HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2833.21 – Sulphates; of magnesium
HS code 2833.21 is the 6-digit subheading for sulphates, of magnesium. It is used for magnesium sulphate heptahydrate (Epsom salt), anhydrous magnesium sulphate, agricultural-grade magnesium sulphate, pharmaceutical-grade magnesium sulphate and food-grade magnesium sulphate.
What HS 2833.21 covers
Magnesium sulphate, commonly known as Epsom salt, is a highly versatile inorganic compound with significant international trade. It is widely used in agriculture as a fertilizer to correct magnesium deficiencies in soil, in medicine as a laxative and for treating pre-eclampsia, and in bath salts for therapeutic purposes. The chemical industry also utilizes it in various processes. Key players in its trade include agricultural chemical suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, and personal care product manufacturers. The global market sees substantial movement of both anhydrous and hydrated forms (heptahydrate being most common), with purity and grade being critical factors for trade, especially between agricultural, pharmaceutical, and food-grade applications. Its widespread utility across multiple sectors ensures consistent demand and a robust global trade network.
- Covers
- Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate (Epsom salt)
- Anhydrous magnesium sulphate
- Agricultural-grade magnesium sulphate
- Pharmaceutical-grade magnesium sulphate
- Food-grade magnesium sulphate
- Magnesium sulphate monohydrate
- Examples
- Bath & Body Works Epsom Salt
- Morton Epsom Salt
- Compass Minerals Magnesium Sulphate
- Sigma-Aldrich Magnesium Sulphate
Codes often confused with 2833.21
Common mistake. This code is specific to magnesium sulphate. It can be confused with other sulphates like sodium sulphate (283311) or potassium sulphate (283329) if the specific cation (magnesium) is not correctly identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 283321, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 283321 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 8.2% of world imports. Finland reports $298M of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $195M 46% of world exports
- 2 Germany $111M 26% of world exports
- 3 Ireland $40M 9.2% of world exports
World total: $428M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Malaysia $39M 8.2% of world imports
- 2 Poland $37M 7.7% of world imports
- 3 United States $22M 4.6% of world imports
Finland reports $298M of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $473M 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 2833.21
Brazil does not split HS 2833.21: its NCM code is 2833.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.33 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2833.21
What is HS code 283321?
HS code 283321 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sulphates; of magnesium. Magnesium sulphate, commonly known as Epsom salt, is a highly versatile inorganic compound with significant international trade. It is widely used in agriculture as a fertilizer to correct magnesium deficiencies in soil, in medicine as a laxative and for treating pre-eclampsia, and in bath salts for therapeutic purposes. The chemical industry also utilizes it in various processes. Key players in its trade include agricultural chemical suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, and personal care product manufacturers. The global market sees substantial movement of both anhydrous and hydrated forms (heptahydrate being most common), with purity and grade being critical factors for trade, especially between agricultural, pharmaceutical, and food-grade applications. Its widespread utility across multiple sectors ensures consistent demand and a robust global trade network.
What products fall under HS code 283321?
Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate (Epsom salt), Anhydrous magnesium sulphate, Agricultural-grade magnesium sulphate, Pharmaceutical-grade magnesium sulphate, Food-grade magnesium sulphate, Magnesium sulphate monohydrate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 283321?
This code is specific to magnesium sulphate. It can be confused with other sulphates like sodium sulphate (283311) or potassium sulphate (283329) if the specific cation (magnesium) is not correctly identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 283321?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 283321 in UN Comtrade data were China ($195M, 46% of world exports), Germany ($111M) and Ireland ($40M). World exports came to about $428M, 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 283321?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 283321 in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($39M, 8.2% of world imports), Poland ($37M) and the United States ($22M). World imports came to about $473M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Finland reports $298M of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 283321 structured?
HS code 283321 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (33) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 283321?
In Brazil, HS code 283321 is NCM 2833.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.