Product classification
HS code for Magnesium sulphate: 2833.21
Sulphates, of magnesium.
Classification of magnesium sulphate under HS 2833.21
Magnesium sulphate is classified under HS code 2833.21. This code is situated within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, precious metal compounds, and radioactive elements. Heading 28.33 specifically covers sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates. Subheading 2833.21 is the specific designation for sulphates of magnesium. This classification applies to the chemical compound regardless of its hydration state, covering both anhydrous magnesium sulphate and the heptahydrate form, commonly known as Epsom salts. The classification is driven by the chemical composition of the substance. It is important to distinguish between chemically pure or commercially pure magnesium sulphate and natural mineral forms that have not been chemically processed. Under the General Rules for Interpretation (GRI), once a mineral is chemically treated to produce a specific compound, it is classified in Chapter 28. Magnesium sulphate is widely used in agriculture as a soil amendment to correct magnesium deficiencies, in medicine as a therapeutic bath salt or laxative, and in various industrial processes like leather tanning and textile dyeing. Regardless of the end-use, if the product is the chemical compound magnesium sulphate, it remains under 2833.21, unless it is prepared as a fertilizer in a manner that moves it to Chapter 31.
- Covers
- Epsom salts (Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate)
- Anhydrous magnesium sulphate
- Kieserite (if chemically processed/purified)
- Technical grade magnesium sulphate
- Pharmaceutical grade magnesium sulphate
- 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. Magnesium sulphate is frequently confused with natural magnesium sulphates like kieserite or epsomite, which are classified under 2530.21 if they are in their natural state and have not been chemically processed. It is also sometimes misclassified under 3104.90 if it is sold specifically as a potassic fertilizer blend, though pure magnesium sulphate remains in 2833.21.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283321 (the code used for magnesium sulphate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283321 (the code used for magnesium sulphate) 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 magnesium sulphate.
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 magnesium sulphate
Brazil classifies magnesium sulphate 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 magnesium sulphate
What is the HS code for Magnesium sulphate?
The HS code for Magnesium sulphate is 283321 (Sulphates; of magnesium). The specific HS code for magnesium sulphate is 2833.21.
How do I classify Magnesium sulphate for customs?
Magnesium sulphate is classified under HS code 283321 — Sulphates; of magnesium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is Epsom salt classified differently than industrial magnesium sulphate?
No, both Epsom salt (the heptahydrate form) and industrial-grade magnesium sulphate are classified under HS code 2833.21, as they are chemically the same compound.
Which countries are the top exporters of magnesium sulphate (HS 283321)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283321 (the code used for magnesium sulphate) 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 magnesium sulphate (HS 283321)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283321 (the code used for magnesium sulphate) 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 Magnesium sulphate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283321 for Magnesium 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 magnesium sulphate in Brazil?
In Brazil, magnesium sulphate (HS 283321) is classified under NCM 2833.21.00.