HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2835.39 – Polyphosphates; other than sodium triphosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate), whether or not chemically defined
HS code 2835.39 is the 6-digit subheading for polyphosphates, other than sodium triphosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate), whether or not chemically defined. It is used for sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), potassium tripolyphosphate (KTPP), ammonium polyphosphate (APP), tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) and sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP).
What HS 2835.39 covers
This HS code covers a diverse range of polyphosphates, excluding the highly specific sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) found in 2835.31. These "other" polyphosphates include compounds like sodium hexametaphosphate, potassium polyphosphates, and ammonium polyphosphates, each with unique industrial applications. They are widely used as sequestrants, dispersants, emulsifiers, and flame retardants in various sectors, including food processing, water treatment, ceramics, and textiles. Countries with advanced manufacturing capabilities and a need for specialized chemical additives are key importers. Exporters are typically chemical manufacturing hubs with the expertise to produce these complex inorganic polymers. Understanding the specific chain length and cation of the polyphosphate is crucial for correct classification and application, as their properties vary significantly. The trade in these specialized chemicals underpins many modern industrial processes, from enhancing food texture to preventing fires.
- Covers
- Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP)
- Potassium tripolyphosphate (KTPP)
- Ammonium polyphosphate (APP)
- Tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP)
- Sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP)
- Sodium polyphosphate glass
- Examples
- ICL (food phosphates)
- Innophos (specialty phosphates)
- Budenheim (food ingredients)
- Clariant (flame retardants)
Codes often confused with 2835.39
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 283531 if the polyphosphate is sodium tripolyphosphate, or with 283529 if it's a complex orthophosphate rather than a true polyphosphate.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 283539, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 283539 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $343M 35% of world exports
- 2 Germany $194M 20% of world exports
- 3 United States $107M 11% of world exports
World total: $983M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $104M 10% of world imports
- 2 Canada $52M 5.1% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $51M 4.9% of world imports
The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
World total: $1.0B 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 2835.39 4
Brazil splits HS 2835.39 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 2835.39.10 Sodium metaphosphatesMetafosfatos de sódio
- 2835.39.20 Sodium pyrophosphatesPirofosfatos de sódio
- 2835.39.30 Zinc pyrophosphatePirofosfato de zinco
- 2835.39.90 Other polyphosphatesOutros
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 2835.39
What is HS code 283539?
HS code 283539 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Polyphosphates; other than sodium triphosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate), whether or not chemically defined. This HS code covers a diverse range of polyphosphates, excluding the highly specific sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) found in 2835.31. These "other" polyphosphates include compounds like sodium hexametaphosphate, potassium polyphosphates, and ammonium polyphosphates, each with unique industrial applications. They are widely used as sequestrants, dispersants, emulsifiers, and flame retardants in various sectors, including food processing, water treatment, ceramics, and textiles. Countries with advanced manufacturing capabilities and a need for specialized chemical additives are key importers. Exporters are typically chemical manufacturing hubs with the expertise to produce these complex inorganic polymers. Understanding the specific chain length and cation of the polyphosphate is crucial for correct classification and application, as their properties vary significantly. The trade in these specialized chemicals underpins many modern industrial processes, from enhancing food texture to preventing fires.
What products fall under HS code 283539?
Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), Potassium tripolyphosphate (KTPP), Ammonium polyphosphate (APP), Tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP), Sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP), Sodium polyphosphate glass
What are common misclassifications for HS code 283539?
This code is often confused with 283531 if the polyphosphate is sodium tripolyphosphate, or with 283529 if it's a complex orthophosphate rather than a true polyphosphate.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 283539?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 283539 in UN Comtrade data were China ($343M, 35% of world exports), Germany ($194M) and the United States ($107M). World exports came to about $983M, 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 283539?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 283539 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($104M, 10% of world imports), Canada ($52M) and the United Kingdom ($51M). World imports came to about $1.0B, 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 its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
How is HS code 283539 structured?
HS code 283539 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 (39) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 283539?
Brazil splits HS code 283539 into 4 NCM codes: 2835.39.10 (Sodium metaphosphates), 2835.39.20 (Sodium pyrophosphates), 2835.39.30 (Zinc pyrophosphate), 2835.39.90 (Other polyphosphates). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.