Product classification
HS code for Alum: 2833.22
Sulphates, of aluminium.
Classification of alum under HS 2833.22
Alum, specifically referring to aluminium sulphate in a commercial and industrial context, is classified under HS code 2833.22. This code is part of Chapter 28, which encompasses inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. Heading 2833 is dedicated to sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates. The subheading 2833.22 is the specific designation for sulphates of aluminium. This classification is based on the chemical composition of the substance, which is an inorganic salt produced by the reaction of sulphuric acid with an aluminium-bearing material like bauxite. It is widely used in water treatment as a coagulant and in the paper industry as a sizing agent. Because it is a defined chemical compound, it must be classified according to its molecular structure rather than its end-use application.
- Covers
- Aluminium sulphate (technical grade)
- Papermaker's alum
- Filter alum used in water purification
- Kibbled or ground aluminium sulphate
- Non-ferric aluminium sulphate
- Also under 2833.22
- Kemira Aluminium Sulphate
- GEO Specialty Chemicals Aluminium Sulphate
- BASF Aluminium Sulphate
- Sigma-Aldrich Aluminium Sulphate
Codes often confused with 2833.22
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs between 2833.22 and 2833.30. While 2833.22 is for simple aluminium sulphate, 2833.30 is reserved for "Alums," which in strict chemical terms are double sulphates (such as potassium aluminium sulphate). Importers often use the term "alum" generically for both, leading to errors. Additionally, if the alum is prepared as a medicament for retail sale (e.g., a styptic pencil), it may be moved to Chapter 30.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283322 (the code used for alum), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283322 (the code used for alum) in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 7.3% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 283322, not only alum.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Türkiye $29M 20% of world exports
- 2 China $22M 16% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $13M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $141M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $13M 7.3% of world imports
- 2 Angola $9.9M 5.8% of world imports
- 3 Austria $8.1M 4.7% of world imports
World total: $172M 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 alum
Brazil classifies alum under NCM 2833.22.00: HS 2833.22 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about alum
What is the HS code for Alum?
The HS code for Alum is 283322 (Sulphates; of aluminium). The HS code for aluminium sulphate, commonly known as alum, is 2833.22.
How do I classify Alum for customs?
Alum is classified under HS code 283322 — Sulphates; of aluminium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is potassium alum classified under this code?
No, potassium aluminium sulphate is classified under HS code 2833.30 as a double sulphate (alum).
Which countries are the top exporters of alum (HS 283322)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283322 (the code used for alum) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($29M, 20% of world exports), China ($22M) and Sweden ($13M). World exports came to about $141M, 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 alum (HS 283322)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283322 (the code used for alum) in UN Comtrade data were France ($13M, 7.3% of world imports), Angola ($9.9M) and Austria ($8.1M). World imports came to about $172M, 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.
Is the HS code for Alum the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283322 for Alum is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for alum in Brazil?
In Brazil, alum (HS 283322) is classified under NCM 2833.22.00.