HS 281511 Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda)

Quick Answer: HS Code 2815.11 covers Sodium Hydroxide, commonly known as caustic soda, in solid form. This includes flakes, pearls, granules, and blocks. It is a highly corrosive inorganic compound widely used in various industries, including chemical manufacturing, pulp and paper, textiles, and water treatment. Importers and exporters should note the varying duty rates: the UK applies a 4.00% ad valorem duty, the EU imposes 5.50% ad valorem, while the US levies a specific duty of 1.1¢/kg, with some classifications potentially being Free. Due to its hazardous nature, proper packaging, labeling, and adherence to dangerous goods regulations (e.g., IMDG Code for sea transport) are critical for compliance and safe transit across all jurisdictions.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2815110000 4.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2815110000 5.50 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2815110000 Free — ["kg"]

Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).

Data compiled and presented by HSRates.

How Has Trade Volume Developed?

How to Classify This HS Code?

What products does HS 281511 cover?

This subheading covers sodium hydroxide, commonly known as caustic soda, specifically in solid form. This includes anhydrous sodium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide monohydrate, provided they are presented as solids, such as flakes, pearls, granules, or blocks. According to the Harmonized System Nomenclature Explanatory Notes for Heading 2815, this covers the principal inorganic base used in various industrial applications. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system both align with this definition, specifying solid caustic soda, which is a highly corrosive alkali.

What falls outside HS 281511?

The following products are excluded from HS 281511: sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution, which is classified under HS 28151200. This distinction is crucial as the physical state (solid vs. solution) dictates the classification. Furthermore, mixtures containing sodium hydroxide but where sodium hydroxide is not the predominant component, or where the mixture has specific properties that confer a different essential character, would be classified elsewhere, potentially under other headings in Chapter 38 if they are prepared mixtures or chemical products not elsewhere specified or included.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 281511?

A common error is misclassifying sodium hydroxide solution (liquid caustic soda) under HS 281511, which is exclusively for the solid form. This mistake often occurs due to a lack of attention to the specific subheading breakdown, where 281511 is "in solid form" and 281512 is "in aqueous solution." Proper application of General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, would prevent this error by clearly differentiating based on physical state.

How should importers classify products under HS 281511?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 281511 involves first confirming the chemical identity as sodium hydroxide. Second, the physical state must be verified as solid (e.g., flakes, pearls, granules). Importers and customs brokers should consult the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Chapter 28 and Heading 2815, alongside their respective national tariff schedules (e.g., USITC HTS or EU TARIC), to ensure the product meets the specific criteria for "in solid form." It is advisable to obtain a Certificate of Analysis or product specification sheet from the manufacturer to confirm the chemical composition and physical state, thereby ensuring accurate declaration and compliance.

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 281512 HS 281520 HS 281530 HS 283911 HS 291511 HS 282520

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 2815.11 (Sodium hydroxide, solid) in major markets?

Import duty rates for HS 2815.11 vary significantly by destination and origin. For example, under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for 2815.11.00.00 is generally 3.5% ad valorem. In the European Union's TARIC, the standard third-country duty rate for 2815 11 00 00 is 5.50% ad valorem. The UK Global Tariff (UKGT) also lists a 5.50% ad valorem duty for 2815 11 00 00. Importers should always verify the specific duty rate applicable to their country of import and origin of goods using the official tariff schedules (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff).

Are there any preferential duty rates available for sodium hydroxide (HS 2815.11) under common trade agreements?

Yes, preferential duty rates, including 'Free' status, are often available for HS 2815.11 depending on the country of origin and the applicable trade agreement. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), sodium hydroxide originating from Mexico or Canada typically enters the U.S. duty-free. Similarly, goods originating from countries with which the EU or UK have Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) may qualify for reduced or zero duties upon presentation of a valid certificate of origin (e.g., EUR.1, GSP Form A, or origin declaration). Importers should consult the specific trade agreement rules of origin and their respective tariff schedules to determine eligibility for preferential treatment.

What are the key classification criteria for solid sodium hydroxide under HS 2815.11?

HS code 2815.11 specifically covers 'Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), solid.' The primary classification criterion is the chemical identity of the substance as sodium hydroxide and its physical state being solid. This includes forms such as flakes, pearls, granules, or blocks. Liquid forms of sodium hydroxide (e.g., aqueous solutions) are classified under HS 2815.12. It's crucial to distinguish between the solid and liquid forms as their classification and associated duty rates differ. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes for Chapter 28 provide further guidance on the scope of this heading.

What documentation is typically required for importing sodium hydroxide (HS 2815.11)?

Beyond standard customs documentation such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill, importers of sodium hydroxide (HS 2815.11) should be prepared for additional requirements due to its hazardous nature. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is almost always required to comply with domestic chemical regulations and for safe handling. Depending on the country of import, permits or licenses from environmental protection agencies or chemical control authorities may be necessary. If claiming preferential duty rates, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., EUR.1, GSP Form A, or specific FTA origin declaration) is essential. Importers should consult their customs broker and relevant national regulatory bodies for specific import requirements in their jurisdiction.