Product classification

HS code for Potassium cyanide: 2837.19

Cyanides and cyanide oxides, other than of sodium.

Classification of potassium cyanide under HS 2837.19

Potassium cyanide is classified under HS code 2837.19. This code is part of the section for cyanides, cyanide oxides, and complex cyanides within Chapter 28, which encompasses inorganic chemicals. Heading 2837 is divided into simple cyanides (2837.1) and complex cyanides (2837.2). Within the simple cyanides, sodium cyanide has its own specific subheading (2837.11), while all other simple cyanides, including potassium cyanide, are grouped under 2837.19. Potassium cyanide is a highly toxic, white crystalline salt used in gold mining, organic synthesis, and electroplating. Its classification is straightforward based on its chemical identity as a simple cyanide salt of potassium. The international trade of this substance is highly regulated due to its lethal nature and potential for misuse. The HS code 2837.19 allows for the tracking of these hazardous substances across borders, ensuring that they are handled according to international safety standards and that appropriate duties are applied. It is essential for importers to provide clear chemical documentation to avoid delays in customs processing.

Covers
  • Potassium cyanide pellets
  • Potassium cyanide powder
  • Technical grade potassium cyanide for electroplating
  • Reagent grade potassium cyanide
  • Potassium cyanide in aqueous solution
Also under 2837.19

DuPont Hydrogen Cyanide, BASF Potassium Cyanide, Dr. Paul Lohmann Calcium Cyanide

Codes often confused with 2837.19

Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 2837.11, which is exclusively for sodium cyanide. While they share similar industrial applications, the difference in the alkali metal cation necessitates different codes. Additionally, it should not be confused with 2837.20, which is reserved for complex cyanides like potassium ferrocyanide. Simple cyanides and complex cyanides have very different chemical behaviors and toxicity levels, hence the separate subheadings.

2837.11Cyanides and cyanide oxides; of sodium2837.20Complex cyanides

Top exporters and importers of HS 283719 (the code used for potassium cyanide), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283719 (the code used for potassium cyanide) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 51% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 25% 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 283719, not only potassium cyanide.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 South Korea $22M
  2. 2 Taiwan* ~$5.5M
  3. 3 Singapore $4.5M

World total: $43M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Philippines $21M
  2. 2 China $13M
  3. 3 India $10M

World total: $83M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 cyanide

Brazil splits HS 2837.19 into 6 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 cyanide

What is the HS code for Potassium cyanide?

The HS code for Potassium cyanide is 283719 (Cyanides and cyanide oxides; other than of sodium). The HS code for potassium cyanide is 2837.19.

How do I classify Potassium cyanide for customs?

Potassium cyanide is classified under HS code 283719 — Cyanides and cyanide oxides; other than of sodium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is it regulated for transport?

Yes, due to its extreme toxicity, potassium cyanide is subject to strict international shipping regulations (IMDG/IATA) alongside its HS classification.

Which countries are the top exporters of potassium cyanide (HS 283719)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283719 (the code used for potassium cyanide) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($22M, 51% of world exports), Taiwan (about $5.5M) and Singapore ($4.5M). World exports came to about $43M, 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 cyanide (HS 283719)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 283719 (the code used for potassium cyanide) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($21M, 25% of world imports), China ($13M) and India ($10M). World imports came to about $83M, 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 cyanide the same in all countries?

The base HS code 283719 for Potassium cyanide 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 cyanide in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 283719 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for potassium cyanide depends on the product's details: 2837.19.11 (Potassium cyanide), 2837.19.12 (Zinc cyanide), 2837.19.14 (Cuprous cyanide), 2837.19.15 (Cupric cyanide), 2837.19.19 (Other cyanides), 2837.19.20 (Cyanide oxides (oxycyanides)).