Product classification
HS code for Epsom salt: 2833.21
Sulphates, of magnesium.
Classification of epsom salt under HS 2833.21
Epsom salt is classified under HS code 283321 because it is a chemically defined inorganic compound, specifically magnesium sulphate. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Chapter 28 notes, this heading covers sulphates of metals, and subheading 283321 is reserved specifically for magnesium sulphates. While the term "Epsom salt" often refers to the heptahydrate form (MgSO4·7H2O), the classification remains consistent for the chemical in its pure or commercially pure form, regardless of the degree of hydration. This classification is determined by the chemical composition rather than the intended use, provided the product has not been mixed with other substances for specific retail applications like perfumery or medicine.
- Covers
- Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate (standard Epsom salt)
- Anhydrous magnesium sulphate
- Monohydrate magnesium sulphate (synthetic)
- Commercially pure magnesium sulphate crystals
- Technical grade magnesium sulphate for industrial use
- Also under 2833.21
- Bath & Body Works Epsom Salt
- Morton Epsom Salt
- Compass Minerals Magnesium Sulphate
- Sigma-Aldrich Magnesium Sulphate
Codes often confused with 2833.21
Common mistake. Epsom salt is frequently misclassified under HS code 253020, which covers natural magnesium sulphates like kieserite or epsomite. The distinction lies in the processing; if the product is a refined chemical, it belongs in 283321. Another common error is using HS code 330730 for bath salts. While Epsom salt is used in baths, 330730 is only appropriate if the salt is perfumed or contains added preparations for the bath. If it is pure magnesium sulphate, 283321 is the correct code. Additionally, if packaged as a medicament with specific dosage instructions for therapeutic use, it might be confused with 300490.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283321 (the code used for epsom salt), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283321 (the code used for epsom salt) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 8.2% of world imports. Finland reports $298M of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 283321, not only epsom salt.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $195M 46% of world exports
- 2 Germany $111M 26% of world exports
- 3 Ireland $40M 9.2% of world exports
World total: $428M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Malaysia $39M 8.2% of world imports
- 2 Poland $37M 7.7% of world imports
- 3 United States $22M 4.6% of world imports
Finland reports $298M of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $473M 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 code for epsom salt
Brazil classifies epsom salt under NCM 2833.21.00: HS 2833.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about epsom salt
What is the HS code for Epsom salt?
The HS code for Epsom salt is 283321 (Sulphates; of magnesium). The HS code for chemically pure or commercially pure magnesium sulphate, commonly known as Epsom salt, is 283321.
How do I classify Epsom salt for customs?
Epsom salt is classified under HS code 283321 — Sulphates; of magnesium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is Epsom salt classified differently if it is used for agriculture?
No, pure magnesium sulphate used as a fertilizer component is still classified under 283321, unless it is put up in specific forms or packings as described in heading 3105.
Which countries are the top exporters of epsom salt (HS 283321)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283321 (the code used for epsom salt) in UN Comtrade data were China ($195M, 46% of world exports), Germany ($111M) and Ireland ($40M). World exports came to about $428M, 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 epsom salt (HS 283321)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283321 (the code used for epsom salt) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($39M, 8.2% of world imports), Poland ($37M) and the United States ($22M). World imports came to about $473M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Finland reports $298M of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Epsom salt the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283321 for Epsom salt 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 epsom salt in Brazil?
In Brazil, epsom salt (HS 283321) is classified under NCM 2833.21.00.