Product classification
HS code for Potassium nitrite: 2834.10
Nitrites.
Classification of potassium nitrite under HS 2834.10
Potassium nitrite, identified by the chemical formula KNO2, is classified under the Harmonized System within Chapter 28, which encompasses inorganic chemicals, organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, of radioactive elements or of isotopes. Specifically, it falls under Heading 2834, which is reserved for nitrites and nitrates. The subheading 2834.10 is the specific designation for nitrites. The classification is determined by the chemical composition of the substance as an inorganic salt. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1, the classification is governed by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Potassium nitrite is a separate chemically defined compound, which justifies its placement in Chapter 28 rather than Chapter 31 (fertilizers), unless it is specifically prepared as a fertilizer mixture. This classification is critical for regulatory compliance, as potassium nitrite is used in industrial applications such as heat transfer salts and as a food preservative (E249) to prevent botulism.
- Covers
- Technical grade potassium nitrite for industrial use
- Food grade potassium nitrite (E249) used as a preservative
- Reagent grade potassium nitrite for laboratory analysis
- Potassium nitrite solutions in water
- Also under 2834.10
- Curing Salt (Morton Salt)
- Food Preservative E250 (sodium nitrite)
- Corrosion Inhibitors (various industrial suppliers)
- Chemical Reagents
Codes often confused with 2834.10
Common mistake. Potassium nitrite is frequently confused with potassium nitrate, which is classified under HS code 2834.21. While both are salts of potassium and nitrogen-oxygen anions, the nitrite (KNO2) has a different oxidation state than the nitrate (KNO3). Another common error involves misclassifying it under Heading 3105 if it is intended for use as a fertilizer; however, pure potassium nitrite remains in 2834.10 unless mixed with other fertilizing substances. Additionally, it should not be confused with potassium nitrate in the form of a medicinal product, which might fall under Chapter 30.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283410 (the code used for potassium nitrite), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283410 (the code used for potassium nitrite) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.9% 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 283410, not only potassium nitrite.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $20M 36% of world exports
- 2 India $15M 28% of world exports
- 3 United States $8.2M 14% of world exports
World total: $56M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $9.9M 9.9% of world imports
- 2 India $7.6M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $6.4M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $100M 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 nitrite
Brazil splits HS 2834.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2834.10.10Sodium nitrite
- 2834.10.90Other nitrites
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 nitrite
What is the HS code for Potassium nitrite?
The HS code for Potassium nitrite is 283410 (Nitrites). The standard HS code for potassium nitrite is 2834.10, which covers inorganic nitrites.
How do I classify Potassium nitrite for customs?
Potassium nitrite is classified under HS code 283410 — Nitrites. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is potassium nitrite classified differently if used in food?
No, the HS code 2834.10 applies to potassium nitrite regardless of its application, provided it is a separate chemically defined inorganic compound.
Which countries are the top exporters of potassium nitrite (HS 283410)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283410 (the code used for potassium nitrite) in UN Comtrade data were China ($20M, 36% of world exports), India ($15M) and the United States ($8.2M). World exports came to about $56M, 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 nitrite (HS 283410)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283410 (the code used for potassium nitrite) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($9.9M, 9.9% of world imports), India ($7.6M) and the Netherlands ($6.4M). World imports came to about $100M, 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 nitrite the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283410 for Potassium nitrite 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 nitrite in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 283410 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for potassium nitrite depends on the product's details: 2834.10.10 (Sodium nitrite), 2834.10.90 (Other nitrites).