Product classification
HS code for Potassium hydroxide: 2815.20
Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash).
Classification of potassium hydroxide under HS 2815.20
Potassium hydroxide (KOH), commonly known as caustic potash, is classified under HS code 2815.20. This code is specifically reserved for potassium hydroxide in both solid and aqueous solution forms. Chapter 28 covers inorganic chemicals, and heading 2815 covers sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), potassium hydroxide (caustic potash), and peroxides of sodium or potassium. Potassium hydroxide is a strong base and is highly corrosive. It is produced industrially by the electrolysis of potassium chloride. Its classification is straightforward due to its specific mention in the heading. It is used in the production of soft soaps, as an electrolyte in alkaline batteries, and in various chemical manufacturing processes. The HS code 2815.20 is split in many national tariffs into 2815.20.0010 (solid) and 2815.20.0020 (liquid/aqueous solution), but the primary six-digit code remains the same globally.
- Covers
- Potassium hydroxide pellets (caustic potash pellets).
- Potassium hydroxide flakes or lumps.
- Liquid potassium hydroxide (aqueous solutions of KOH).
- Reagent grade potassium hydroxide for laboratory use.
- Technical grade caustic potash for industrial soap making.
- Also under 2815.20
- Vynova Potassium Hydroxide
- Occidental Chemical KOH
- Tessenderlo Group Caustic Potash
- Sigma-Aldrich Potassium Hydroxide
Codes often confused with 2815.20
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification of potassium hydroxide is with sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), which falls under HS code 2815.11 (solid) or 2815.12 (aqueous solution). While they are both strong alkalis, the chemical difference between sodium and potassium is a fundamental distinction in the HS system. It is also sometimes confused with potassium carbonate (2836.40), which is a milder alkali. Additionally, if potassium hydroxide is mixed with oils and fats to create soap, the resulting product is classified under Chapter 34 (3401), not 2815. Mixtures of KOH with other substances for specific industrial uses may also fall under 3824 (prepared binders/chemical products).
Top exporters and importers of HS 281520 (the code used for potassium hydroxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281520 (the code used for potassium hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 9.4% 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 281520, not only potassium hydroxide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $175M 22% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $155M 19% of world exports
- 3 United States $98M 12% of world exports
World total: $794M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $82M 9.4% of world imports
- 2 Israel $59M 6.7% of world imports
- 3 United States $58M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $878M 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 code for potassium hydroxide
Brazil classifies potassium hydroxide under NCM 2815.20.00: HS 2815.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about potassium hydroxide
What is the HS code for Potassium hydroxide?
The HS code for Potassium hydroxide is 281520 (Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash)). The HS code for potassium hydroxide, also known as caustic potash, is 2815.20.
How do I classify Potassium hydroxide for customs?
Potassium hydroxide is classified under HS code 281520 — Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between caustic potash and caustic soda in HS codes?
Caustic potash is potassium hydroxide (2815.20), while caustic soda is sodium hydroxide (2815.11/2815.12). They are classified under different subheadings of the same 2815 heading based on the metal cation present.
Which countries are the top exporters of potassium hydroxide (HS 281520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281520 (the code used for potassium hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($175M, 22% of world exports), Belgium ($155M) and the United States ($98M). World exports came to about $794M, 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 hydroxide (HS 281520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281520 (the code used for potassium hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($82M, 9.4% of world imports), Israel ($59M) and the United States ($58M). World imports came to about $878M, 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 hydroxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281520 for Potassium hydroxide 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 hydroxide in Brazil?
In Brazil, potassium hydroxide (HS 281520) is classified under NCM 2815.20.00.