Product classification
HS code for Potassium peroxide: 2815.30
Peroxides of sodium or potassium.
Classification of potassium peroxide under HS 2815.30
Potassium peroxide (K2O2) is classified under HS code 2815.30, which specifically covers the peroxides of sodium or potassium. This classification is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, particularly Rule 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Within Chapter 28, which encompasses inorganic chemicals, heading 2815 is structured to include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and the peroxides of these two alkali metals. Potassium peroxide is an inorganic compound that serves as a powerful oxidizing agent. It is primarily used in specialized environments such as submarines, spacecraft, and breathing apparatuses because of its unique ability to react with carbon dioxide to release oxygen while simultaneously removing the CO2 from the air. The classification under 2815.30 is strictly based on its chemical identity as a metallic peroxide. It is essential for customs purposes to distinguish this from simple oxides or hydroxides, as the peroxide linkage (O-O) defines its chemical behavior and its specific placement within the 2815 heading.
- Covers
- Pure potassium peroxide in powder or granular form
- Potassium peroxide used for industrial air purification
- Chemical grade K2O2 for laboratory synthesis
- Potassium peroxide formulations for oxygen generation systems
- Also under 2815.30
- Solvay Sodium Peroxide
- Arkema Potassium Peroxide
- Sigma-Aldrich Sodium Peroxide
Codes often confused with 2815.30
Common mistake. Potassium peroxide is frequently misclassified under HS code 2815.20, which is reserved for potassium hydroxide (caustic potash). While both are potassium compounds under the same heading, 2815.20 is for the hydroxide (KOH), whereas 2815.30 is specifically for the peroxide (K2O2). Another common error is attempting to classify it under 2804.40 for oxygen, given its use in oxygen generation, but the HS system prioritizes the chemical composition of the substance itself over its functional output.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281530 (the code used for potassium peroxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281530 (the code used for potassium peroxide) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 9.3% 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 281530, not only potassium peroxide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $3.3M 24% of world exports
- 2 China $2.7M 20% of world exports
- 3 France $2.5M 19% of world exports
World total: $13M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Africa $1.2M 9.3% of world imports
- 2 United States $1.1M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 Canada $1.0M 8.1% of world imports
World total: $13M 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 code for potassium peroxide
Brazil classifies potassium peroxide under NCM 2815.30.00: HS 2815.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about potassium peroxide
What is the HS code for Potassium peroxide?
The HS code for Potassium peroxide is 281530 (Peroxides of sodium or potassium). The HS code for potassium peroxide is 2815.30, which covers peroxides of sodium or potassium.
How do I classify Potassium peroxide for customs?
Potassium peroxide is classified under HS code 281530 — Peroxides of sodium or potassium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is potassium peroxide classified as a hazardous material for shipping?
Yes, due to its strong oxidizing properties, potassium peroxide is typically classified as a Class 5.1 hazardous material (oxidizer) for transport, though its HS classification remains 2815.30 regardless of its transport safety category.
Which countries are the top exporters of potassium peroxide (HS 281530)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281530 (the code used for potassium peroxide) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($3.3M, 24% of world exports), China ($2.7M) and France ($2.5M). World exports came to about $13M, 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 peroxide (HS 281530)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281530 (the code used for potassium peroxide) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($1.2M, 9.3% of world imports), the United States ($1.1M) and Canada ($1.0M). World imports came to about $13M, 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 peroxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281530 for Potassium peroxide 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 peroxide in Brazil?
In Brazil, potassium peroxide (HS 281530) is classified under NCM 2815.30.00.