Product classification

HS code for Potassium chloride: 2827.39

Chlorides, other than of ammonium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium and nickel.

Classification of potassium chloride under HS 2827.39

Potassium chloride is classified under HS code 2827.39 when it is a separate chemically defined compound not intended for use as a fertilizer. This code is found in Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals. Heading 2827 includes chlorides, chloride oxides, and chloride hydroxides. The subheading 2827.39 is a residual category for "other" chlorides not specifically named in the preceding subheadings (like ammonium, calcium, or magnesium chlorides). Potassium chloride is used in various industries, including food processing (as a salt substitute), pharmaceuticals (for potassium supplements), and industrial applications like oil well drilling. The classification under 2827.39 is strictly for high-purity or technical-grade potassium chloride that does not meet the criteria for Chapter 31 (Fertilizers). According to Note 1 to Chapter 28, the product must be a separate chemically defined compound to remain in this chapter.

Covers
  • Pharmaceutical grade potassium chloride
  • Food grade potassium chloride (E508)
  • Analytical reagent (AR) grade potassium chloride
  • Industrial grade potassium chloride for non-fertilizer use
Also under 2827.39
  • BASF Ferric Chloride
  • Sigma-Aldrich Zinc Chloride
  • Alfa Aesar Lithium Chloride
  • Merck KGaA Cobalt Chloride

Codes often confused with 2827.39

Common mistake. The most significant area of confusion for potassium chloride is HS code 3104.20. Chapter 31 covers fertilizers, and 3104.20 specifically covers potassium chloride (muriate of potash) intended for use as fertilizer or imported in bulk for that purpose. If the potassium chloride is in a form or purity typically used for agriculture, it must be classified under 3104.20 regardless of its actual end-use. Another misclassification is 2501.00, which is for sodium chloride (common salt). While both are halides, the HS system distinguishes between alkali metal salts based on the specific cation.

3104.20Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; potassic, potassium chloride2501.00Salt (including table salt and denatured salt); pure sodium chloride whether or not in aqueous solution; sea water

Top exporters and importers of HS 282739 (the code used for potassium chloride), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282739 (the code used for potassium chloride) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 14% 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 282739, not only potassium chloride.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $154M
  2. 2 United States $146M
  3. 3 Germany $123M

World total: $938M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 South Korea $140M
  2. 2 United States $121M
  3. 3 Germany $67M

World total: $973M 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 codes for potassium chloride

Brazil splits HS 2827.39 into 16 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about potassium chloride

What is the HS code for Potassium chloride?

The HS code for Potassium chloride is 282739 (Chlorides; other than of ammonium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium and nickel). For chemical, pharmaceutical, or food use, the HS code is 2827.39. For agricultural fertilizer use, the HS code is 3104.20.

How do I classify Potassium chloride for customs?

Potassium chloride is classified under HS code 282739 — Chlorides; other than of ammonium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium and nickel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How do I distinguish between 2827.39 and 3104.20?

Classification depends on the purity and the intended trade application. Generally, if the product is highly refined (e.g., USP or Food Grade), it belongs in 2827.39. If it is crude or technical grade sold for soil application, it belongs in 3104.20.

Which countries are the top exporters of potassium chloride (HS 282739)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282739 (the code used for potassium chloride) in UN Comtrade data were China ($154M, 16% of world exports), the United States ($146M) and Germany ($123M). World exports came to about $938M, 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 (HS 282739)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 282739 (the code used for potassium chloride) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($140M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($121M) and Germany ($67M). World imports came to about $973M, 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 the same in all countries?

The base HS code 282739 for Potassium chloride 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 in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 282739 into 16 NCM codes, so the right one for potassium chloride depends on the product's details: 2827.39.10 (Cuprous chloride (copper monochloride)), 2827.39.20 (Titanium chloride), 2827.39.31 (Anhydrous zinc chloride, 98% ZnCl2 or more), 2827.39.39 (Other zinc chloride), 2827.39.40 (Zirconium chloride), 2827.39.50 (Antimony chloride), and more.