The analysis of trace anions in concentrated nitric acid requires two online coupled ion chromatography systems for the required selectivity. The first system acts as preseparator of the trace anions from the matrix compounds. The trace anions are preconcentrated by means of a heart-cut valve and a concentrator column. The second system acts as detection device and allows sensitive determination of chloride, sulfate and phosphate.Several commercial columns were tested for usefulness in system no. 1. Eventually the anion exchanger for the first system was developed in-house so as to obtain a maximum selectivity difference between the analytes and the matrix anions. The column accepts a total amount of 22 mmol nitric acid per run without losing the resolution between analytes and matrix.The second system utilizes a high performance anion exchanger for quantification of the analytes. Recoveries found are 80% to 100% for phosphate and around 100% for sulfate and chloride. Detection limits for chloride, sulfate and phosphate in concentrated nitric acid (69% w=w) are 0.1, 1 and 5 mg L ร1 , respectively.