HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2832.20 – Sulphites; other than of sodium
HS code 2832.20 is the 6-digit subheading for sulphites, other than of sodium. It is used for potassium sulphite, calcium sulphite, magnesium sulphite, ammonium sulphite and lithium sulphite.
What HS 2832.20 covers
This category encompasses a range of sulphite compounds, excluding those of sodium, which are vital in various industrial processes. These "other" sulphites often include potassium sulphite, calcium sulphite, and magnesium sulphite, each possessing unique properties and applications. They are primarily traded for their roles as reducing agents, preservatives, and antioxidants in sectors such as food and beverage (e.g., wine production), pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemistry. Manufacturers of specialty chemicals and distributors are key players in this trade, supplying to diverse end-user industries. The global trade landscape for these sulphites is characterized by specialized demand, often driven by specific formulation requirements where sodium sulphites might not be suitable due to solubility, reactivity, or regulatory reasons. Understanding the specific cation (potassium, calcium, etc.) is paramount for accurate classification and trade.
- Covers
- Potassium sulphite
- Calcium sulphite
- Magnesium sulphite
- Ammonium sulphite
- Lithium sulphite
- Zinc sulphite
- Barium sulphite
- Examples
- Merck Potassium Sulphite
- Sigma-Aldrich Calcium Sulphite
- Alfa Aesar Magnesium Sulphite
- Spectrum Chemical Ammonium Sulphite
Codes often confused with 2832.20
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 283210 (sodium sulphites) if the specific cation is overlooked, or with other sulphur compounds like 2833 (sulphates) due to similar chemical nomenclature. Careful identification of the cation and the "sulphite" anion is key.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 283220, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 283220 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 21% 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 States $11M 29% of world exports
- 2 India $7.1M 18% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $4.5M 12% of world exports
World total: $38M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $18M 21% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $7.4M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 Spain $7.2M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $87M 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 2832.20
Brazil does not split HS 2832.20: its NCM code is 2832.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.32 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2832.20
What is HS code 283220?
HS code 283220 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sulphites; other than of sodium. This category encompasses a range of sulphite compounds, excluding those of sodium, which are vital in various industrial processes. These "other" sulphites often include potassium sulphite, calcium sulphite, and magnesium sulphite, each possessing unique properties and applications. They are primarily traded for their roles as reducing agents, preservatives, and antioxidants in sectors such as food and beverage (e.g., wine production), pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemistry. Manufacturers of specialty chemicals and distributors are key players in this trade, supplying to diverse end-user industries. The global trade landscape for these sulphites is characterized by specialized demand, often driven by specific formulation requirements where sodium sulphites might not be suitable due to solubility, reactivity, or regulatory reasons. Understanding the specific cation (potassium, calcium, etc.) is paramount for accurate classification and trade.
What products fall under HS code 283220?
Potassium sulphite, Calcium sulphite, Magnesium sulphite, Ammonium sulphite, Lithium sulphite, Zinc sulphite, Barium sulphite
What are common misclassifications for HS code 283220?
This code is often confused with 283210 (sodium sulphites) if the specific cation is overlooked, or with other sulphur compounds like 2833 (sulphates) due to similar chemical nomenclature. Careful identification of the cation and the "sulphite" anion is key.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 283220?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 283220 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($11M, 29% of world exports), India ($7.1M) and the United Kingdom ($4.5M). World exports came to about $38M, 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 283220?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 283220 in UN Comtrade data were France ($18M, 21% of world imports), Mexico ($7.4M) and Spain ($7.2M). World imports came to about $87M, 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 283220 structured?
HS code 283220 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (32) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 283220?
In Brazil, HS code 283220 is NCM 2832.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.