Product classification
HS code for Soda lye: 2815.12
Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid soda).
Classification of soda lye under HS 2815.12
Soda lye, or liquid caustic soda, is classified under HS code 281512. This classification is part of Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals. Heading 2815 covers sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), potassium hydroxide (caustic potash), and peroxides of sodium or potassium. Within this heading, the Harmonized System distinguishes between the physical states of the substance. Subheading 2815.11 is for the solid form (flakes, pellets, or blocks), while 2815.12 is specifically for sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution. Soda lye is a highly alkaline solution used extensively in the pulp and paper industry, textile processing, and chemical manufacturing. The classification is straightforward based on the chemical composition and the fact that it is dissolved in water. Even if the solution is highly concentrated, as long as it remains an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide, it stays within 2815.12. This code is essential for identifying hazardous materials during transport, as soda lye is highly corrosive.
- Covers
- Liquid caustic soda
- Sodium hydroxide solution
- Lye for industrial cleaning
- Membrane grade caustic soda solution
- Diaphragm grade caustic soda solution
- Also under 2815.12
- Dow Caustic Soda Solution
- Olin Liquid Caustic Soda
- BASF Sodium Hydroxide Solution
- Solvay Soda Lye
Codes often confused with 2815.12
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 2815.11, which is reserved for solid sodium hydroxide. Another frequent error is classifying soda lye under 3402 as a cleaning preparation. While lye is used for cleaning, the pure chemical solution belongs in Chapter 28. It should also not be confused with potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) solutions, which are classified under 2815.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281512 (the code used for soda lye), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281512 (the code used for soda lye) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 18% 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 281512, not only soda lye.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.4B 27% of world exports
- 2 China $1.1B 21% of world exports
- 3 Japan $377M 7.2% of world exports
World total: $5.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Australia $1.2B 18% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $826M 13% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $722M 11% of world imports
World total: $6.6B 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 code for soda lye
Brazil classifies soda lye under NCM 2815.12.00: HS 2815.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about soda lye
What is the HS code for Soda lye?
The HS code for Soda lye is 281512 (Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid soda)). The HS code for soda lye (sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution) is 281512.
How do I classify Soda lye for customs?
Soda lye is classified under HS code 281512 — Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid soda). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between HS 281511 and 281512?
HS 281511 is used for solid sodium hydroxide (like flakes or pearls), whereas 281512 is used for sodium hydroxide dissolved in water (liquid soda lye).
Which countries are the top exporters of soda lye (HS 281512)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281512 (the code used for soda lye) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.4B, 27% of world exports), China ($1.1B) and Japan ($377M). World exports came to about $5.2B, 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 lye (HS 281512)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281512 (the code used for soda lye) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($1.2B, 18% of world imports), Brazil ($826M) and Indonesia ($722M). World imports came to about $6.6B, 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 lye the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281512 for Soda lye 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 lye in Brazil?
In Brazil, soda lye (HS 281512) is classified under NCM 2815.12.00.