Product classification
HS code for Potassium nitrate: 2834.21
Nitrates, of potassium.
Classification of potassium nitrate under HS 2834.21
Potassium nitrate is classified under HS code 2834.21. This code is found under heading 2834, which covers nitrites and nitrates. Specifically, the subheading 2834.21 is reserved for nitrates of potassium. The classification is determined by the chemical identity of the product as an inorganic salt of nitric acid. Potassium nitrate, commonly known as saltpeter, is a separate chemically defined compound, which generally places it in Chapter 28. However, there is a significant caveat regarding its use as a fertilizer. While many potassium salts used as fertilizers are classified in Chapter 31, potassium nitrate is specifically mentioned in the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 28. According to the General Rules for Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes are paramount. Since 2834.21 specifically names potassium nitrate, it is the primary classification for the pure chemical.
- Covers
- Pure potassium nitrate crystals or powder
- Technical grade potassium nitrate for industrial use
- Food-grade potassium nitrate (E252) used for curing meats
- Potassium nitrate used in the manufacture of explosives or pyrotechnics
- Reagent grade potassium nitrate for laboratory analysis
- Also under 2834.21
- Miracle-Gro (some formulations)
- Saltpeter (food curing)
- Black Powder (historical use)
- Rocket Candy (hobbyist propellants)
- Haifa Chemicals (fertilizer)
Codes often confused with 2834.21
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification for potassium nitrate is under Chapter 31, specifically HS code 3105.40 or 3104.90, when it is intended for use as a fertilizer. While Chapter 31 covers mineral or chemical fertilizers, pure potassium nitrate is generally excluded from Chapter 31 unless it is put up in tablets or similar forms or in packages of a gross weight not exceeding 10 kg. Another common error is confusing it with potassium nitrite, which is classified under HS code 2834.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283421 (the code used for potassium nitrate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283421 (the code used for potassium nitrate) in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 17% 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 283421, not only potassium nitrate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Chile $306M 37% of world exports
- 2 China $136M 16% of world exports
- 3 Jordan* ~$126M 15% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $833M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $168M 17% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $133M 13% of world imports
- 3 United States $91M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $1.0B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 nitrate
Brazil splits HS 2834.21 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2834.21.10Potassium nitrate, 98% KNO3 or less
- 2834.21.90Other potassium nitrate
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about potassium nitrate
What is the HS code for Potassium nitrate?
The HS code for Potassium nitrate is 283421 (Nitrates; of potassium). The standard HS code for potassium nitrate is 2834.21, which covers nitrates of potassium.
How do I classify Potassium nitrate for customs?
Potassium nitrate is classified under HS code 283421 — Nitrates; of potassium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is potassium nitrate classified as a fertilizer in HS code 3104?
Generally, no. While potassium chloride and potassium sulphate are in 3104, potassium nitrate is specifically classified in 2834.21 unless it is in a specific retail form or part of a multi-nutrient fertilizer mix.
Which countries are the top exporters of potassium nitrate (HS 283421)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283421 (the code used for potassium nitrate) in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($306M, 37% of world exports), China ($136M) and Jordan (about $126M). World exports came to about $833M, 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 nitrate (HS 283421)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283421 (the code used for potassium nitrate) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($168M, 17% of world imports), the Netherlands ($133M) and the United States ($91M). World imports came to about $1.0B, 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 nitrate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283421 for Potassium nitrate 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 nitrate in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 283421 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for potassium nitrate depends on the product's details: 2834.21.10 (Potassium nitrate, 98% KNO3 or less), 2834.21.90 (Other potassium nitrate).