Product classification
HS code for Saltpeter: 2834.21
Nitrates, of potassium.
Classification of saltpeter under HS 2834.21
Saltpeter, chemically known as potassium nitrate, is classified under HS code 2834.21. This classification falls within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, precious metals, and rare-earth metals. Specifically, heading 2834 is designated for nitrites and nitrates. Because saltpeter is a nitrate of potassium, it is explicitly identified in the subheading 2834.21. The classification is determined by the chemical composition of the substance rather than its end-use, provided it is not prepared as a fertilizer in specific dosage forms. For customs purposes, the purity of the potassium nitrate is a secondary factor to its chemical identity under this heading, although extremely high purity levels for laboratory use still remain within this code. It is essential to distinguish between technical-grade saltpeter used in industrial processes and potassium nitrate intended for agricultural use, as the latter may occasionally fall under Chapter 31 if it meets specific criteria for fertilizers.
- Covers
- Technical grade potassium nitrate
- Food-grade potassium nitrate (E252)
- Niter or Nitre in its refined chemical form
- Potassium nitrate crystals for industrial glass manufacturing
- Saltpeter used in the production of pyrotechnics and explosives
- Also under 2834.21
- Miracle-Gro (some formulations)
- Saltpeter (food curing)
- Black Powder (historical use)
- Rocket Candy (hobbyist propellants)
- Haifa Chemicals (fertilizer)
Codes often confused with 2834.21
Common mistake. Saltpeter is frequently misclassified under HS code 3105.40 or 3102.30. These codes refer to mineral or chemical fertilizers. While potassium nitrate is a common component in fertilizers, it only moves to Chapter 31 if it is specifically prepared as a fertilizer in tablets or similar forms, or in packages with a gross weight not exceeding 10 kg. Additionally, it may be confused with 2834.29, which is the residual category for "other" nitrates; however, since potassium nitrate has its own specific subheading (2834.21), the specific code must take precedence over the general one.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283421 (the code used for saltpeter), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283421 (the code used for saltpeter) in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 17% 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 283421, not only saltpeter.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Chile $306M 37% of world exports
- 2 China $136M 16% of world exports
- 3 Jordan* ~$126M 15% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $833M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $168M 17% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $133M 13% of world imports
- 3 United States $91M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $1.0B 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 codes for saltpeter
Brazil splits HS 2834.21 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2834.21.10Potassium nitrate, 98% KNO3 or less
- 2834.21.90Other potassium nitrate
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 saltpeter
What is the HS code for Saltpeter?
The HS code for Saltpeter is 283421 (Nitrates; of potassium). The primary HS code for Saltpeter (potassium nitrate) is 2834.21.
How do I classify Saltpeter for customs?
Saltpeter is classified under HS code 283421 — Nitrates; of potassium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are there export restrictions on Saltpeter?
Yes, because saltpeter is a key ingredient in gunpowder and explosives, many jurisdictions classify it as a dual-use precursor, requiring specific export licenses or permits regardless of the HS code.
Which countries are the top exporters of saltpeter (HS 283421)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283421 (the code used for saltpeter) in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($306M, 37% of world exports), China ($136M) and Jordan (about $126M). World exports came to about $833M, 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 saltpeter (HS 283421)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283421 (the code used for saltpeter) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($168M, 17% of world imports), the Netherlands ($133M) and the United States ($91M). World imports came to about $1.0B, 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 Saltpeter the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283421 for Saltpeter 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 saltpeter in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 283421 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for saltpeter depends on the product's details: 2834.21.10 (Potassium nitrate, 98% KNO3 or less), 2834.21.90 (Other potassium nitrate).