Product classification

HS code for Ammonium persulphate: 2833.40

Peroxosulphates (persulphates).

Classification of ammonium persulphate under HS 2833.40

Ammonium persulphate, also known as ammonium peroxodisulphate, is an inorganic chemical compound. The Harmonized System (HS) classifies inorganic chemicals primarily under Chapter 28. Specifically, heading 2833 covers sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates (persulphates). Subheading 2833.40 is precisely designated for "Peroxosulphates (persulphates)". This classification is appropriate because ammonium persulphate is a peroxosulphate, aligning directly with the chemical nature and explicit mention within the HS code description. Its unique chemical structure, featuring the peroxo group, distinguishes it from other sulphate compounds and places it accurately within this specific subheading.

Covers
  • Ammonium peroxodisulphate
  • Potassium persulphate
  • Sodium persulphate
  • Other inorganic peroxosulphates
Also under 2833.40
  • Hair Bleach (L'Oréal, Wella)
  • PCB Etchants (various chemical suppliers)
  • Polymerization Initiators (BASF, Arkema)
  • Water Treatment Oxidizers

Codes often confused with 2833.40

Common mistake. Ammonium persulphate can be commonly misclassified with other inorganic sulphates, particularly those under HS code 2833.29, which covers "Other sulphates" (e.g., ammonium sulphate). The critical distinction lies in the "peroxo" or "per" prefix in peroxosulphates, indicating a higher oxidation state and a different chemical structure (containing the S₂O₈²⁻ ion) compared to simple sulphates (SO₄²⁻). This structural difference is fundamental to its classification under 2833.40, rather than the general sulphates of 2833.29. Careful attention to the full chemical name and structure is essential to avoid this misclassification.

2833.29Sulphates; n.e.c. in item no. 2833.2

Top exporters and importers of HS 283340 (the code used for ammonium persulphate), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283340 (the code used for ammonium persulphate) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 11% 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 283340, not only ammonium persulphate.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $37M
  2. 2 China $35M
  3. 3 Japan $14M

World total: $130M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Italy $17M
  2. 2 South Korea $12M
  3. 3 United States $11M

World total: $159M 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 ammonium persulphate

Brazil splits HS 2833.40 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about ammonium persulphate

What is the HS code for Ammonium persulphate?

The HS code for Ammonium persulphate is 283340 (Peroxosulphates (persulphates)). The HS code for Ammonium persulphate is 283340.

How do I classify Ammonium persulphate for customs?

Ammonium persulphate is classified under HS code 283340 — Peroxosulphates (persulphates). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the primary industrial application of Ammonium persulphate?

Ammonium persulphate is primarily used as a powerful oxidizing agent, a bleaching agent, and a polymerization initiator. It finds extensive application in the electronics industry for etching printed circuit boards, in hair bleaching products, and as a starter for emulsion polymerization processes.

Which countries are the top exporters of ammonium persulphate (HS 283340)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283340 (the code used for ammonium persulphate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($37M, 29% of world exports), China ($35M) and Japan ($14M). World exports came to about $130M, 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 ammonium persulphate (HS 283340)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 283340 (the code used for ammonium persulphate) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($17M, 11% of world imports), South Korea ($12M) and the United States ($11M). World imports came to about $159M, 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 Ammonium persulphate the same in all countries?

The base HS code 283340 for Ammonium persulphate 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 ammonium persulphate in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 283340 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for ammonium persulphate depends on the product's details: 2833.40.10 (Sodium peroxosulphate (persulphate)), 2833.40.20 (Ammonium peroxosulphate (persulphate)), 2833.40.90 (Other peroxosulphates (persulphates)).