Product classification
HS code for Potassium ferrocyanide: 2837.20
Complex cyanides.
Classification of potassium ferrocyanide under HS 2837.20
Potassium ferrocyanide, also known as yellow prussiate of potash, is classified under HS code 2837.20. This heading specifically covers complex cyanides. Unlike simple cyanides where the cyanide ion is directly bonded to a metal cation, complex cyanides involve a coordination complex where cyanide ligands are bonded to a central metal atom (in this case, iron), which then forms a salt with potassium. Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System handles inorganic chemicals, and 2837.20 is the designated spot for these more chemically intricate compounds. Potassium ferrocyanide is widely used as an anti-caking agent in road salt and table salt, as well as in the production of pigments like Prussian blue and in the wine-making process to remove copper and iron. The classification is based on the presence of the complex [Fe(CN)6]4- anion. This distinction is vital because complex cyanides generally exhibit much lower toxicity than simple cyanides, and their industrial applications are significantly different. Accurate classification ensures that the product is not flagged as a highly toxic simple cyanide during the customs clearance process.
- Covers
- Potassium ferrocyanide trihydrate
- Yellow prussiate of potash
- Food-grade potassium ferrocyanide (E536)
- Industrial grade complex cyanides
- Potassium hexacyanoferrate(II)
- Also under 2837.20
- Sigma-Aldrich Potassium Ferrocyanide
- BASF Potassium Ferricyanide
- Merck Sodium Ferrocyanide
Codes often confused with 2837.20
Common mistake. It is frequently confused with HS code 2837.19, which covers simple cyanides like potassium cyanide. The distinction lies in the "complex" nature of the ferrocyanide ion. It may also be confused with potassium ferricyanide, which also falls under 2837.20; while the code is the same, the chemical properties and oxidation states of the iron differ. Another error is classifying it under 3104 if it is mistakenly thought to be a fertilizer due to the name "potash."
Top exporters and importers of HS 283720 (the code used for potassium ferrocyanide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283720 (the code used for potassium ferrocyanide) 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 ferrocyanide.
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 ferrocyanide
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 ferrocyanide
What is the HS code for Potassium ferrocyanide?
The HS code for Potassium ferrocyanide is 283720 (Complex cyanides). The HS code for potassium ferrocyanide is 2837.20.
How do I classify Potassium ferrocyanide for customs?
Potassium ferrocyanide is classified under HS code 283720 — Complex cyanides. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is it the same as potassium cyanide?
No, potassium ferrocyanide is a complex cyanide and is significantly less toxic than simple potassium cyanide, which is classified under 2837.19.
Which countries are the top exporters of potassium ferrocyanide (HS 283720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283720 (the code used for potassium ferrocyanide) 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 ferrocyanide (HS 283720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283720 (the code used for potassium ferrocyanide) 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 ferrocyanide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283720 for Potassium ferrocyanide 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 ferrocyanide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 283720 into 8 NCM codes, so the right one for potassium ferrocyanide 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.