Product classification
HS code for Sodium hydroxide solution: 2815.12
Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid soda).
Classification of sodium hydroxide solution under HS 2815.12
Sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution, commonly known as caustic soda lye or liquid soda, is classified under HS code 2815.12. This classification is found in Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals. Heading 2815 specifically includes sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), potassium hydroxide (caustic potash), and peroxides of sodium or potassium. The heading is split into two primary subheadings for sodium hydroxide based on its physical form: 2815.11 for solid forms (such as pellets, flakes, or beads) and 2815.12 for aqueous solutions. The classification under 2815.12 is straightforward as long as the sodium hydroxide is dissolved in water. This applies regardless of the concentration of the solution, provided it is not mixed with other chemicals that would give it the character of a preparation. Sodium hydroxide solution is a highly alkaline substance used extensively in pulp and paper manufacturing, textile processing, and chemical production. The purity of the solution does not typically affect the classification under this code, as long as it remains a basic aqueous solution of the chemical.
- Covers
- Caustic soda lye
- Liquid sodium hydroxide
- Aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide
- Soda lye
- Purified sodium hydroxide 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 using HS code 2815.11, which is strictly for solid sodium hydroxide. Importers must distinguish between the dry form and the liquid form. Another potential error is classifying the solution under 3824.99 if it is marketed as a specific industrial pipe cleaner or degreaser containing surfactants. If the solution contains additives that perform a specific function beyond simple pH adjustment or chemical feedstock use, it may be moved to Chapter 34 or 38. Additionally, potassium hydroxide solutions (2815.20) are sometimes confused with sodium hydroxide solutions due to their similar caustic nature.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281512 (the code used for sodium hydroxide solution), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281512 (the code used for sodium hydroxide solution) 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 sodium hydroxide solution.
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 sodium hydroxide solution
Brazil classifies sodium hydroxide solution 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 sodium hydroxide solution
What is the HS code for Sodium hydroxide solution?
The HS code for Sodium hydroxide solution is 281512 (Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid soda)). The HS code for sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution is 2815.12.
How do I classify Sodium hydroxide solution for customs?
Sodium hydroxide solution 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.
How is liquid caustic soda distinguished from solid caustic soda in the HS system?
Solid caustic soda (flakes, pellets) is classified under 2815.11, while the liquid (aqueous solution) form is classified under 2815.12.
Which countries are the top exporters of sodium hydroxide solution (HS 281512)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281512 (the code used for sodium hydroxide solution) 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 sodium hydroxide solution (HS 281512)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281512 (the code used for sodium hydroxide solution) 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 Sodium hydroxide solution the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281512 for Sodium hydroxide solution 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 hydroxide solution in Brazil?
In Brazil, sodium hydroxide solution (HS 281512) is classified under NCM 2815.12.00.