Product classification

HS code for Ammonium thiosulphate: 2832.30

Thiosulphates.

Classification of ammonium thiosulphate under HS 2832.30

Ammonium thiosulphate, with the chemical formula (NH4)2S2O3, is classified under HS code 2832.30. Heading 2832 is specifically allocated for sulphites, thiosulphates, and their related salts. Within this heading, the nomenclature provides a specific subheading, 2832.30, for all thiosulphates. This classification is straightforward as it is based on the specific anionic group (thiosulphate) present in the compound. Ammonium thiosulphate is commonly produced as a solution or in crystalline form. It is a significant industrial chemical used primarily in photographic fixing agents to dissolve silver halides from film and paper. Additionally, it is used in gold leaching processes and as a specialized fertilizer additive. While it contains nitrogen and sulfur, its primary chemical identity as a thiosulphate salt dictates its placement in Chapter 28 rather than Chapter 31, unless it is specifically formulated and packaged as a fertilizer. The clarity of the 2832.30 subheading reduces the likelihood of classification errors compared to more generic \"other\" categories, provided the chemical purity meets the standards for Chapter 28. The classification remains consistent whether the product is in solid form or in an aqueous solution, provided no other substances have been added to change its character.

Covers
  • Ammonium thiosulphate (ATS) crystals
  • Ammonium thiosulphate liquid solutions (60% typical)
  • Photographic grade ammonium thiosulphate
  • Technical grade ammonium thiosulphate
  • Ammonium hyposulphite
Also under 2832.30
  • BASF Sodium Thiosulphate
  • Solvay Sodium Thiosulphate
  • Sigma-Aldrich Ammonium Thiosulphate
  • Eastman Kodak Thiosulphate Fixer

Codes often confused with 2832.30

Common mistake. Ammonium thiosulphate is sometimes misclassified under HS code 2833.29, which covers other sulphates. However, thiosulphates (S2O3) are chemically distinct from sulphates (SO4) and have their own dedicated subheading in 2832.30. Another common error is classification under 3102.80 (mixtures of urea and ammonium nitrate) or 3105.90 when used in agriculture. Unless the product is a prepared fertilizer mixture or packaged for retail sale as a fertilizer, the pure chemical or its simple aqueous solution must be classified under 2832.30.

2833.29Sulphates; n.e.c. in item no. 2833.23102.80Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; nitrogenous, mixtures of urea and ammonium nitrate in aqueous or ammoniacal solution3105.90Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; n.e.c. in heading no. 3105

Top exporters and importers of HS 283230 (the code used for ammonium thiosulphate), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283230 (the code used for ammonium thiosulphate) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.0% 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.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 283230, not only ammonium thiosulphate.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $31M
  2. 2 Belgium $24M
  3. 3 China $15M

World total: $115M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $11M
  2. 2 Mexico $11M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $9.7M

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: $123M 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 thiosulphate

Brazil splits HS 2832.30 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 thiosulphate

What is the HS code for Ammonium thiosulphate?

The HS code for Ammonium thiosulphate is 283230 (Thiosulphates). The HS code for ammonium thiosulphate is 2832.30, which is the specific code for thiosulphates.

How do I classify Ammonium thiosulphate for customs?

Ammonium thiosulphate is classified under HS code 283230 — Thiosulphates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Why is ammonium thiosulphate used in photography?

It acts as a \"fixer,\" which means it removes unexposed silver halide from the photographic emulsion, making the image permanent and insensitive to further light exposure.

Which countries are the top exporters of ammonium thiosulphate (HS 283230)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283230 (the code used for ammonium thiosulphate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($31M, 27% of world exports), Belgium ($24M) and China ($15M). World exports came to about $115M, 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 thiosulphate (HS 283230)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 283230 (the code used for ammonium thiosulphate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($11M, 9.0% of world imports), Mexico ($11M) and the United Kingdom ($9.7M). World imports came to about $123M, 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.

Is the HS code for Ammonium thiosulphate the same in all countries?

The base HS code 283230 for Ammonium thiosulphate 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 thiosulphate in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 283230 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for ammonium thiosulphate depends on the product's details: 2832.30.10 (Ammonium thiosulphate), 2832.30.20 (Sodium thiosulphate), 2832.30.90 (Other thiosulphates).