Product classification
HS code for Blue vitriol: 2833.25
Sulphates, of copper.
Classification of blue vitriol under HS 2833.25
Blue vitriol, chemically known as copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate, is classified under HS code 283325. This classification is situated within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. Heading 2833 specifically addresses sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates. Within this heading, subheading 283325 is reserved for sulphates of copper. To qualify for this code, the substance must be a separate chemically defined compound, whether or not it contains impurities. Blue vitriol is widely used in industrial applications, including electroplating, pigment production, and as a laboratory reagent. The classification is strictly based on the chemical identity of the substance as a copper salt of sulfuric acid. If the product is presented as a mixture or a formulated preparation for specific uses, such as a fungicide, the classification may shift to other chapters, but the pure chemical form remains firmly under 283325. This code is essential for tracking chemical trade and ensuring compliance with safety data sheet (SDS) requirements for hazardous inorganic salts.
- Covers
- Copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate (Blue vitriol)
- Anhydrous copper sulfate
- Cupric sulfate
- Technical grade copper sulfate crystals
- Reagent grade copper sulfate for laboratory use
- Copper sulfate monohydrate
- Also under 2833.25
- Blue Vitriol
- Cupric Sulfate
- Kocide 3000 (fungicide)
- Phyton-27 (bactericide/fungicide)
Codes often confused with 2833.25
Common mistake. Blue vitriol is often misclassified under HS code 380892, which covers fungicides. While copper sulfate is a primary ingredient in many fungicides (like Bordeaux mixture), code 283325 only applies to the pure chemical. Once it is mixed with lime or other stabilizers for agricultural use, it moves to Chapter 38. It may also be confused with HS code 253090 for natural mineral substances if it is unrefined mineral ore, though blue vitriol is typically a manufactured chemical. Another potential error is HS code 283329, which is a \"basket\" category for other sulphates; however, copper sulphate has its own specific subheading at 283325.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283325 (the code used for blue vitriol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283325 (the code used for blue vitriol) in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 283325, not only blue vitriol.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Africa $298M 29% of world exports
- 2 United States $110M 11% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$98M 9.4% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $115M 14% of world imports
- 2 Australia $64M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Canada $51M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $802M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 blue vitriol
Brazil splits HS 2833.25 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2833.25.10Cuprous sulphate
- 2833.25.20Cupric sulphate
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about blue vitriol
What is the HS code for Blue vitriol?
The HS code for Blue vitriol is 283325 (Sulphates; of copper). The HS code for blue vitriol, or copper sulphate, is 283325.
How do I classify Blue vitriol for customs?
Blue vitriol is classified under HS code 283325 — Sulphates; of copper. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include copper sulfate mixed with other chemicals?
No, mixtures of copper sulfate intended for specific uses like pesticides or fertilizers are generally classified in Chapter 38 or Chapter 31.
Which countries are the top exporters of blue vitriol (HS 283325)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283325 (the code used for blue vitriol) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($298M, 29% of world exports), the United States ($110M) and Taiwan (about $98M). World exports came to about $1.0B, 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 blue vitriol (HS 283325)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283325 (the code used for blue vitriol) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($115M, 14% of world imports), Australia ($64M) and Canada ($51M). World imports came to about $802M, 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 Blue vitriol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283325 for Blue vitriol 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 blue vitriol in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 283325 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for blue vitriol depends on the product's details: 2833.25.10 (Cuprous sulphate), 2833.25.20 (Cupric sulphate).