HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2826.30 – Sodium hexafluoroaluminate (synthetic cryolite)
HS code 2826.30 is the 6-digit subheading for sodium hexafluoroaluminate (synthetic cryolite). It is used for synthetic cryolite, sodium hexafluoroaluminate, na3AlF6, cryolite powder and granular cryolite.
What HS 2826.30 covers
Synthetic cryolite, chemically known as sodium hexafluoroaluminate, is a critical industrial chemical primarily used as a solvent for alumina in the electrolytic production of aluminium (the Hall-Héroult process). Its key function is to significantly lower the melting point of alumina, thereby reducing the substantial energy required for smelting. It also finds minor applications in the production of abrasives, enamels, and specialty glass. Major importers are countries with substantial primary aluminium smelting operations, including China, India, Russia, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. Exporters are typically nations with robust chemical industries capable of synthesizing this compound from fluorspar and aluminium hydroxide, such as China, the United States, and various European chemical manufacturers. The global trade volume is directly linked to the health of the aluminium industry and its continuous demand for energy-efficient production methods.
- Covers
- Synthetic cryolite
- Sodium hexafluoroaluminate
- Na3AlF6
- Cryolite powder
- Granular cryolite
- Aluminium sodium fluoride
- Examples
- Solvay (fluorine chemicals)
- Honeywell (fluorine products)
- Stella Chemifa (fluorine compounds)
- Rio Tinto Alcan (aluminium production input)
Codes often confused with 2826.30
Common mistake. This code is specifically for synthetic cryolite; it is often confused with natural cryolite (252920) or other aluminium fluorides (282612), which have different origins and classifications. Accurate identification is crucial.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 282630, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 282630 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 17% 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 China $43M 55% of world exports
- 2 Canada $7.0M 9.1% of world exports
- 3 Hungary $4.9M 6.3% of world exports
World total: $77M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $12M 17% of world imports
- 2 United States $8.5M 12% of world imports
- 3 India $5.5M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $70M 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.
Brazil NCM code for 2826.30
Brazil does not split HS 2826.30: its NCM code is 2826.30.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.26 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2826.30
What is HS code 282630?
HS code 282630 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sodium hexafluoroaluminate (synthetic cryolite). Synthetic cryolite, chemically known as sodium hexafluoroaluminate, is a critical industrial chemical primarily used as a solvent for alumina in the electrolytic production of aluminium (the Hall-Héroult process). Its key function is to significantly lower the melting point of alumina, thereby reducing the substantial energy required for smelting. It also finds minor applications in the production of abrasives, enamels, and specialty glass. Major importers are countries with substantial primary aluminium smelting operations, including China, India, Russia, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. Exporters are typically nations with robust chemical industries capable of synthesizing this compound from fluorspar and aluminium hydroxide, such as China, the United States, and various European chemical manufacturers. The global trade volume is directly linked to the health of the aluminium industry and its continuous demand for energy-efficient production methods.
What products fall under HS code 282630?
Synthetic cryolite, Sodium hexafluoroaluminate, Na3AlF6, Cryolite powder, Granular cryolite, Aluminium sodium fluoride
What are common misclassifications for HS code 282630?
This code is specifically for synthetic cryolite; it is often confused with natural cryolite (252920) or other aluminium fluorides (282612), which have different origins and classifications. Accurate identification is crucial.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 282630?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 282630 in UN Comtrade data were China ($43M, 55% of world exports), Canada ($7.0M) and Hungary ($4.9M). World exports came to about $77M, 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 282630?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 282630 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($12M, 17% of world imports), the United States ($8.5M) and India ($5.5M). World imports came to about $70M, 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 282630 structured?
HS code 282630 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (26) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 282630?
In Brazil, HS code 282630 is NCM 2826.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.