Product classification
HS code for Potassium iodide: 2827.60
Iodides and iodide oxides.
Classification of potassium iodide under HS 2827.60
Potassium iodide is classified under HS code 2827.60, which is the specific subheading for iodides and iodide oxides within the Harmonized System. This classification is governed by the rules of Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals and precious metals. According to Note 1 to Chapter 28, the headings of this chapter apply only to separate chemically defined compounds, whether or not containing impurities. Potassium iodide, being a binary compound of iodine and potassium, fits this definition perfectly. It is categorized under the broader heading 2827, which encompasses chlorides, chloride oxides, chloride hydroxides, bromides, bromide oxides, iodides, and iodide oxides. The specific 2827.60 code ensures that this iodine-based salt is distinguished from other halides like chlorides or bromides. The classification remains consistent regardless of the chemical's grade—be it technical, pharmaceutical, or reagent grade—provided it is not prepared as a medicament or put up in measured doses, which would shift the classification to Chapter 30.
- Covers
- Pure potassium iodide crystals
- Potassium iodide aqueous solutions (non-medicinal)
- Reagent grade potassium iodide for laboratory use
- Pharmaceutical grade potassium iodide in bulk form
- Technical grade potassium iodide for industrial applications
- Also under 2827.60
- Merck KGaA Potassium Iodide
- Sigma-Aldrich Sodium Iodide
- Alfa Aesar Silver Iodide
- Honeywell Fluka Hydriodic Acid
Codes often confused with 2827.60
Common mistake. Potassium iodide is frequently misclassified under HS code 3004.90, which covers medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses. This error occurs when the product is intended for medical use, such as for thyroid protection or as an expectorant. However, unless the potassium iodide is put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale as a medicine, it must remain in 2827.60. Another common error is confusing it with potassium iodate, which falls under HS code 2829.90. While both contain iodine and potassium, the iodate is an oxoanion salt, whereas the iodide is a simple halide salt.
Top exporters and importers of HS 282760 (the code used for potassium iodide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282760 (the code used for potassium iodide) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% 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 282760, not only potassium iodide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $71M 18% of world exports
- 2 India $58M 15% of world exports
- 3 Chile $48M 12% of world exports
World total: $387M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $101M 26% of world imports
- 2 Germany $45M 11% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $36M 9.0% of world imports
World total: $396M 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 iodide
Brazil splits HS 2827.60 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2827.60.11Sodium iodide
- 2827.60.12Potassium iodide
- 2827.60.19Other iodides
- 2827.60.21Potassium oxyiodide
- 2827.60.29Other iodide oxides
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about potassium iodide
What is the HS code for Potassium iodide?
The HS code for Potassium iodide is 282760 (Iodides and iodide oxides). The universal HS code for potassium iodide is 2827.60, which specifically covers iodides and iodide oxides of metals.
How do I classify Potassium iodide for customs?
Potassium iodide is classified under HS code 282760 — Iodides and iodide oxides. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is potassium iodide classified differently if it is used in animal feed?
If potassium iodide is imported as a pure, separate chemically defined compound to be used as an additive, it remains under 2827.60. However, if it is part of a prepared animal feed supplement or premix, it may be classified under heading 2309.
Which countries are the top exporters of potassium iodide (HS 282760)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282760 (the code used for potassium iodide) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($71M, 18% of world exports), India ($58M) and Chile ($48M). World exports came to about $387M, 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 iodide (HS 282760)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 282760 (the code used for potassium iodide) in UN Comtrade data were China ($101M, 26% of world imports), Germany ($45M) and South Korea ($36M). World imports came to about $396M, 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 iodide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 282760 for Potassium iodide 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 iodide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 282760 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for potassium iodide depends on the product's details: 2827.60.11 (Sodium iodide), 2827.60.12 (Potassium iodide), 2827.60.19 (Other iodides), 2827.60.21 (Potassium oxyiodide), 2827.60.29 (Other iodide oxides).