Product classification
HS code for Phosphorus trisulfide: 2813.90
Sulphides of non-metals, (excluding carbon), commercial phosphorus trisulphide.
Classification of phosphorus trisulfide under HS 2813.90
Phosphorus trisulfide is classified under HS code 2813.90, which specifically covers sulphides of non-metals, excluding carbon disulfide. This classification is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, which direct the product to Chapter 28 for inorganic chemicals. As a binary compound of phosphorus and sulfur, it is categorized as a non-metal sulphide. The classification is determined by its chemical identity as a separate chemically defined compound. Phosphorus trisulfide, often existing in the form of tetraphosphorus trisulfide (P4S3), is primarily utilized in the manufacture of safety matches and strike-anywhere matches, as well as in the production of various organophosphorus compounds. The classification remains consistent regardless of the physical form, whether it is supplied as a powder, fused mass, or in specialized industrial packaging, provided it does not contain additives that would classify it as a prepared chemical mixture under a different heading.
- Covers
- Tetraphosphorus trisulfide (P4S3)
- Commercial phosphorus trisulphide
- Inorganic phosphorus-sulfur compounds for match manufacturing
- High-purity phosphorus trisulfide for chemical synthesis
- Also under 2813.90
- Lanxess Phosphorus Pentasulphide
- Sigma-Aldrich Phosphorus Trisulphide
- Alfa Aesar Arsenic Trisulphide
- Merck Sulfur Monochloride
Codes often confused with 2813.90
Common mistake. Phosphorus trisulfide is frequently misclassified under HS code 2813.10, which is reserved exclusively for carbon disulfide. While both are non-metal sulphides, the nomenclature specifically separates carbon disulfide from all other sulphides in this category. Another common error is attempting to classify it under HS code 2804.70, which covers elemental phosphorus. Because the product is a compound (a sulphide) rather than a pure element, it must be moved to heading 2813. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use HS code 3605.00 for matches; however, the raw chemical component must be classified by its chemical composition in Chapter 28, not by the finished product it helps create.
Top exporters and importers of HS 281390 (the code used for phosphorus trisulfide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 281390 (the code used for phosphorus trisulfide) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 23% 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 281390, not only phosphorus trisulfide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $27M 26% of world exports
- 2 China $23M 22% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $23M 22% of world exports
World total: $105M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $22M 23% of world imports
- 2 Singapore $19M 20% of world imports
- 3 United States $8.7M 9.3% of world imports
World total: $94M 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 codes for phosphorus trisulfide
Brazil splits HS 2813.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2813.90.10Diphosphorus pentasulphide
- 2813.90.90Other sulphides of non-metals
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about phosphorus trisulfide
What is the HS code for Phosphorus trisulfide?
The HS code for Phosphorus trisulfide is 281390 (Sulphides of non-metals, (excluding carbon); commercial phosphorus trisulphide). The HS code for phosphorus trisulfide is 2813.90, which falls under the category of sulphides of non-metals.
How do I classify Phosphorus trisulfide for customs?
Phosphorus trisulfide is classified under HS code 281390 — Sulphides of non-metals, (excluding carbon); commercial phosphorus trisulphide. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include phosphorus pentasulfide?
Yes, phosphorus pentasulfide (P2S5 or P4S10) is also classified under HS code 2813.90 as it is a non-metal sulphide other than carbon disulfide.
Which countries are the top exporters of phosphorus trisulfide (HS 281390)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 281390 (the code used for phosphorus trisulfide) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($27M, 26% of world exports), China ($23M) and Singapore ($23M). World exports came to about $105M, 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 phosphorus trisulfide (HS 281390)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 281390 (the code used for phosphorus trisulfide) in UN Comtrade data were France ($22M, 23% of world imports), Singapore ($19M) and the United States ($8.7M). World imports came to about $94M, 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 Phosphorus trisulfide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 281390 for Phosphorus trisulfide 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 phosphorus trisulfide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 281390 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for phosphorus trisulfide depends on the product's details: 2813.90.10 (Diphosphorus pentasulphide), 2813.90.90 (Other sulphides of non-metals).