What is the HS code for sodium hydroxide?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-4 · Heading
2815 — Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) peroxides of sodium or potassium
Chapter 28: Inorganic chemicals
Plain-language overview
Use HS-4 2815 when importing sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) or potassium hydroxide (caustic potash). For example, if you receive a shipment of solid sodium hydroxide in 50-pound bags, this heading applies. Understanding the specific subheading is crucial for compliance and accurate duty assessment.
To distinguish between the subheadings, note that 281511 covers solid sodium hydroxide, while 281512 is for sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution, commonly referred to as soda lye. If your shipment consists of a concentrated liquid form, you would use 281512 instead of 281511.
For potassium hydroxide, use 281520. This subheading is specifically for caustic potash, which is often found in solid form or as a solution. If your product is labeled as potassium hydroxide, ensure it aligns with this code to avoid misclassification.
Lastly, if you're dealing with sodium or potassium peroxides, refer to 281530. These compounds have distinct chemical properties and applications, such as in bleaching or disinfecting agents, and must be classified correctly to meet regulatory standards.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-4 heading.
sodium hydroxide import · potassium hydroxide classification · HS-4 2815 · caustic soda · caustic potash · sodium peroxide · aqueous sodium hydroxide · chemical import codes · HS-6 subheadings · liquid soda lye · solid caustic soda · chemical compliance · import duty sodium hydroxide · potassium hydroxide solution · sodium hydroxide packaging · chemical safety regulations
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-4 heading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Solid sodium hydroxide in 50-pound bags (HS-6 281511)
- Liquid sodium hydroxide solution (soda lye) in bulk containers (HS-6 281512)
- Potassium hydroxide in solid form for agricultural use (HS-6 281520)
- Sodium peroxide used in chemical synthesis (HS-6 281530)
- Potassium peroxide for laboratory applications (HS-6 281530)
- Sodium hydroxide pellets for industrial cleaning (HS-6 281511)
- Aqueous potassium hydroxide solution for pH regulation (HS-6 281520)
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify potassium hydroxide for import?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
What are the subheadings under HS-4 2815?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Is liquid sodium hydroxide the same as caustic soda?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What is the difference between solid and liquid caustic soda?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
How do I determine the correct HS code for my chemical shipment?
Match the product to the legal wording, then verify the final pick in your country tariff schedule before filing.
Related topics
Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.
importing sodium hydroxide in solid form
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
classifying potassium hydroxide for customs
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
sodium hydroxide aqueous solution HS code
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
difference between caustic soda and caustic potash
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
how to classify sodium peroxides for import
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
requirements for importing caustic soda
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
understanding HS-4 2815 for chemical imports
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
sodium hydroxide packaging and labeling regulations
Use this as a checklist topic, then confirm legal requirements with your broker or customs advisor.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What is the difference between HS-6 281511 and HS-6 281512?
- HS-6 281511 refers to solid sodium hydroxide, while HS-6 281512 is for sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution, commonly known as soda lye.
- Can I use HS-4 2815 for both sodium and potassium hydroxide?
- No, HS-4 2815 includes specific subheadings for each. Use HS-6 281511 or 281512 for sodium hydroxide and HS-6 281520 for potassium hydroxide.
- What should I consider when importing sodium hydroxide?
- Ensure you classify it correctly under the appropriate HS-6 subheading based on its form (solid or liquid) to avoid customs issues.
- Are there any safety regulations for handling caustic soda?
- Yes, sodium hydroxide is a hazardous material, and you must comply with safety regulations regarding its handling, storage, and transportation.
- What type of packaging is required for potassium hydroxide?
- Potassium hydroxide should be packaged in moisture-proof containers to prevent it from absorbing water and degrading.
Continue classification
Parent context
Nearby siblings
Next best action
Pick one of these actions to move from reading to a defensible classification decision.
Browse this heading in the lookup
Heading-browse mode uses HS-6 281500 (first line of this block).