Product classification
HS code for Potassium chloride fertilizer: 3104.20
Fertilizers, mineral or chemical, potassic, potassium chloride.
Classification of potassium chloride fertilizer under HS 3104.20
Potassium chloride is classified under HS code 3104.20 because it is a mineral or chemical fertilizer of the potassic variety. Chapter 31 of the Harmonized System covers fertilizers, and heading 3104 specifically addresses potassic fertilizers. For a product to be classified here, it must be intended for use as a fertilizer or be in a form commonly used for such purposes. Potassium chloride, often referred to as Muriate of Potash (MOP), is the most widely used potassium fertilizer in agriculture globally. The classification depends on the purity and the intended application; however, standard agricultural grade potassium chloride is strictly governed by this code. It provides essential nutrients to crops, helping with water retention, enzyme activation, and disease resistance. The Harmonized System ensures that such vital agricultural inputs are tracked consistently across international borders to facilitate trade and monitor agricultural trends. This code is specifically for the chloride salt of potassium when used in a fertilizing capacity, distinguishing it from industrial-grade chemicals. The physical form, whether granular, crystalline, or powder, does not change the classification as long as the primary use remains soil enrichment.
- Covers
- Agricultural grade potassium chloride
- Muriate of Potash (MOP)
- Granular potassium chloride for soil application
- Soluble potassium chloride for fertigation systems
- Standard grade potassic fertilizer salts
- Also under 3104.20
- Nutrien MOP
- Uralkali MOP
- Belaruskali MOP
- K+S MOP
- Mosaic MOP.
Codes often confused with 3104.20
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion is between HS code 3104.20 and HS code 2827.39. While 3104.20 is for fertilizer-grade potassium chloride, 2827.39 covers potassium chloride as a pure chemical compound used in industrial, pharmaceutical, or laboratory settings. If the product is of high purity (e.g., USP or analytical grade) and not intended for soil enrichment, it should be classified under Chapter 28. Additionally, it is sometimes confused with 3104.30, which is specifically for potassium sulfate.
Top exporters and importers of HS 310420 (the code used for potassium chloride fertilizer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 310420 (the code used for potassium chloride fertilizer) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 22% 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 310420, not only potassium chloride fertilizer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $6.4B 35% of world exports
- 2 Russia* ~$5.6B 31% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $1.1B 6.2% of world exports
World total: $18.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Brazil $4.6B 22% of world imports
- 2 China $4.0B 20% of world imports
- 3 United States $3.5B 17% of world imports
World total: $20.5B 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 potassium chloride fertilizer
Brazil splits HS 3104.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3104.20.10Potassium chloride, 60% K2O or less
- 3104.20.90Potassium chloride, over 60% K2O
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about potassium chloride fertilizer
What is the HS code for Potassium chloride fertilizer?
The HS code for Potassium chloride fertilizer is 310420 (Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; potassic, potassium chloride). The HS code for potassium chloride fertilizer is 3104.20.
How do I classify Potassium chloride fertilizer for customs?
Potassium chloride fertilizer is classified under HS code 310420 — Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; potassic, potassium chloride. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 3104.20 and 3104.30?
HS code 3104.20 is specifically for potassium chloride, whereas 3104.30 is used for potassium sulfate fertilizers.
Which countries are the top exporters of potassium chloride fertilizer (HS 310420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 310420 (the code used for potassium chloride fertilizer) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($6.4B, 35% of world exports), Russia (about $5.6B) and the United States ($1.1B). World exports came to about $18.5B, 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 chloride fertilizer (HS 310420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 310420 (the code used for potassium chloride fertilizer) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($4.6B, 22% of world imports), China ($4.0B) and the United States ($3.5B). World imports came to about $20.5B, 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 Potassium chloride fertilizer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 310420 for Potassium chloride 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 potassium chloride fertilizer in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 310420 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for potassium chloride fertilizer depends on the product's details: 3104.20.10 (Potassium chloride, 60% K2O or less), 3104.20.90 (Potassium chloride, over 60% K2O).