Product classification
HS code for Potassium: 2805.19
Alkali or alkali-earth metals, other than sodium and calcium.
Classification of potassium under HS 2805.19
Pure elemental potassium is classified under HS code 2805.19. This classification is found within Chapter 28 (Inorganic chemicals) and Heading 2805, which covers alkali or alkaline-earth metals, rare-earth metals, scandium, and yttrium. Potassium is an alkali metal, and since the subheadings 2805.11 and 2805.12 are specifically allocated to sodium and calcium respectively, potassium falls into the 'other' category of 2805.19. Classification as a pure metal requires that the substance not be alloyed or compounded with other elements in a way that changes its basic chemical identity. Potassium is highly reactive and is usually shipped immersed in oil or in vacuum-sealed containers to prevent oxidation. This code is strictly for the metallic element and does not include potassium salts, oxides, or hydroxides, which are classified elsewhere in Chapter 28 or Chapter 31.
- Covers
- Elemental potassium metal
- Potassium ingots
- Potassium sticks or lumps (stored in mineral oil)
- High-purity potassium for laboratory use
- Also under 2805.19
- Albemarle (lithium)
- Livent (lithium)
- Rusal (magnesium)
- Materion (beryllium)
Codes often confused with 2805.19
Common mistake. Potassium metal is often confused with its various compounds. Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) is 2815.20, and potassium carbonates are 2836.40. It is also vital not to confuse it with potassium fertilizers under 3104. In many trade contexts, the word 'potassium' is used loosely to refer to potassium salts; however, for customs purposes, 2805.19 only applies to the silver-white alkali metal in its elemental state.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280519 (the code used for potassium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280519 (the code used for potassium) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 62% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 280519, not only potassium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $65M 38% of world exports
- 2 Germany $47M 27% of world exports
- 3 United States $36M 21% of world exports
World total: $173M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $296M 62% of world imports
- 2 United States $21M 4.5% of world imports
- 3 India $20M 4.1% of world imports
The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $474M 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
Brazil splits HS 2805.19 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2805.19.10Strontium metal
- 2805.19.20Barium metal
- 2805.19.90Other alkali or alkaline-earth metals
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about potassium
What is the HS code for Potassium?
The HS code for Potassium is 280519 (Alkali or alkali-earth metals; other than sodium and calcium). The HS code for elemental potassium metal is 2805.19.
How do I classify Potassium for customs?
Potassium is classified under HS code 280519 — Alkali or alkali-earth metals; other than sodium and calcium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is potassium chloride classified under this code?
No, potassium chloride is a salt and is classified under 3104.20 (as fertilizer) or 2827.39 (as a pure chemical).
Which countries are the top exporters of potassium (HS 280519)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280519 (the code used for potassium) in UN Comtrade data were China ($65M, 38% of world exports), Germany ($47M) and the United States ($36M). World exports came to about $173M, 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 (HS 280519)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280519 (the code used for potassium) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($296M, 62% of world imports), the United States ($21M) and India ($20M). World imports came to about $474M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Potassium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280519 for Potassium 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 in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 280519 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for potassium depends on the product's details: 2805.19.10 (Strontium metal), 2805.19.20 (Barium metal), 2805.19.90 (Other alkali or alkaline-earth metals).