HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 28.30 – Sulphides; polysulphides whether or not chemically defined
What HS 28.30 covers
Heading 2830 encompasses sulphides and polysulphides, whether or not chemically defined. This classification covers inorganic compounds where sulfur is combined with a metal or non-metal, forming a sulphide (e.g., Na2S) or a polysulphide (e.g., Na2Sx, where x > 1). It includes a wide range of industrial chemicals, from common sodium sulphide, extensively used in the leather tanning industry and in ore flotation, to more specialized sulphides like zinc sulphide for pigments or barium sulphide for depilatories. The scope is strictly limited to inorganic sulphides and polysulphides, distinguishing them from organic sulphur compounds found in Chapter 29 (e.g., thiols, thioethers) and from sulfates or sulfites (2832, 2833). For trade compliance, accurate classification under 2830 is crucial due to the diverse industrial applications and the often hazardous nature of these compounds; many sulphides can release toxic hydrogen sulphide gas upon contact with acids, necessitating specific handling, labeling, and transportation regulations. Misclassification can lead to significant delays, penalties, and safety risks. Historically, sulphides have played a role in metallurgy and chemical processes for centuries. This heading is an essential part of Chapter 28, categorizing these specific inorganic sulphur compounds and differentiating them from other sulphur-containing chemicals based on their chemical structure and industrial utility.
- Covers
- Sodium sulphide
- Barium sulphide
- Zinc sulphide
- Cadmium sulphide
- Lead sulphide
- Antimony trisulphide
- Iron sulphide (pyrite, synthetic)
- Calcium polysulphide
- Ammonium polysulphide
- Carbon disulphide (inorganic)
- Hydrogen sulphide (liquefied)
- Molybdenum disulphide
- Tungsten disulphide
- Copper(I) sulphide
- Copper(II) sulphide
- Silver sulphide
- Mercury sulphide (cinnabar, synthetic)
- Nickel sulphide
- Cobalt sulphide
- Tin(II) sulphide
- Arsenic trisulphide
- Germanium disulphide
- Gallium sulphide
- Indium sulphide
- Thallium sulphide
- Examples
A leather tanning factory in Brazil imports large quantities of sodium sulphide from China, typically shipped in drums or bags, for dehairing animal hides. In another instance, a pigment manufacturer in the United States sources zinc sulphide from Germany, used as a white pigment in paints and plastics, often transported in smaller, specialized containers. Furthermore, an Australian agricultural company imports calcium polysulphide from India, applied as a fungicide and insecticide in orchards, usually in bulk liquid form in tanker trucks or ISO tanks.
Subheadings under 28.30 2
Codes often confused with 28.30
Common mistake. A common misclassification for products under 2830 is confusing them with sulphates or sulphites, which are different inorganic sulphur compounds classified under headings 2832 (sulphites, thiosulphates) and 2833 (sulphates, alums, peroxosulphates). For example, sodium sulphate (Glauber's salt) is distinct from sodium sulphide. Another error is classifying natural sulphide ores (e.g., galena for lead sulphide, sphalerite for zinc sulphide) under 2830 when they are unprocessed minerals, which belong to Chapter 26 (e.g., 2603 for copper ores or 2607 for lead ores). Lastly, organic sulphur compounds (e.g., thiols, mercaptans, or organo-sulphur dyes) are classified in Chapter 29, not 2830.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 2830, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2830 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 8.3% of world imports. The DR Congo did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 29% of its imports here ($15M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $215M 29% of world exports
- 2 Austria $140M 19% of world exports
- 3 Philippines $131M 18% of world exports
World total: $749M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $59M 8.3% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $42M 6.0% of world imports
- 3 Peru* ~$42M 5.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
The DR Congo did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 29% of its imports here ($15M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $710M 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.
Questions about HS 28.30
What is HS code 2830?
HS code 2830 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sulphides; polysulphides whether or not chemically defined. Heading 2830 encompasses sulphides and polysulphides, whether or not chemically defined. This classification covers inorganic compounds where sulfur is combined with a metal or non-metal, forming a sulphide (e.g., Na2S) or a polysulphide (e.g., Na2Sx, where x > 1). It includes a wide range of industrial chemicals, from common sodium sulphide, extensively used in the leather tanning industry and in ore flotation, to more specialized sulphides like zinc sulphide for pigments or barium sulphide for depilatories. The scope is strictly limited to inorganic sulphides and polysulphides, distinguishing them from organic sulphur compounds found in Chapter 29 (e.g., thiols, thioethers) and from sulfates or sulfites (2832, 2833). For trade compliance, accurate classification under 2830 is crucial due to the diverse industrial applications and the often hazardous nature of these compounds; many sulphides can release toxic hydrogen sulphide gas upon contact with acids, necessitating specific handling, labeling, and transportation regulations. Misclassification can lead to significant delays, penalties, and safety risks. Historically, sulphides have played a role in metallurgy and chemical processes for centuries. This heading is an essential part of Chapter 28, categorizing these specific inorganic sulphur compounds and differentiating them from other sulphur-containing chemicals based on their chemical structure and industrial utility.
What products fall under HS code 2830?
Sodium sulphide, Barium sulphide, Zinc sulphide, Cadmium sulphide, Lead sulphide, Antimony trisulphide, Iron sulphide (pyrite, synthetic), Calcium polysulphide, Ammonium polysulphide, Carbon disulphide (inorganic), Hydrogen sulphide (liquefied), Molybdenum disulphide, Tungsten disulphide, Copper(I) sulphide, Copper(II) sulphide, Silver sulphide, Mercury sulphide (cinnabar, synthetic), Nickel sulphide, Cobalt sulphide, Tin(II) sulphide, Arsenic trisulphide, Germanium disulphide, Gallium sulphide, Indium sulphide, Thallium sulphide
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2830?
A common misclassification for products under 2830 is confusing them with sulphates or sulphites, which are different inorganic sulphur compounds classified under headings 2832 (sulphites, thiosulphates) and 2833 (sulphates, alums, peroxosulphates). For example, sodium sulphate (Glauber's salt) is distinct from sodium sulphide. Another error is classifying natural sulphide ores (e.g., galena for lead sulphide, sphalerite for zinc sulphide) under 2830 when they are unprocessed minerals, which belong to Chapter 26 (e.g., 2603 for copper ores or 2607 for lead ores). Lastly, organic sulphur compounds (e.g., thiols, mercaptans, or organo-sulphur dyes) are classified in Chapter 29, not 2830.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2830?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2830 in UN Comtrade data were China ($215M, 29% of world exports), Austria ($140M) and the Philippines ($131M). World exports came to about $749M, 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 2830?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2830 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($59M, 8.3% of world imports), South Korea ($42M) and Peru (about $42M). World imports came to about $710M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The DR Congo did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 29% of its imports here ($15M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 2830 structured?
HS code 2830 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (30) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.