Product classification
HS code for Sodium cyanide: 2837.11
Cyanides and cyanide oxides, of sodium.
Classification of sodium cyanide under HS 2837.11
Sodium cyanide is classified under HS code 2837.11. This classification falls within Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System, which encompasses inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. Heading 2837 is dedicated to cyanides, cyanide oxides, and complex cyanides. The subheading 2837.11 specifically identifies the sodium salt of hydrocyanic acid. The classification is straightforward because sodium cyanide is a distinct inorganic chemical compound. It is most commonly found in solid form as white, water-soluble briquettes or powder. Its classification is driven by its chemical composition rather than its application, which is predominantly in the mining industry for gold and silver extraction via the cyanidation process. Even when used in electroplating or chemical synthesis, the pure or technical grade substance remains under this specific code. The Harmonized System prioritizes the chemical identity of inorganic salts in Chapter 28 over their functional use in other sectors, provided they are not formulated into retail-ready preparations.
- Covers
- Solid sodium cyanide briquettes
- Sodium cyanide granules or powder
- Technical grade sodium cyanide for mining
- Aqueous solutions of sodium cyanide (pure)
- Sodium cyanide for electroplating baths
- Also under 2837.11
- Cyanco Sodium Cyanide
- Orica Sodium Cyanide
- Evonik Sodium Cyanide
Codes often confused with 2837.11
Common mistake. Sodium cyanide is often confused with other cyanides classified under 2837.19, such as potassium cyanide or calcium cyanide. While they share similar toxicological profiles and industrial uses, the HS system requires specific identification of the sodium salt. Another common misclassification occurs with HS code 3808.99, which covers rodenticides and other pesticides. If sodium cyanide is prepared and packaged specifically for use as a pest control agent, it may move to Chapter 38. However, bulk industrial shipments must be declared under 2837.11. It should also not be confused with complex cyanides like sodium ferrocyanide, which is classified under 2837.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283711 (the code used for sodium cyanide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283711 (the code used for sodium cyanide) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 7.1% of world imports. Zimbabwe did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 10% of its imports here ($4.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 283711, not only sodium cyanide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $521M 46% of world exports
- 2 United States $253M 22% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $185M 16% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $98M 7.1% of world imports
- 2 Peru* ~$82M 6.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Burkina Faso* ~$78M 5.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
Zimbabwe did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 10% of its imports here ($4.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $1.4B 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 code for sodium cyanide
Brazil classifies sodium cyanide under NCM 2837.11.00: HS 2837.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sodium cyanide
What is the HS code for Sodium cyanide?
The HS code for Sodium cyanide is 283711 (Cyanides and cyanide oxides; of sodium). The specific HS code for sodium cyanide is 2837.11, located within the chapter for inorganic chemicals.
How do I classify Sodium cyanide for customs?
Sodium cyanide is classified under HS code 283711 — Cyanides and cyanide oxides; of sodium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are there special regulations for exporting sodium cyanide?
Yes, sodium cyanide is a highly regulated substance due to its extreme toxicity and potential for misuse. It is often subject to the Rotterdam Convention and requires strict export permits, specialized hazardous material (Class 6.1) packaging, and comprehensive Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all international shipments.
Which countries are the top exporters of sodium cyanide (HS 283711)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283711 (the code used for sodium cyanide) in UN Comtrade data were China ($521M, 46% of world exports), the United States ($253M) and South Korea ($185M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 sodium cyanide (HS 283711)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283711 (the code used for sodium cyanide) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($98M, 7.1% of world imports), Peru (about $82M) and Burkina Faso (about $78M). World imports came to about $1.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Zimbabwe did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 10% of its imports here ($4.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Sodium cyanide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283711 for Sodium cyanide 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 sodium cyanide in Brazil?
In Brazil, sodium cyanide (HS 283711) is classified under NCM 2837.11.00.