Product classification
HS code for Thionyl chloride: 2812.17
Thionyl chloride.
Classification of thionyl chloride under HS 2812.17
Thionyl chloride is classified under HS code 2812.17. This code is found in Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, precious metals, rare-earth metals, radioactive elements, or isotopes. Heading 2812 specifically covers halides and halide oxides of non-metals. Thionyl chloride (SOCl2) is a halide oxide of sulfur, which is a non-metal. The classification is determined by the chemical composition of the substance as an inorganic halide oxide. Under the 2022 HS nomenclature updates, thionyl chloride was given its own specific subheading (2812.17) to facilitate better monitoring and control of the trade of this substance. It is a highly reactive inorganic compound, appearing as a colorless to yellowish liquid with a pungent odor. It is primarily used as a chlorinating agent in organic synthesis, converting carboxylic acids to acyl chlorides and alcohols to alkyl chlorides. It is also a critical component in the manufacture of lithium-thionyl chloride batteries. The classification follows GRI 1, as the substance is explicitly named in the subheading.
- Covers
- Thionyl chloride (SOCl2)
- Sulfinyl chloride
- Technical grade thionyl chloride
- Thionyl chloride for battery electrolytes
- Also under 2812.17
- Sigma-Aldrich Thionyl Chloride
- Merck Thionyl Chloride
- BASF Thionyl Chloride
- TCI Thionyl Chloride
Codes often confused with 2812.17
Common mistake. Thionyl chloride is sometimes misclassified under 2812.19, which is the residual category for other halides and halide oxides. However, since it has a dedicated code (2812.17), the specific code must be used. It is also occasionally confused with sulfuryl chloride (SO2Cl2), which is classified under 2812.19, or phosphorus chlorides under 2812.13 and 2812.14.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281217 (the code used for thionyl chloride), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281217 (the code used for thionyl chloride) in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% 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 281217, not only thionyl chloride.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Switzerland $3.6M 48% of world exports
- 2 France $1.7M 22% of world exports
- 3 India $1.2M 16% of world exports
World total: $7.6M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $5.5M 22% of world imports
- 2 Italy $3.3M 13% of world imports
- 3 France $2.2M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $24M 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 thionyl chloride
Brazil classifies thionyl chloride under NCM 2812.17.00: HS 2812.17 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about thionyl chloride
What is the HS code for Thionyl chloride?
The HS code for Thionyl chloride is 281217 (Thionyl chloride). The HS code for thionyl chloride is 2812.17, under the category of halides and halide oxides of non-metals.
How do I classify Thionyl chloride for customs?
Thionyl chloride is classified under HS code 281217 — Thionyl chloride. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What are the primary industrial uses of thionyl chloride?
It is used as a chlorinating agent in pharmaceutical and agrochemical manufacturing and as a cathode material in high-energy density lithium batteries.
Which countries are the top exporters of thionyl chloride (HS 281217)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281217 (the code used for thionyl chloride) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($3.6M, 48% of world exports), France ($1.7M) and India ($1.2M). World exports came to about $7.6M, 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 thionyl chloride (HS 281217)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281217 (the code used for thionyl chloride) in UN Comtrade data were China ($5.5M, 22% of world imports), Italy ($3.3M) and France ($2.2M). World imports came to about $24M, 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 Thionyl chloride the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281217 for Thionyl chloride 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 thionyl chloride in Brazil?
In Brazil, thionyl chloride (HS 281217) is classified under NCM 2812.17.00.