Product classification
HS code for Potassium ferricyanide: 2837.20
Complex cyanides.
Classification of potassium ferricyanide under HS 2837.20
Potassium ferricyanide, with the chemical formula K3[Fe(CN)6], is classified under HS code 2837.20. This code specifically covers complex cyanides. Unlike simple cyanides (such as potassium cyanide), complex cyanides contain a central metal atom (in this case, iron) coordinated with cyanide ligands. Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System deals with inorganic chemicals, and heading 2837 is dedicated to cyanides, cyanide oxides, and complex cyanides. Because the iron and cyanide groups are tightly bound in a coordination complex, it is distinct from the simple salts found in 2837.11 or 2837.19. This compound is widely used in blueprinting (Cyanotype process), as an etchant in photography, and as an electron transfer agent in biosensors. The classification is determined by the presence of the complex anion [Fe(CN)6]3-, which defines the product as a complex cyanide rather than a simple salt of hydrocyanic acid.
- Covers
- Red prussiate of potash (common name for potassium ferricyanide).
- Potassium ferricyanide crystals for photographic sensitizing.
- Analytical reagent grade potassium ferricyanide for laboratory testing.
- Potassium ferricyanide used in the hardening of iron and steel.
- Potassium ferricyanide solutions used in electroplating processes.
- Also under 2837.20
- Sigma-Aldrich Potassium Ferrocyanide
- BASF Potassium Ferricyanide
- Merck Sodium Ferrocyanide
Codes often confused with 2837.20
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for potassium ferricyanide is with potassium ferrocyanide (yellow prussiate of potash). While both are complex cyanides and fall under 2837.20, they have different oxidation states of iron and different industrial uses. Another error is classifying it under 2837.19, which is for "other" simple cyanides. Because potassium ferricyanide is a coordination complex, it must be in 2837.20. It is also occasionally confused with Prussian Blue (ferric ferrocyanide), which is a pigment classified under 3206.41. Finally, it should not be confused with potassium cyanide (2837.19), which is significantly more toxic and lacks the complex iron coordination.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283720 (the code used for potassium ferricyanide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283720 (the code used for potassium ferricyanide) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 283720, not only potassium ferricyanide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $14M 31% of world exports
- 2 Switzerland $10.0M 22% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $7.7M 17% of world exports
World total: $46M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $13M 23% of world imports
- 2 China $9.3M 16% of world imports
- 3 Finland $5.8M 10% of world imports
World total: $57M 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 ferricyanide
Brazil splits HS 2837.20 into 8 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2837.20.11Sodium ferrocyanide
- 2837.20.12Ferrous ferrocyanide
- 2837.20.19Other ferrocyanides
- 2837.20.21Potassium ferricyanide
- 2837.20.22Ferrous ferricyanide
- 2837.20.23Ferric ferricyanide
- 2837.20.29Other ferricyanides
- 2837.20.90Other complex cyanides
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about potassium ferricyanide
What is the HS code for Potassium ferricyanide?
The HS code for Potassium ferricyanide is 283720 (Complex cyanides). The HS code for potassium ferricyanide is 2837.20, categorized under complex cyanides.
How do I classify Potassium ferricyanide for customs?
Potassium ferricyanide is classified under HS code 283720 — Complex cyanides. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is potassium ferricyanide the same as potassium cyanide?
No, they are chemically distinct. Potassium ferricyanide is a complex cyanide where the cyanide groups are tightly bound to iron, making it significantly less toxic than the simple salt potassium cyanide (KCN).
Which countries are the top exporters of potassium ferricyanide (HS 283720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283720 (the code used for potassium ferricyanide) in UN Comtrade data were China ($14M, 31% of world exports), Switzerland ($10.0M) and South Korea ($7.7M). World exports came to about $46M, 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 ferricyanide (HS 283720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283720 (the code used for potassium ferricyanide) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($13M, 23% of world imports), China ($9.3M) and Finland ($5.8M). World imports came to about $57M, 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 ferricyanide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283720 for Potassium ferricyanide 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 ferricyanide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 283720 into 8 NCM codes, so the right one for potassium ferricyanide depends on the product's details: 2837.20.11 (Sodium ferrocyanide), 2837.20.12 (Ferrous ferrocyanide), 2837.20.19 (Other ferrocyanides), 2837.20.21 (Potassium ferricyanide), 2837.20.22 (Ferrous ferricyanide), 2837.20.23 (Ferric ferricyanide), and more.