Product classification
HS code for Prussic acid: 2811.12
Hydrogen cyanide (hydrocyanic acid).
Classification of prussic acid under HS 2811.12
Prussic acid, scientifically known as hydrogen cyanide (HCN), is classified under HS code 2811.12. This classification falls within Chapter 28, which encompasses inorganic chemicals, precious metals, and rare-earth metals. Specifically, heading 28.11 covers other inorganic acids and other inorganic oxygen compounds of non-metals. Subheading 2811.12 is dedicated to hydrogen cyanide (hydrocyanic acid). The classification is determined by the chemical composition of the substance as a binary compound of hydrogen and nitrogen (with carbon), acting as a weak acid. Because it is a defined chemical compound not containing oxygen (an hydracid), it is excluded from the oxygen-based acid categories and placed specifically under the 2811.12 designation. Proper classification requires that the product is not mixed with other substances unless for preservation or transport safety, as mixtures might shift the classification to Chapter 38 or other sections depending on the intended use. The purity and concentration of the acid are also factors, but for international trade, the chemical identity as hydrogen cyanide is the primary driver for this specific code.
- Covers
- Hydrogen cyanide gas
- Hydrocyanic acid in aqueous solution
- Prussic acid (liquid or gas form)
- Chemical grade hydrogen cyanide for industrial synthesis
- Also under 2811.12
- Evonik Hydrogen Cyanide
- BASF Hydrogen Cyanide
- Mitsubishi Chemical Hydrogen Cyanide
- Dow Chemical Hydrogen Cyanide
Codes often confused with 2811.12
Common mistake. Prussic acid is frequently confused with other inorganic acids. For instance, Hydrogen chloride is classified under 2806.10, and Hydrogen fluoride falls under 2811.11. Additionally, cyanide salts, such as sodium cyanide, are classified under 2837.11. It is critical to distinguish between the acid form (2811.12) and its metallic salts (2837) to avoid customs delays and regulatory issues regarding hazardous material handling.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281112 (the code used for prussic acid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281112 (the code used for prussic acid) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 29% 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 281112, not only prussic acid.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $249K 44% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $220K 39% of world exports
- 3 France $33K 5.8% of world exports
World total: $559K Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $533K 29% of world imports
- 2 Germany $346K 19% of world imports
- 3 Sweden $157K 8.6% of world imports
World total: $1.8M 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 prussic acid
Brazil classifies prussic acid under NCM 2811.12.00: HS 2811.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about prussic acid
What is the HS code for Prussic acid?
The HS code for Prussic acid is 281112 (Hydrogen cyanide (hydrocyanic acid)). The HS code for Prussic acid (Hydrogen cyanide) is 2811.12.
How do I classify Prussic acid for customs?
Prussic acid is classified under HS code 281112 — Hydrogen cyanide (hydrocyanic acid). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are there special regulations for shipping this product?
Yes, because hydrogen cyanide is highly toxic and volatile, it is subject to strict international transport regulations (IMDG, IATA) and may require specific chemical weapons convention (CWC) declarations depending on the jurisdiction.
Which countries are the top exporters of prussic acid (HS 281112)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281112 (the code used for prussic acid) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($249K, 44% of world exports), Belgium ($220K) and France ($33K). World exports came to about $559K, 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 prussic acid (HS 281112)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281112 (the code used for prussic acid) in UN Comtrade data were France ($533K, 29% of world imports), Germany ($346K) and Sweden ($157K). World imports came to about $1.8M, 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 Prussic acid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281112 for Prussic acid 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 prussic acid in Brazil?
In Brazil, prussic acid (HS 281112) is classified under NCM 2811.12.00.