Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid soda)

HS v2022 Code: 281512

About sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid soda)

HS code 281512 covers the import and export of sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda, in aqueous solution. Sodium hydroxide is a highly versatile chemical compound with a wide range of industrial applications, making it a crucial component in various manufacturing processes. As a key ingredient in the production of soaps, detergents, paper, textiles, and numerous other products, the global trade of sodium hydroxide plays a significant role in the broader chemical industry and the overall economy.

Production process

Sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution is primarily produced through the electrolysis of a sodium chloride (salt) solution. This process, known as the chlor-alkali process, involves the separation of sodium and chloride ions, with the sodium ions reacting with water to form sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The resulting sodium hydroxide solution is then concentrated and purified to meet the required specifications for various industrial applications.

Production inputs

The main inputs required for the production of sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution include sodium chloride (salt), water, and electricity to power the electrolysis process. Additionally, specialized equipment such as electrolytic cells, evaporators, and storage tanks are necessary for the production and handling of the final product.

Production outputs

The primary output of HS code 281512 is sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution, commonly referred to as soda lye or liquid soda. This chemical is widely used as a raw material in the manufacturing of 280511 Sodium and 280530 Caustic potash, as well as in the production of various 340211 Organic surface-active agents, 470311 Chemical wood pulp, soda or sulphate, other than dissolving grades, and 540233 Textiles. The global demand for sodium hydroxide continues to grow, driven by its essential role in numerous industrial processes.

Revisions to 281512

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 281512. The most recent 1 version of this code (281512) is in the HS v2022 system (this version):

This page shows the most recent version of code 281512.

Family tree for sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid soda)

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/28'>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/v2022/2815'>2815: Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) peroxides of sodium or potassium</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/281512'>281512: Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid soda)</a>"]

    B --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/281511'>281511: Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); solid</a>"]
B --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/281520'>281520: Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash)</a>"]
B --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/281530'>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