Product classification

HS code for Sodium ferrocyanide: 2837.20

Complex cyanides.

Classification of sodium ferrocyanide under HS 2837.20

Sodium ferrocyanide, also known as yellow prussiate of soda, is classified under HS code 2837.20. This heading is designated for cyanides, cyanide oxides, and complex cyanides. Sodium ferrocyanide (Na4[Fe(CN)6]) is a coordination compound, which qualifies it as a "complex cyanide" under the Harmonized System. Unlike simple cyanides where the cyanide ion is directly bonded to a metal cation, complex cyanides involve a central metal atom (iron, in this case) surrounded by cyanide ligands. This chemical distinction is the primary driver for its classification in the 2837.20 subheading. It is widely used as an anti-caking agent in road salt and table salt, as well as in the production of pigments and in petroleum refining.

Covers
  • Yellow prussiate of soda
  • Sodium hexacyanoferrate(II)
  • Technical grade sodium ferrocyanide decahydrate
  • Anti-caking agent grade sodium ferrocyanide
  • Sodium ferrocyanide for blueprint paper production
Also under 2837.20
  • Sigma-Aldrich Potassium Ferrocyanide
  • BASF Potassium Ferricyanide
  • Merck Sodium Ferrocyanide

Codes often confused with 2837.20

Common mistake. Sodium ferrocyanide is frequently confused with sodium cyanide, which is classified under 2837.11. Sodium cyanide is a simple, highly toxic cyanide salt, whereas sodium ferrocyanide is a complex salt with much lower acute toxicity. Another common error is misclassifying it under 2837.19 (Other simple cyanides). Because it contains the [Fe(CN)6] complex ion, it must be classified under 2837.20. It should also not be confused with sodium ferricyanide (red prussiate of soda), though both fall under the same 2837.20 subheading.

2837.11Cyanides and cyanide oxides; of sodium2837.19Cyanides and cyanide oxides; other than of sodium

Top exporters and importers of HS 283720 (the code used for sodium ferrocyanide), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283720 (the code used for sodium ferrocyanide) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 283720, not only sodium ferrocyanide.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $14M
  2. 2 Switzerland $10.0M
  3. 3 South Korea $7.7M

World total: $46M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $13M
  2. 2 China $9.3M
  3. 3 Finland $5.8M

World total: $57M 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 sodium ferrocyanide

Brazil splits HS 2837.20 into 8 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about sodium ferrocyanide

What is the HS code for Sodium ferrocyanide?

The HS code for Sodium ferrocyanide is 283720 (Complex cyanides). The HS code for sodium ferrocyanide is 2837.20, which is the category for complex cyanides.

How do I classify Sodium ferrocyanide for customs?

Sodium ferrocyanide is classified under HS code 283720 — Complex cyanides. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is sodium ferrocyanide the same as sodium cyanide for customs purposes?

No. Sodium cyanide is classified under 2837.11, while sodium ferrocyanide is a complex cyanide classified under 2837.20 due to its different chemical structure.

Which countries are the top exporters of sodium ferrocyanide (HS 283720)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283720 (the code used for sodium ferrocyanide) in UN Comtrade data were China ($14M, 31% of world exports), Switzerland ($10.0M) and South Korea ($7.7M). World exports came to about $46M, 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 ferrocyanide (HS 283720)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 283720 (the code used for sodium ferrocyanide) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($13M, 23% of world imports), China ($9.3M) and Finland ($5.8M). World imports came to about $57M, 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 Sodium ferrocyanide the same in all countries?

The base HS code 283720 for Sodium ferrocyanide 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 ferrocyanide in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 283720 into 8 NCM codes, so the right one for sodium ferrocyanide depends on the product's details: 2837.20.11 (Sodium ferrocyanide), 2837.20.12 (Ferrous ferrocyanide), 2837.20.19 (Other ferrocyanides), 2837.20.21 (Potassium ferricyanide), 2837.20.22 (Ferrous ferricyanide), 2837.20.23 (Ferric ferricyanide), and more.