Product classification
HS code for Soda ash: 2836.20
Carbonates, disodium carbonate.
Classification of soda ash under HS 2836.20
Soda ash, chemically known as disodium carbonate, is classified under HS code 283620. This code is situated within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. Heading 2836 is dedicated to carbonates, peroxocarbonates (percarbonates), and commercial ammonium carbonate. Soda ash is a vital industrial chemical used in glass manufacturing, detergents, and chemical metallurgy. The classification 2836.20 specifically identifies disodium carbonate in its anhydrous form. Because it is a well-defined inorganic chemical compound, it remains in Chapter 28 regardless of its industrial application, provided it has not been mixed with other ingredients to form a specific preparation. The classification covers both "light" soda ash (lower bulk density) and "dense" soda ash (higher bulk density), as these are physical variations of the same chemical compound. The purity of the product generally does not affect its classification under this heading, provided it remains a separate chemically defined compound as per the notes to Chapter 28.
- Covers
- Light soda ash
- Dense soda ash
- Anhydrous sodium carbonate
- Technical grade disodium carbonate
- Calcined soda
- Also under 2836.20
- Solvay (soda ash)
- Ciner Resources (soda ash)
- Tata Chemicals (soda ash)
- OCI Chemical (soda ash)
Codes often confused with 2836.20
Common mistake. Soda ash (2836.20) is often confused with sodium hydrogencarbonate (baking soda), which is classified under HS code 2836.30. It is also sometimes misclassified as sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) under 2815.11 or 2815.12. Another error involves natural sodium carbonates found in mineral form, which may fall under Chapter 25 (specifically 2530.90) if they have not been chemically processed.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283620 (the code used for soda ash), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283620 (the code used for soda ash) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 7.0% 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 283620, not only soda ash.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.5B 38% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $907M 23% of world exports
- 3 China $398M 10% of world exports
World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $325M 7.0% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $311M 6.7% of world imports
- 3 Chile $262M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $4.6B 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 codes for soda ash
Brazil splits HS 2836.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2836.20.10Anhydrous disodium carbonate
- 2836.20.90Other disodium carbonate
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about soda ash
What is the HS code for Soda ash?
The HS code for Soda ash is 283620 (Carbonates; disodium carbonate). The HS code for soda ash (disodium carbonate) is 283620.
How do I classify Soda ash for customs?
Soda ash is classified under HS code 283620 — Carbonates; disodium carbonate. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is washing soda the same as soda ash?
Washing soda is the decahydrate form of sodium carbonate. While it is chemically related, soda ash usually refers to the anhydrous form, but both are typically classified under 283620.
Which countries are the top exporters of soda ash (HS 283620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283620 (the code used for soda ash) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 38% of world exports), Türkiye ($907M) and China ($398M). World exports came to about $3.9B, 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 soda ash (HS 283620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283620 (the code used for soda ash) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($325M, 7.0% of world imports), Brazil ($311M) and Chile ($262M). World imports came to about $4.6B, 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 Soda ash the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283620 for Soda ash 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 soda ash in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 283620 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for soda ash depends on the product's details: 2836.20.10 (Anhydrous disodium carbonate), 2836.20.90 (Other disodium carbonate).