Product classification
HS code for Colloidal sulphur: 2802.00
Sulphur, sublimed or precipitated, colloidal sulphur.
Classification of colloidal sulphur under HS 2802.00
Colloidal sulphur is classified under HS code 2802.00. This heading is unique because it specifically enumerates three distinct forms of sulphur: sublimed, precipitated, and colloidal. Chapter 28 covers inorganic chemicals, and heading 2802 is the dedicated provision for these refined or specially processed forms of sulphur. Colloidal sulphur is typically prepared by the action of an acid on a solution of a thiosulphate or by mechanical grinding in the presence of protective colloids. This results in a product where the sulphur particles are so fine that they remain in suspension. The classification is straightforward because the Harmonized System provides a specific heading that names the product, satisfying GRI 1. This heading excludes crude sulphur, which is classified in Chapter 25.
- Covers
- Milk of sulphur (precipitated sulphur)
- Flowers of sulphur (sublimed sulphur)
- Colloidal sulphur suspensions
- Refined sulphur for laboratory use
- Also under 2802.00
- Chemtura Sulfur
- Eastman Sulfur
- Arkema Sulfur
- Solvay Sulfur
Codes often confused with 2802.00
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for colloidal sulphur is HS code 2503.00, which covers sulphur of all kinds, other than sublimed, precipitated, and colloidal sulphur. Importers often default to Chapter 25 for mineral products, but the specific processing required to create colloidal sulphur moves it into Chapter 28. Additionally, if colloidal sulphur is prepared as a fungicide for retail sale, it may be misclassified under HS code 3808.92. However, if it is pure colloidal sulphur without added surfactants or carriers for agricultural use, 2802.00 remains the correct code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280200 (the code used for colloidal sulphur), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280200 (the code used for colloidal sulphur) in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 82% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 26% of world imports. Türkiye reports $969M of its chapter 28 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 280200, not only colloidal sulphur.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $556M 82% of world exports
- 2 Canada $23M 3.5% of world exports
- 3 India $20M 2.9% of world exports
Türkiye reports $969M of its chapter 28 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $680M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $27M 26% of world imports
- 2 Jordan* ~$17M 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $8.5M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $103M 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 colloidal sulphur
Brazil classifies colloidal sulphur under NCM 2802.00.00: HS 2802.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about colloidal sulphur
What is the HS code for Colloidal sulphur?
The HS code for Colloidal sulphur is 280200 (Sulphur; sublimed or precipitated, colloidal sulphur). The HS code for Colloidal sulphur is 2802.00, which includes sublimed and precipitated sulphur.
How do I classify Colloidal sulphur for customs?
Colloidal sulphur is classified under HS code 280200 — Sulphur; sublimed or precipitated, colloidal sulphur. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is colloidal sulphur the same as crude sulphur for customs?
No, crude sulphur is classified under 2503.00, while colloidal sulphur is considered a refined chemical product under 2802.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of colloidal sulphur (HS 280200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280200 (the code used for colloidal sulphur) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($556M, 82% of world exports), Canada ($23M) and India ($20M). World exports came to about $680M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Türkiye reports $969M of its chapter 28 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of colloidal sulphur (HS 280200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280200 (the code used for colloidal sulphur) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($27M, 26% of world imports), Jordan (about $17M) and Germany ($8.5M). World imports came to about $103M, 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 Colloidal sulphur the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280200 for Colloidal sulphur 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 colloidal sulphur in Brazil?
In Brazil, colloidal sulphur (HS 280200) is classified under NCM 2802.00.00.