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283640 (the code used for potassium carbonate) 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 potassium carbonate (HS 283640)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283640 (the code used for potassium carbonate) 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 Potassium carbonate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283640 for Potassium carbonate 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 carbonate in Brazil?
In Brazil, potassium carbonate (HS 283640) is classified under NCM 2836.40.00.