Product classification
HS code for Bleaching powder: 2828.10
Hypochlorites, commercial calcium hypochlorite and other calcium hypochlorites.
Classification of bleaching powder under HS 2828.10
Bleaching powder, chemically known as calcium hypochlorite, is classified under HS code 2828.10. This classification is determined by the chemical composition of the product, which falls under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System, covering inorganic chemicals. Specifically, heading 2828 is designated for hypochlorites, chlorites, and hypobromites. Bleaching powder is a mixture of calcium hypochlorite, calcium chloride, and calcium hydroxide. Because the primary active ingredient is commercial calcium hypochlorite, it is categorized under the subheading 2828.10. The classification follows General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since the product is an inorganic salt of an oxoacid of halogen, it fits the technical description of this heading perfectly. It is widely used in industrial bleaching of paper and textiles, as well as in water treatment for disinfection purposes.
- Covers
- Commercial calcium hypochlorite
- High-grade bleaching powder (stable)
- Calcium hypochlorite mixtures for water purification
- Technical grade bleaching powder for textile processing
- Disinfectant powders based on calcium hypochlorite
- Also under 2828.10
- HTH Calcium Hypochlorite
- Lonza Calcium Hypochlorite
- Olin Chlor Alkali Calcium Hypochlorite
- Axiall Calcium Hypochlorite
Codes often confused with 2828.10
Common mistake. Bleaching powder is frequently misclassified under HS code 2801.10, which is reserved for pure chlorine gas. While bleaching powder contains available chlorine, it is a solid salt, not a gas. Another common error is using HS code 3808.94, which covers disinfectants put up in forms or packings for retail sale. If the bleaching powder is imported in bulk for industrial use, it must remain in Chapter 28. Additionally, some importers confuse it with sodium hypochlorite (liquid bleach), which is classified under HS code 2828.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 282810 (the code used for bleaching powder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282810 (the code used for bleaching powder) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 59% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 7.0% 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 282810, not only bleaching powder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $129M 59% of world exports
- 2 India $28M 13% of world exports
- 3 United States $13M 6.1% of world exports
World total: $217M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Russia* ~$18M 7.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 France $15M 5.9% of world imports
- 3 Philippines $14M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $260M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 bleaching powder
Brazil classifies bleaching powder under NCM 2828.10.00: HS 2828.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bleaching powder
What is the HS code for Bleaching powder?
The HS code for Bleaching powder is 282810 (Hypochlorites; commercial calcium hypochlorite and other calcium hypochlorites). The standard HS code for bleaching powder (calcium hypochlorite) is 2828.10.
How do I classify Bleaching powder for customs?
Bleaching powder is classified under HS code 282810 — Hypochlorites; commercial calcium hypochlorite and other calcium hypochlorites. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the concentration of chlorine affect the HS code?
Generally, no. As long as the product is primarily commercial calcium hypochlorite, it remains under 2828.10 regardless of the percentage of available chlorine, provided it is not mixed with other chemicals that change its essential character.
Which countries are the top exporters of bleaching powder (HS 282810)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282810 (the code used for bleaching powder) in UN Comtrade data were China ($129M, 59% of world exports), India ($28M) and the United States ($13M). World exports came to about $217M, 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 bleaching powder (HS 282810)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 282810 (the code used for bleaching powder) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $18M, 7.0% of world imports), France ($15M) and the Philippines ($14M). World imports came to about $260M, 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 Bleaching powder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 282810 for Bleaching powder 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 bleaching powder in Brazil?
In Brazil, bleaching powder (HS 282810) is classified under NCM 2828.10.00.