HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2503.00 – Sulphur of all kinds; other than sublimed, precipitated and colloidal sulphur
HS code 2503.00 is the 6-digit subheading for sulphur of all kinds, other than sublimed, precipitated and colloidal sulphur. It is used for crude sulfur, recovered sulfur, lump sulfur, granular sulfur and molten sulfur.
What HS 2503.00 covers
This HS code covers elemental sulfur in all its forms, excluding highly refined types like sublimed, precipitated, or colloidal sulfur. Sulfur is a vital industrial raw material, predominantly used in the production of sulfuric acid, which in turn is crucial for manufacturing fertilizers, chemicals, and in metal processing. Much of the globally traded sulfur is a byproduct of oil and gas refining (recovered sulfur), making energy-rich nations significant exporters. Importers are typically countries with large agricultural sectors (for fertilizers) and robust industrial bases. The trade is characterized by bulk shipments, and global prices are influenced by both energy production levels and agricultural demand, making it a key commodity in the petrochemical and agricultural industries.
- Covers
- Crude sulfur
- Recovered sulfur
- Lump sulfur
- Granular sulfur
- Molten sulfur
- Brimstone
- Prilled sulfur
- Examples
- Sulfur from oil refineries (e.g., Saudi Aramco, ExxonMobil)
- mined sulfur (e.g., from Poland, USA)
- Canadian sulfur pellets
Codes often confused with 2503.00
Common mistake. This code specifically excludes sublimed, precipitated, and colloidal sulfur, which are more refined forms and would typically fall under Chapter 28 (Inorganic chemicals).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 250300, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 250300 in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, with 28% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$2.1B 28% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Canada $1.1B 14% of world exports
- 3 Qatar* ~$786M 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $7.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Morocco $3.3B 28% of world imports
- 2 China $2.5B 22% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $1.6B 14% of world imports
World total: $11.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 2503.00 2
Brazil splits HS 2503.00 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 25.03 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2503.00
What is HS code 250300?
HS code 250300 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sulphur of all kinds; other than sublimed, precipitated and colloidal sulphur. This HS code covers elemental sulfur in all its forms, excluding highly refined types like sublimed, precipitated, or colloidal sulfur. Sulfur is a vital industrial raw material, predominantly used in the production of sulfuric acid, which in turn is crucial for manufacturing fertilizers, chemicals, and in metal processing. Much of the globally traded sulfur is a byproduct of oil and gas refining (recovered sulfur), making energy-rich nations significant exporters. Importers are typically countries with large agricultural sectors (for fertilizers) and robust industrial bases. The trade is characterized by bulk shipments, and global prices are influenced by both energy production levels and agricultural demand, making it a key commodity in the petrochemical and agricultural industries.
What products fall under HS code 250300?
Crude sulfur, recovered sulfur, lump sulfur, granular sulfur, molten sulfur, brimstone, prilled sulfur
What are common misclassifications for HS code 250300?
This code specifically excludes sublimed, precipitated, and colloidal sulfur, which are more refined forms and would typically fall under Chapter 28 (Inorganic chemicals).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 250300?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 250300 in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $2.1B, 28% of world exports), Canada ($1.1B) and Qatar (about $786M). World exports came to about $7.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 250300?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 250300 in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($3.3B, 28% of world imports), China ($2.5B) and Indonesia ($1.6B). World imports came to about $11.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 250300 structured?
HS code 250300 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (25) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 250300?
Brazil splits HS code 250300 into 2 NCM codes: 2503.00.10 (Sulphur in bulk), 2503.00.90 (Other sulphur, not in bulk). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.