HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2842.90 – Salts; of inorganic acids or peroxoacids, other than double or complex silicates, including aluminosilicates, whether or not chemically, excluding azides
HS code 2842.90 is the 6-digit subheading for salts, of inorganic acids or peroxoacids, other than double or complex silicates, including aluminosilicates, whether or not chemically, excluding azides. It is used for sodium carbonate, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium sulfate and ammonium sulfate.
What HS 2842.90 covers
This HS code encompasses a broad range of inorganic salts and peroxoacids, excluding specific silicates and azides, that are not classified elsewhere in Chapter 28. These are fundamental chemical building blocks with diverse applications across numerous industries. Key importers and exporters include large chemical manufacturers, distributors, and companies in sectors such as agriculture, water treatment, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. Trade often involves bulk quantities for industrial use, but also specialized grades for high-purity applications. Understanding the specific chemical composition and intended use is crucial for correct classification, as this is a residual category. The global market for these salts is driven by industrial demand, agricultural needs, and environmental regulations, making them essential commodities in international trade.
- Covers
- Sodium carbonate
- Potassium chloride
- Calcium chloride
- Magnesium sulfate
- Ammonium sulfate
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Zinc sulfate
- Sodium thiosulfate
- Examples
- Solvay (sodium carbonate)
- K+S (potassium chloride)
- Dow Chemical (calcium chloride)
- BASF (ammonium sulfate)
- Compass Minerals (magnesium sulfate)
Codes often confused with 2842.90
Common mistake. This code is a residual category for 'other' inorganic salts, so it can be confused with more specific salt classifications like carbonates (2836), chlorides (2827), or sulfates (2833) if the salt has a dedicated subheading.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 284290, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 284290 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 85% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 71% 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 $2.8B 85% of world exports
- 2 Germany $149M 4.6% of world exports
- 3 Canada $67M 2.0% of world exports
World total: $3.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.9B 71% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $146M 5.4% of world imports
- 3 United States $126M 4.7% of world imports
World total: $2.7B 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 2842.90
Brazil does not split HS 2842.90: its NCM code is 2842.90.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.42 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2842.90
What is HS code 284290?
HS code 284290 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Salts; of inorganic acids or peroxoacids, other than double or complex silicates, including aluminosilicates, whether or not chemically, excluding azides. This HS code encompasses a broad range of inorganic salts and peroxoacids, excluding specific silicates and azides, that are not classified elsewhere in Chapter 28. These are fundamental chemical building blocks with diverse applications across numerous industries. Key importers and exporters include large chemical manufacturers, distributors, and companies in sectors such as agriculture, water treatment, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. Trade often involves bulk quantities for industrial use, but also specialized grades for high-purity applications. Understanding the specific chemical composition and intended use is crucial for correct classification, as this is a residual category. The global market for these salts is driven by industrial demand, agricultural needs, and environmental regulations, making them essential commodities in international trade.
What products fall under HS code 284290?
Sodium carbonate, Potassium chloride, Calcium chloride, Magnesium sulfate, Ammonium sulfate, Sodium bicarbonate, Zinc sulfate, Sodium thiosulfate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 284290?
This code is a residual category for 'other' inorganic salts, so it can be confused with more specific salt classifications like carbonates (2836), chlorides (2827), or sulfates (2833) if the salt has a dedicated subheading.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 284290?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 284290 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.8B, 85% of world exports), Germany ($149M) and Canada ($67M). World exports came to about $3.3B, 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 284290?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 284290 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.9B, 71% of world imports), Indonesia ($146M) and the United States ($126M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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 284290 structured?
HS code 284290 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (42) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 284290?
In Brazil, HS code 284290 is NCM 2842.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.