HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 28.13 – Sulphides of non-metals; commercial phosphorus trisulphide
What HS 28.13 covers
Heading 2813 specifically covers sulphides of non-metals, along with the explicit inclusion of commercial phosphorus trisulphide. This classification delineates compounds where sulfur is bonded with another non-metal element, forming a sulphide, excluding those that might be considered halides (covered in 2812) or other specific sulfur compounds elsewhere in Chapter 28. The scope is focused on simple inorganic sulphides of non-metals such as carbon disulphide, hydrogen sulphide, and phosphorus pentasulphide. The explicit mention of 'commercial phosphorus trisulphide' highlights its industrial significance and ensures its correct placement. For trade compliance professionals, accurately classifying these sulphides is crucial, particularly because many are flammable, toxic, or corrosive, requiring strict adherence to safety and environmental regulations in international transport and storage. Misclassification can lead to severe penalties, delays, and safety hazards. Historically, these compounds have played vital roles in industries ranging from agriculture (pesticides) to rubber manufacturing (vulcanization agents) and chemical synthesis. As an integral part of Chapter 28, which organizes inorganic chemicals, heading 2813 provides a precise category for these fundamental sulfur compounds, distinguishing them from more complex organic sulfur compounds (Chapter 29) or other inorganic sulfur compounds like sulfates or sulfites (Chapter 28).
- Covers
- Carbon disulphide
- Hydrogen sulphide (compressed gas)
- Hydrogen sulphide (liquefied)
- Phosphorus pentasulphide
- Phosphorus sesquisulphide (commercial phosphorus trisulphide)
- Arsenic disulphide
- Arsenic trisulphide
- Arsenic pentasulphide
- Antimony trisulphide
- Antimony pentasulphide
- Silicon disulphide
- Boron trisulphide
- Carbon oxysulphide
- Sulphur monobromide
- Sulphur dichloride (if not considered a halide)
- Sulphur hexafluoride (if not considered a halide)
- Sulphur dibromide
- Sulphur monochloride
- Carbon monosulphide
- Hydrogen polysulphide
- Phosphorus heptasulphide
- Examples
A major chemical distributor in the Netherlands exports carbon disulphide (2813.10) to rubber manufacturers in Southeast Asia, primarily shipped in ISO tank containers across sea routes, where it serves as a solvent and a precursor for viscose rayon. Simultaneously, a mining company in Canada imports phosphorus pentasulphide (2813.90) from China, transported by bulk vessels, for use in the production of lubricants and flotation agents. Furthermore, a specialized chemical firm in India imports commercial phosphorus trisulphide (2813.90) from the United States, used in the manufacture of matches and pyrotechnics, often moved via containerized freight, subject to hazardous materials regulations.
Subheadings under 28.13 2
Codes often confused with 28.13
Common mistake. A common misclassification under 2813 involves confusing non-metal sulphides with metal sulphides, such as iron sulphide or zinc sulphide, which fall under heading 2830. Another error is classifying organic sulfur compounds, like thiols or thioethers (Chapter 29), as inorganic non-metal sulphides. Traders might also struggle with distinguishing simple sulphides from more complex inorganic sulfur compounds like sulfates (2833) or sulfites (2832). The key differentiator is the direct bonding of sulfur with a non-metal, excluding oxygenated or halogenated forms that might have more specific classifications. Verifying the elemental composition and inorganic nature is crucial.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 2813, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2813 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 11% 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 Germany $53M 25% of world exports
- 2 France $40M 19% of world exports
- 3 United States $31M 14% of world exports
World total: $214M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $24M 11% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $23M 11% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $19M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $210M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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.
Questions about HS 28.13
What is HS code 2813?
HS code 2813 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sulphides of non-metals; commercial phosphorus trisulphide. Heading 2813 specifically covers sulphides of non-metals, along with the explicit inclusion of commercial phosphorus trisulphide. This classification delineates compounds where sulfur is bonded with another non-metal element, forming a sulphide, excluding those that might be considered halides (covered in 2812) or other specific sulfur compounds elsewhere in Chapter 28. The scope is focused on simple inorganic sulphides of non-metals such as carbon disulphide, hydrogen sulphide, and phosphorus pentasulphide. The explicit mention of 'commercial phosphorus trisulphide' highlights its industrial significance and ensures its correct placement. For trade compliance professionals, accurately classifying these sulphides is crucial, particularly because many are flammable, toxic, or corrosive, requiring strict adherence to safety and environmental regulations in international transport and storage. Misclassification can lead to severe penalties, delays, and safety hazards. Historically, these compounds have played vital roles in industries ranging from agriculture (pesticides) to rubber manufacturing (vulcanization agents) and chemical synthesis. As an integral part of Chapter 28, which organizes inorganic chemicals, heading 2813 provides a precise category for these fundamental sulfur compounds, distinguishing them from more complex organic sulfur compounds (Chapter 29) or other inorganic sulfur compounds like sulfates or sulfites (Chapter 28).
What products fall under HS code 2813?
Carbon disulphide, hydrogen sulphide (compressed gas), hydrogen sulphide (liquefied), phosphorus pentasulphide, phosphorus sesquisulphide (commercial phosphorus trisulphide), arsenic disulphide, arsenic trisulphide, arsenic pentasulphide, antimony trisulphide, antimony pentasulphide, silicon disulphide, boron trisulphide, carbon oxysulphide, sulphur monobromide, sulphur dichloride (if not considered a halide), sulphur hexafluoride (if not considered a halide), sulphur dibromide, sulphur monochloride, carbon monosulphide, hydrogen polysulphide, phosphorus heptasulphide
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2813?
A common misclassification under 2813 involves confusing non-metal sulphides with metal sulphides, such as iron sulphide or zinc sulphide, which fall under heading 2830. Another error is classifying organic sulfur compounds, like thiols or thioethers (Chapter 29), as inorganic non-metal sulphides. Traders might also struggle with distinguishing simple sulphides from more complex inorganic sulfur compounds like sulfates (2833) or sulfites (2832). The key differentiator is the direct bonding of sulfur with a non-metal, excluding oxygenated or halogenated forms that might have more specific classifications. Verifying the elemental composition and inorganic nature is crucial.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2813?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2813 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($53M, 25% of world exports), France ($40M) and the United States ($31M). World exports came to about $214M, 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 2813?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2813 in UN Comtrade data were France ($24M, 11% of world imports), Belgium ($23M) and Singapore ($19M). World imports came to about $210M, 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 2813 structured?
HS code 2813 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (13) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.