HS Code for Potassium permanganate

Potassium permanganate is classified under HS code 2841.61. This is a highly specific classification within heading 2841, which covers salts of oxometallic or peroxometallic acids. The subheading 2841.61 is explicitly dedicated to potassium permanganate, reflecting its industrial importance and its status as a controlled substance in many international trade frameworks. The classification is determined by the chemical's identity as a salt of permanganic acid (HMnO4). Potassium permanganate is a strong oxidizing agent with a characteristic deep purple color. Because the Harmonized System provides a specific six-digit code for this exact chemical, the classification process is more straightforward than for many other inorganic salts. This specificity is partly due to the chemical's use as a precursor in the manufacture of illicit substances, requiring customs authorities to track its movement with high precision under international conventions.

Products Included

• Potassium permanganate crystals (Condy's crystals)
• Technical grade potassium permanganate for water treatment
• USP or pharmaceutical grade potassium permanganate
• Free-flowing grade potassium permanganate (containing anti-caking agents)
• Potassium permanganate solutions for industrial oxidation

Common Misclassification

A common misclassification is HS code 2841.69, which covers "other" manganites, manganates, and permanganates. Since potassium permanganate has its own specific code (2841.61), using the "other" category is a classification error. Additionally, it is sometimes incorrectly classified under 3808.94 as a disinfectant. While it has disinfectant properties, Chapter 28 Note 1 dictates that separate chemically defined compounds remain in Chapter 28 even if they have a specific use, unless they are put up for retail sale in specific forms.

FAQ

What is the HS code for potassium permanganate?

The specific HS code for potassium permanganate is 2841.61.

Why does potassium permanganate have its own specific HS code?

It has a specific code due to its high volume of trade, its wide range of industrial applications (like water treatment), and its status as a regulated precursor chemical for certain controlled substances.