Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash)

HS v2022 Code: 281520

About potassium hydroxide (caustic potash)

HS code 281520 covers potassium hydroxide, also known as caustic potash. This chemical compound is a critical industrial input, finding widespread use in the production of various products, from soap and detergents to fertilizers and pharmaceuticals. As a key component in numerous manufacturing processes, potassium hydroxide plays a vital role in the global economy, contributing to the development of a wide range of essential goods and services.

Production process

Potassium hydroxide is typically produced through the electrolysis of potassium chloride solutions. This process involves the passage of an electric current through the solution, which causes the potassium ions to migrate to the cathode, where they react with water to form potassium hydroxide. The resulting solution is then concentrated and purified to obtain the final potassium hydroxide product.

Production inputs

The primary inputs required for the production of potassium hydroxide include potassium chloride, water, and electricity. Potassium chloride serves as the raw material, while water is used in the electrolysis process. Electricity is a crucial energy source that powers the electrolysis equipment and facilitates the chemical reaction.

Production outputs

The primary output of HS code 281520 is potassium hydroxide, which is then used as an input in the production of various other products. Some of the industries that consume potassium hydroxide include 282520 Potassium fertilizers, 340220 Soap and organic surface-active products, and 300490 Medicaments. Potassium hydroxide is also used in the production of 281511 (Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda)), another important industrial chemical.

Revisions to 281520

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 281520. The most recent 1 version of this code (281520) is in the HS v2022 system (this version):

This page shows the most recent version of code 281520.

Family tree for potassium hydroxide (caustic potash)

    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/v2022/281520'>281520: Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash)</a>"]

    B --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/281511'>281511: Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); solid</a>"]
B --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/281512'>281512: Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid soda)</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