Product classification
HS code for Potassium permanganate: 2841.61
Salts, of oxometallic or peroxometallic acids, manganites, manganates and permanganates, potassium permanganate.
Classification of potassium permanganate under HS 2841.61
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.
- Covers
- 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
- Also under 2841.61
- Carus Chemical Potassium Permanganate
- Chongqing Changyuan Chemical
- Universal Chemical Industries
Codes often confused with 2841.61
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 284161 (the code used for potassium permanganate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284161 (the code used for potassium permanganate) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 23% 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 284161, not only potassium permanganate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $25M 49% of world exports
- 2 India $13M 26% of world exports
- 3 United States $8.4M 17% of world exports
World total: $51M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$13M 23% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Thailand $4.6M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Spain $4.4M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $55M 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 code for potassium permanganate
Brazil classifies potassium permanganate under NCM 2841.61.00: HS 2841.61 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about potassium permanganate
What is the HS code for Potassium permanganate?
The HS code for Potassium permanganate is 284161 (Salts; of oxometallic or peroxometallic acids, manganites, manganates and permanganates, potassium permanganate). The specific HS code for potassium permanganate is 2841.61.
How do I classify Potassium permanganate for customs?
Potassium permanganate is classified under HS code 284161 — Salts; of oxometallic or peroxometallic acids, manganites, manganates and permanganates, potassium permanganate. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of potassium permanganate (HS 284161)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284161 (the code used for potassium permanganate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($25M, 49% of world exports), India ($13M) and the United States ($8.4M). World exports came to about $51M, 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 permanganate (HS 284161)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 284161 (the code used for potassium permanganate) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $13M, 23% of world imports), Thailand ($4.6M) and Spain ($4.4M). World imports came to about $55M, 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 permanganate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 284161 for Potassium permanganate 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 permanganate in Brazil?
In Brazil, potassium permanganate (HS 284161) is classified under NCM 2841.61.00.