Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); solid

HS v2017 Code: 281511

About sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); solid

HS code 281511 covers the production and trade of solid sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda. This chemical compound is a vital industrial input, with widespread applications across various sectors, including chemical manufacturing, paper production, water treatment, and more. As a key component in the production of numerous essential goods, the sodium hydroxide industry plays a crucial role in supporting the broader economy.

Production process

Solid sodium hydroxide is primarily produced through the electrolysis of brine (a solution of sodium chloride in water). This process involves passing an electric current through the brine, which separates the sodium and chloride ions. The sodium ions then react with hydroxide ions to form sodium hydroxide, which is then dried and solidified.

Production inputs

The main inputs required for the production of solid sodium hydroxide include brine (a solution of sodium chloride in water), electricity to power the electrolysis process, and various other chemicals and materials used in the purification and solidification stages. Additionally, specialized equipment such as electrolysis cells, evaporators, and drying units are essential for the manufacturing process.

Production outputs

The primary output of HS code 281511 is solid sodium hydroxide, which is then consumed by a wide range of industries. Some of the key consumers of solid sodium hydroxide include 281512 (Sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid soda)) producers, 281540 (Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash)) manufacturers, and industries involved in the production of various chemicals, detergents, and other products.

Revisions to 281511

Classification codes are adjusted frequently. The code may have been revised or replaced between system versions. The table below shows the history (newest to oldest) of the code 281511. The most recent 1 version of this code (281511) is in the HS v2022 system:

This page shows a legacy version of code 281511 ( HS v2017).

Newer versions
Older versions

Family tree for sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); solid

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/28'>28: Inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals; of rare earth metals, of radio-active elements and of isotopes</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/2815'>2815: Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) peroxides of sodium or potassium</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/281511'>281511: Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); solid</a>"]

    B --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/281512'>281512: Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid soda)</a>"]
B --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/281520'>281520: Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash)</a>"]
B --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2017/281530'>281530: Peroxides of sodium or potassium</a>"]

    

    %% Color coordination by level

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    classDef level2 color:#000,fill:#e0a458,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level3 color:#000,fill:#419d78,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level4 color:#000,fill:#c04abc,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level5 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px



  %% Apply classes
  class A level2
class B level4
class C level6
class D level6
class E level6
class F level6

  class C highlight

  %% class A level1
  %% class B,C level2
  %% class D,E,F,G,H,I level2
  %% class J,K,L,M,N,O,P level3
  %% class C highlight