Product classification
HS code for Solid sodium hydroxide: 2815.11
Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), solid.
Classification of solid sodium hydroxide under HS 2815.11
Solid sodium hydroxide, commonly known as caustic soda, is classified under HS code 2815.11. This classification is found in Chapter 28, which encompasses inorganic chemicals, precious metals, and radioactive elements. Heading 2815 specifically covers sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), potassium hydroxide (caustic potash), and peroxides of sodium or potassium. The subheading 2815.11 is strictly for the solid form of sodium hydroxide. This includes the chemical in various dry states such as flakes, pellets, or fused masses. The classification is straightforward because the Harmonized System distinguishes between the pure solid chemical and its aqueous solutions. The solid form is highly hygroscopic and must be handled as a hazardous material, but for customs purposes, its physical state at room temperature is the primary determinant for this specific code. It is widely used in the manufacture of pulp and paper, textiles, drinking water, soaps, and detergents.
- Covers
- Caustic soda flakes
- Sodium hydroxide pellets
- Anhydrous sodium hydroxide
- Caustic soda pearls
- Fused sodium hydroxide masses
- Also under 2815.11
- Dow Caustic Soda
- Olin Caustic Soda
- BASF Sodium Hydroxide
- Solvay Caustic Soda
Codes often confused with 2815.11
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 2815.12, which is used for sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid caustic soda). While the chemical composition is the same, the physical state (liquid vs. solid) requires a different subheading. Another error involves HS code 3824, which covers prepared binders for foundry moulds or chemical products not elsewhere specified. If the sodium hydroxide is part of a complex mixture or a prepared cleaning preparation, it may fall under Chapter 34 or 38 instead of the pure chemical code in Chapter 28.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281511 (the code used for solid sodium hydroxide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281511 (the code used for solid sodium hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 5.3% of world imports. Taiwan 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 14% of its exports here ($4.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Vietnam 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 12% of its imports here ($4.3M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 281511, not only solid sodium hydroxide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $350M 36% of world exports
- 2 India $236M 24% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $33M 3.4% of world exports
Taiwan 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 14% of its exports here ($4.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $978M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $57M 5.3% of world imports
- 2 Nigeria $54M 5.1% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$50M 4.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
Vietnam 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 12% of its imports here ($4.3M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $1.1B 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 solid sodium hydroxide
Brazil classifies solid sodium hydroxide under NCM 2815.11.00: HS 2815.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about solid sodium hydroxide
What is the HS code for Solid sodium hydroxide?
The HS code for Solid sodium hydroxide is 281511 (Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); solid). The HS code for solid sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) is 2815.11.
How do I classify Solid sodium hydroxide for customs?
Solid sodium hydroxide is classified under HS code 281511 — Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); solid. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
One more relevant question
Does this code include liquid caustic soda? No, liquid sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution is classified under HS code 2815.12.
Which countries are the top exporters of solid sodium hydroxide (HS 281511)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281511 (the code used for solid sodium hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data were China ($350M, 36% of world exports), India ($236M) and Thailand ($33M). World exports came to about $978M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan 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 14% of its exports here ($4.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of solid sodium hydroxide (HS 281511)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281511 (the code used for solid sodium hydroxide) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($57M, 5.3% of world imports), Nigeria ($54M) and Vietnam (about $50M). World imports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam 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 12% of its imports here ($4.3M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Is the HS code for Solid sodium hydroxide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281511 for Solid sodium hydroxide 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 solid sodium hydroxide in Brazil?
In Brazil, solid sodium hydroxide (HS 281511) is classified under NCM 2815.11.00.