Product classification

HS code for Copper sulphate: 2833.25

Sulphates, of copper.

Classification of copper sulphate under HS 2833.25

Copper sulphate is classified under HS code 283325. This classification is situated within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, precious metal compounds, and radioactive elements. Heading 2833 is dedicated to sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates. Subheading 283325 is the specific international code for sulphates of copper. This includes both the anhydrous form (CuSO4) and the more common hydrated forms, most notably copper sulphate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O), often referred to as blue vitriol or bluestone. The classification is based on the chemical identity of the substance as a separate chemically defined compound. According to the Chapter 28 notes, heading 2833 generally includes only separate chemically defined compounds, whether or not containing impurities. Copper sulphate is a versatile chemical used in various industries, including mining as a flotation activator, agriculture as a soil nutrient, and water treatment as an algaecide. However, its classification remains in Chapter 28 regardless of its intended use, provided it is not prepared for retail sale as a pesticide or fungicide. If the copper sulphate is mixed with other substances to create a specific agricultural preparation, or if it is put up in small packages for retail sale as a fungicide, it may be reclassified under heading 3808. For bulk industrial shipments, 283325 is the correct code. The classification process involves confirming that the product is indeed a sulphate of copper and checking for any additives that might shift it to a different chapter. Natural copper sulphates, such as brochantite, are excluded from this heading and are instead classified as ores in Chapter 26.

Covers
  • Copper sulphate pentahydrate
  • Anhydrous copper sulphate
  • Bluestone (chemical grade)
  • Blue vitriol
  • Cupric sulphate
  • Industrial grade copper sulphate crystals
Also under 2833.25
  • Blue Vitriol
  • Cupric Sulfate
  • Kocide 3000 (fungicide)
  • Phyton-27 (bactericide/fungicide)

Codes often confused with 2833.25

Common mistake. Copper sulphate is often misclassified under HS code 3808.92 when intended for use as a fungicide. However, 3808 only applies if the product is in retail packaging or prepared as a mixture. Another error is 2825.50, which is for copper oxides and hydroxides, which are chemically distinct from sulphates.

3808.92Fungicides; other than containing goods specified in Subheading Note 1 to this Chapter; put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles38.08Insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides, anti-sprouting products, plant growth regulators, disinfectants and the like, put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articles2825.50Copper oxides and hydroxides

Top exporters and importers of HS 283325 (the code used for copper sulphate), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283325 (the code used for copper sulphate) 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 copper sulphate.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 South Africa $298M
  2. 2 United States $110M
  3. 3 Taiwan* ~$98M

World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $115M
  2. 2 Australia $64M
  3. 3 Canada $51M

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 copper sulphate

Brazil splits HS 2833.25 into 2 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 copper sulphate

What is the HS code for Copper sulphate?

The HS code for Copper sulphate is 283325 (Sulphates; of copper). The HS code for copper sulphate is 283325, covering both anhydrous and hydrated forms.

How do I classify Copper sulphate for customs?

Copper sulphate is classified under HS code 283325 — Sulphates; of copper. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is copper sulphate classified as a pesticide for customs?

It is classified as a chemical (283325) unless it is specifically packaged for retail sale as a pesticide or mixed with other active ingredients, in which case it falls under 3808.

Which countries are the top exporters of copper sulphate (HS 283325)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283325 (the code used for copper sulphate) 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 copper sulphate (HS 283325)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 283325 (the code used for copper sulphate) 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 Copper sulphate the same in all countries?

The base HS code 283325 for Copper sulphate 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 copper sulphate in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 283325 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for copper sulphate depends on the product's details: 2833.25.10 (Cuprous sulphate), 2833.25.20 (Cupric sulphate).