HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2835.31 – Polyphosphates; sodium triphosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate), whether or not chemically defined
HS code 2835.31 is the 6-digit subheading for polyphosphates, sodium triphosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate), whether or not chemically defined. It is used for sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) granular, sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) powder, food grade STPP, industrial grade STPP and detergent grade STPP.
What HS 2835.31 covers
Sodium triphosphate, commonly known as sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), is a widely traded polyphosphate under this HS code. It's a critical ingredient primarily used as a builder in detergents, enhancing cleaning efficiency by sequestering hard water minerals. Beyond detergents, STPP also finds applications in food preservation, as a preservative and emulsifier, and in water treatment. Countries with large consumer goods manufacturing sectors, particularly those producing laundry detergents and processed foods, are significant importers. Exporters are typically nations with robust chemical industries and access to phosphate raw materials. Key considerations in trade include purity levels, particle size, and compliance with food safety or environmental regulations, especially concerning its use in detergents due to environmental impact concerns in some regions. Its global demand is closely tied to household consumption patterns and industrial processing needs.
- Covers
- Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) granular
- Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) powder
- Food grade STPP
- Industrial grade STPP
- Detergent grade STPP
- Technical grade STPP
- Examples
- P&G (detergents)
- Unilever (detergents)
- Innophos (food ingredients)
- ICL (industrial chemicals)
Codes often confused with 2835.31
Common mistake. This code is quite specific, but it could be confused with other sodium phosphates like 283522 (mono- or disodium orthophosphates) if the "poly" aspect is overlooked, or with 283539 if it's another polyphosphate.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 283531, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 283531 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 China $224M 44% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $95M 19% of world exports
- 3 Canada $41M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $504M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $83M 16% of world imports
- 2 India $42M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $28M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $519M 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 codes for 2835.31 2
Brazil splits HS 2835.31 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2835.31.10 Food-grade sodium tripolyphosphateGrau alimentício, de acordo com o estabelecido pela Food and Agriculture Organization - Organização Mundial da Saúde (FAO - OMS) ou pelo Food Chemical Codex (FCC)
- 2835.31.90 Other sodium triphosphate (tripolyphosphate)Outros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.35 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2835.31
What is HS code 283531?
HS code 283531 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Polyphosphates; sodium triphosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate), whether or not chemically defined. Sodium triphosphate, commonly known as sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), is a widely traded polyphosphate under this HS code. It's a critical ingredient primarily used as a builder in detergents, enhancing cleaning efficiency by sequestering hard water minerals. Beyond detergents, STPP also finds applications in food preservation, as a preservative and emulsifier, and in water treatment. Countries with large consumer goods manufacturing sectors, particularly those producing laundry detergents and processed foods, are significant importers. Exporters are typically nations with robust chemical industries and access to phosphate raw materials. Key considerations in trade include purity levels, particle size, and compliance with food safety or environmental regulations, especially concerning its use in detergents due to environmental impact concerns in some regions. Its global demand is closely tied to household consumption patterns and industrial processing needs.
What products fall under HS code 283531?
Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) granular, Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) powder, Food grade STPP, Industrial grade STPP, Detergent grade STPP, Technical grade STPP
What are common misclassifications for HS code 283531?
This code is quite specific, but it could be confused with other sodium phosphates like 283522 (mono- or disodium orthophosphates) if the "poly" aspect is overlooked, or with 283539 if it's another polyphosphate.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 283531?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 283531 in UN Comtrade data were China ($224M, 44% of world exports), Belgium ($95M) and Canada ($41M). World exports came to about $504M, 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 283531?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 283531 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($83M, 16% of world imports), India ($42M) and Brazil ($28M). World imports came to about $519M, 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 283531 structured?
HS code 283531 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (35) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 283531?
Brazil splits HS code 283531 into 2 NCM codes: 2835.31.10 (Food-grade sodium tripolyphosphate), 2835.31.90 (Other sodium triphosphate (tripolyphosphate)). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.