HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 28.35 – Phosphinates (hypophosphites), phosphonates (phosphites), and phosphates; and polyphosphates, whether or not chemically defined
What HS 28.35 covers
HS Code 2835 encompasses phosphinates (hypophosphites), phosphonates (phosphites), and phosphates, including polyphosphates, whether or not chemically defined. This broad and critically important heading covers a vast array of inorganic phosphorus compounds essential to modern industry and agriculture. Phosphates are the most prevalent, used extensively as fertilizers (e.g., monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate), food additives (e.g., calcium phosphates, sodium phosphates for leavening agents, emulsifiers), detergents (e.g., sodium tripolyphosphate), water treatment chemicals, and flame retardants. Phosphinates (hypophosphites) and phosphonates (phosphites), while less common than phosphates, serve niche roles as reducing agents, corrosion inhibitors, and intermediates in organic synthesis. Polyphosphates, such as sodium hexametaphosphate, are complex polymers of phosphate units, valued for their sequestering and dispersing properties in detergents, water treatment, and food processing. The phrase 'whether or not chemically defined' for polyphosphates acknowledges their often polymeric and non-stoichiometric nature. Precise classification under 2835 is crucial for determining accurate customs duties, complying with food safety regulations, agricultural standards, and environmental regulations concerning phosphorus discharge. These compounds are fundamental to global food security, hygiene, and industrial production, making them significant commodities in international trade. As part of Chapter 28, this heading consolidates a diverse group of phosphorus-oxygen inorganic salts, distinguishing them by their specific chemical structures and extensive range of applications.
- Covers
- Sodium hypophosphite
- Calcium hypophosphite
- Sodium phosphite
- Potassium phosphite
- Disodium phosphate
- Trisodium phosphate
- Monocalcium phosphate
- Dicalcium phosphate
- Tricalcium phosphate
- Ammonium phosphate
- Potassium phosphate
- Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP)
- Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP)
- Tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP)
- Phosphoric acid salts
- Monosodium phosphate
- Diammonium phosphate
- Monoammonium phosphate
- Tripotassium phosphate
- Zinc phosphate
- Ferric phosphate
- Magnesium phosphate
- Aluminum phosphate
- Calcium pyrophosphate
- Examples
A detergent manufacturer in Egypt imports large volumes of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) from China via ocean freight for use in producing powdered laundry detergents. An animal feed producer in Southeast Asia procures monocalcium phosphate from the USA, transported in bulk bags, to fortify livestock feed. A major agricultural company in Brazil imports ammonium phosphate fertilizers from Morocco, utilizing bulk cargo ships for efficient transport across the Atlantic. An industrial cleaning supplier in Canada sources trisodium phosphate (TSP) from Germany for heavy-duty degreasers and cleaners, often shipped in large drums or sacks. A food additive distributor in the UK imports dicalcium phosphate from India for use in nutritional supplements and flour enrichment.
Subheadings under 28.35 8
Codes often confused with 28.35
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for products under 2835 often involve distinguishing pure chemical compounds from mixtures or preparations. For instance, while diammonium phosphate is a pure chemical under 2835, if it's blended with other nutrients and put up as a specific fertilizer mixture, it might fall under Chapter 31 (Fertilizers). Similarly, sodium tripolyphosphate is 2835, but a prepared detergent containing it would be in Chapter 34 (Soaps, organic surface-active agents). Traders must carefully ascertain if the product is a single, chemically defined compound or a formulated preparation. Confusion can also arise with phosphoric acid (2809) if the product is not a salt. Incorrect classification can lead to significant duty discrepancies and non-compliance with sector-specific regulations, such as those for food additives or agricultural inputs.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 2835, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2835 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.6% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $2.7B 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 $1.7B 34% of world exports
- 2 Germany $514M 10% of world exports
- 3 United States $321M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $5.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $486M 9.6% of world imports
- 2 Germany $246M 4.8% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $206M 4.1% of world imports
The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $5.1B 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 28.35
What is HS code 2835?
HS code 2835 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Phosphinates (hypophosphites), phosphonates (phosphites), and phosphates; and polyphosphates, whether or not chemically defined. HS Code 2835 encompasses phosphinates (hypophosphites), phosphonates (phosphites), and phosphates, including polyphosphates, whether or not chemically defined. This broad and critically important heading covers a vast array of inorganic phosphorus compounds essential to modern industry and agriculture. Phosphates are the most prevalent, used extensively as fertilizers (e.g., monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate), food additives (e.g., calcium phosphates, sodium phosphates for leavening agents, emulsifiers), detergents (e.g., sodium tripolyphosphate), water treatment chemicals, and flame retardants. Phosphinates (hypophosphites) and phosphonates (phosphites), while less common than phosphates, serve niche roles as reducing agents, corrosion inhibitors, and intermediates in organic synthesis. Polyphosphates, such as sodium hexametaphosphate, are complex polymers of phosphate units, valued for their sequestering and dispersing properties in detergents, water treatment, and food processing. The phrase 'whether or not chemically defined' for polyphosphates acknowledges their often polymeric and non-stoichiometric nature. Precise classification under 2835 is crucial for determining accurate customs duties, complying with food safety regulations, agricultural standards, and environmental regulations concerning phosphorus discharge. These compounds are fundamental to global food security, hygiene, and industrial production, making them significant commodities in international trade. As part of Chapter 28, this heading consolidates a diverse group of phosphorus-oxygen inorganic salts, distinguishing them by their specific chemical structures and extensive range of applications.
What products fall under HS code 2835?
Sodium hypophosphite, Calcium hypophosphite, Sodium phosphite, Potassium phosphite, Disodium phosphate, Trisodium phosphate, Monocalcium phosphate, Dicalcium phosphate, Tricalcium phosphate, Ammonium phosphate, Potassium phosphate, Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), Tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP), Phosphoric acid salts, Monosodium phosphate, Diammonium phosphate, Monoammonium phosphate, Tripotassium phosphate, Zinc phosphate, Ferric phosphate, Magnesium phosphate, Aluminum phosphate, Calcium pyrophosphate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2835?
Common misclassifications for products under 2835 often involve distinguishing pure chemical compounds from mixtures or preparations. For instance, while diammonium phosphate is a pure chemical under 2835, if it's blended with other nutrients and put up as a specific fertilizer mixture, it might fall under Chapter 31 (Fertilizers). Similarly, sodium tripolyphosphate is 2835, but a prepared detergent containing it would be in Chapter 34 (Soaps, organic surface-active agents). Traders must carefully ascertain if the product is a single, chemically defined compound or a formulated preparation. Confusion can also arise with phosphoric acid (2809) if the product is not a salt. Incorrect classification can lead to significant duty discrepancies and non-compliance with sector-specific regulations, such as those for food additives or agricultural inputs.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2835?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2835 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.7B, 34% of world exports), Germany ($514M) and the United States ($321M). World exports came to about $5.0B, 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 2835?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2835 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($486M, 9.6% of world imports), Germany ($246M) and Brazil ($206M). World imports came to about $5.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 2835 structured?
HS code 2835 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (35) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.