HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 2833.30 – Alums

HS code 2833.30 is the 6-digit subheading for alums. It is used for potassium alum, ammonium alum, sodium alum, chrome alum and aluminium sulphate (often referred to as 'alum' in water treatment).

What HS 2833.30 covers

This HS code specifically covers alums, which are a distinct group of double sulphates, typically comprising an alkali metal and a trivalent metal. The most common variant is potassium aluminium sulphate. Alums are indispensable in water purification processes, where they function as effective flocculating agents to remove impurities. They also play a crucial role in the textile industry as mordants, enhancing dye adherence, and are utilized in leather tanning. Furthermore, alums find applications in certain cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, acting as astringents or deodorants. Importers primarily include municipal water treatment facilities, textile manufacturers, and chemical distributors. Exporters are typically large chemical corporations situated in countries with well-established chemical industries. Key trade considerations involve purity, crystal size, and the precise chemical composition, as different alums are tailored for distinct applications. The global demand for alums remains consistent, driven by essential industrial processes and public health requirements.

Covers
  • Potassium alum
  • Ammonium alum
  • Sodium alum
  • Chrome alum
  • Aluminium sulphate (often referred to as 'alum' in water treatment)
  • Ferric alum
Examples
  • Alum Stone (deodorant)
  • Water Treatment Alum (various suppliers)
  • Mordant Alum (textile dyes)
  • Styptic Pencil (shaving products)

Codes often confused with 2833.30

Common mistake. Alums can sometimes be confused with other aluminium sulphates under 2833.22, but 2833.30 specifically covers the double sulphate compounds known as alums.

2833.22Sulphates; of aluminium

Top exporters and importers of HS code 283330, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 283330 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% 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 China $5.9M
  2. 2 Mexico $3.4M
  3. 3 India $2.0M

World total: $20M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $8.3M
  2. 2 Thailand $2.6M
  3. 3 India $2.3M

World total: $29M 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 2833.30

Brazil does not split HS 2833.30: its NCM code is 2833.30.00.

  1. 2833.30.00 AlumsAlumes

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 2833.30

What is HS code 283330?

HS code 283330 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Alums. This HS code specifically covers alums, which are a distinct group of double sulphates, typically comprising an alkali metal and a trivalent metal. The most common variant is potassium aluminium sulphate. Alums are indispensable in water purification processes, where they function as effective flocculating agents to remove impurities. They also play a crucial role in the textile industry as mordants, enhancing dye adherence, and are utilized in leather tanning. Furthermore, alums find applications in certain cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, acting as astringents or deodorants. Importers primarily include municipal water treatment facilities, textile manufacturers, and chemical distributors. Exporters are typically large chemical corporations situated in countries with well-established chemical industries. Key trade considerations involve purity, crystal size, and the precise chemical composition, as different alums are tailored for distinct applications. The global demand for alums remains consistent, driven by essential industrial processes and public health requirements.

What products fall under HS code 283330?

Potassium alum, Ammonium alum, Sodium alum, Chrome alum, Aluminium sulphate (often referred to as 'alum' in water treatment), Ferric alum

What are common misclassifications for HS code 283330?

Alums can sometimes be confused with other aluminium sulphates under 2833.22, but 2833.30 specifically covers the double sulphate compounds known as alums.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 283330?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 283330 in UN Comtrade data were China ($5.9M, 30% of world exports), Mexico ($3.4M) and India ($2.0M). World exports came to about $20M, 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 283330?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 283330 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($8.3M, 29% of world imports), Thailand ($2.6M) and India ($2.3M). World imports came to about $29M, 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 283330 structured?

HS code 283330 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 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 283330?

In Brazil, HS code 283330 is NCM 2833.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.