HS code · 4-digit heading

HS Code 28.29 – Chlorates and perchlorates; bromates and perbromates; iodates and periodates

What HS 28.29 covers

Heading 2829 is dedicated to chlorates and perchlorates; bromates and perbromates; and iodates and periodates. This classification covers inorganic salts of the higher oxidation states of chlorine, bromine, and iodine. These compounds are characterized by their strong oxidizing properties and are often used in highly specialized industrial applications. Examples include sodium chlorate, widely used in the pulp and paper industry for bleaching, and ammonium perchlorate, a crucial component in solid rocket propellants. The scope is very specific to these higher oxyhalides, distinguishing them from hypochlorites/chlorites (2828) or simple halides (2827). For trade compliance, accurate classification under 2829 is critically important due to the inherent hazardous nature of these substances. Many are powerful oxidizers and can be explosive, requiring strict adherence to international regulations for handling, storage, and transportation, often falling under dual-use controls or precursor chemical regulations. Misclassification can lead to severe safety risks, legal penalties, and disruption of supply chains. Historically, the development of these chemicals has been linked to advancements in pyrotechnics, explosives, and industrial bleaching. This heading forms a vital part of Chapter 28, ensuring these specific inorganic salts are correctly categorized based on their unique chemical structure and significant industrial and strategic importance, separate from other inorganic compounds.

Covers
  • Sodium chlorate
  • Potassium chlorate
  • Ammonium perchlorate
  • Sodium perchlorate
  • Potassium perchlorate
  • Magnesium perchlorate
  • Barium chlorate
  • Calcium chlorate
  • Strontium chlorate
  • Zinc chlorate
  • Potassium bromate
  • Sodium bromate
  • Potassium iodate
  • Sodium iodate
  • Periodic acid
  • Ammonium iodate
  • Silver perchlorate
  • Lithium perchlorate
  • Perchloric acid (aqueous solution)
  • Bromic acid (aqueous solution)
  • Iodic acid
  • Chloric acid (aqueous solution)
  • Ammonium chlorate
  • Rubidium perchlorate
  • Cesium perchlorate
Examples

A pulp and paper company in the United States imports significant quantities of sodium chlorate from Canada, often transported by rail or bulk vessels, for use as a bleaching agent in the production of high-quality paper. In another scenario, an aerospace manufacturer in Japan procures ammonium perchlorate from the United States, shipped under strict hazardous materials regulations, for manufacturing solid rocket propellants. Furthermore, humanitarian organizations in Africa receive potassium iodate from India, used in salt iodization programs to combat iodine deficiency, typically in smaller, carefully managed consignments.

Subheadings under 28.29 3

Codes often confused with 28.29

Common mistake. Common misclassification mistakes for products under 2829 involve confusing them with other halogen-oxygen compounds. Hypochlorites and chlorites, despite also containing chlorine and oxygen, are chemically distinct and fall under 2828. Similarly, simple chlorides, bromides, and iodides, which are not oxy-salts, are classified in 2827. Another significant error is classifying prepared explosives or pyrotechnic articles (e.g., fireworks) containing these chemicals under 2829; these finished articles belong to Chapter 36 (e.g., 3604 for fireworks). Accurate classification demands a precise understanding of the chemical's specific anion (chlorate, perchlorate, bromate, etc.) rather than just the presence of a halogen and oxygen.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 2829, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2829 in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% 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. 1 Canada $204M
  2. 2 United States $91M
  3. 3 China $85M

World total: $704M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $168M
  2. 2 Belgium $40M
  3. 3 South Korea $36M

World total: $748M 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 28.29

What is HS code 2829?

HS code 2829 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Chlorates and perchlorates; bromates and perbromates; iodates and periodates. Heading 2829 is dedicated to chlorates and perchlorates; bromates and perbromates; and iodates and periodates. This classification covers inorganic salts of the higher oxidation states of chlorine, bromine, and iodine. These compounds are characterized by their strong oxidizing properties and are often used in highly specialized industrial applications. Examples include sodium chlorate, widely used in the pulp and paper industry for bleaching, and ammonium perchlorate, a crucial component in solid rocket propellants. The scope is very specific to these higher oxyhalides, distinguishing them from hypochlorites/chlorites (2828) or simple halides (2827). For trade compliance, accurate classification under 2829 is critically important due to the inherent hazardous nature of these substances. Many are powerful oxidizers and can be explosive, requiring strict adherence to international regulations for handling, storage, and transportation, often falling under dual-use controls or precursor chemical regulations. Misclassification can lead to severe safety risks, legal penalties, and disruption of supply chains. Historically, the development of these chemicals has been linked to advancements in pyrotechnics, explosives, and industrial bleaching. This heading forms a vital part of Chapter 28, ensuring these specific inorganic salts are correctly categorized based on their unique chemical structure and significant industrial and strategic importance, separate from other inorganic compounds.

What products fall under HS code 2829?

Sodium chlorate, Potassium chlorate, Ammonium perchlorate, Sodium perchlorate, Potassium perchlorate, Magnesium perchlorate, Barium chlorate, Calcium chlorate, Strontium chlorate, Zinc chlorate, Potassium bromate, Sodium bromate, Potassium iodate, Sodium iodate, Periodic acid, Ammonium iodate, Silver perchlorate, Lithium perchlorate, Perchloric acid (aqueous solution), Bromic acid (aqueous solution), Iodic acid, Chloric acid (aqueous solution), Ammonium chlorate, Rubidium perchlorate, Cesium perchlorate

What are common misclassifications for HS code 2829?

Common misclassification mistakes for products under 2829 involve confusing them with other halogen-oxygen compounds. Hypochlorites and chlorites, despite also containing chlorine and oxygen, are chemically distinct and fall under 2828. Similarly, simple chlorides, bromides, and iodides, which are not oxy-salts, are classified in 2827. Another significant error is classifying prepared explosives or pyrotechnic articles (e.g., fireworks) containing these chemicals under 2829; these finished articles belong to Chapter 36 (e.g., 3604 for fireworks). Accurate classification demands a precise understanding of the chemical's specific anion (chlorate, perchlorate, bromate, etc.) rather than just the presence of a halogen and oxygen.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2829?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2829 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($204M, 29% of world exports), the United States ($91M) and China ($85M). World exports came to about $704M, 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 2829?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2829 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($168M, 22% of world imports), Belgium ($40M) and South Korea ($36M). World imports came to about $748M, 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 2829 structured?

HS code 2829 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (29) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.