Product classification
HS code for Potassium alum: 2833.30
Alums.
Classification of potassium alum under HS 2833.30
Potassium alum, also known as potassium aluminum sulfate, is classified under HS code 2833.30. This code is situated within Chapter 28, which encompasses inorganic chemicals, precious metals, and rare-earth metals. Specifically, heading 2833 covers sulfates, alums, and peroxosulfates. Potassium alum is a double sulfate of potassium and aluminum, typically found in its hydrated form. The classification is straightforward under GRI 1, as the heading explicitly mentions "Alums." Unlike simple sulfates, alums are complex salts that crystallize in a specific octahedral structure. For customs purposes, the product must meet the chemical definition of an alum to qualify for 2833.30, regardless of whether it is in the form of large crystals, powder, or granulated chunks. It is widely used in water purification, leather tanning, and as an astringent in cosmetic applications.
- Covers
- Potassium aluminum sulfate dodecahydrate
- Potash alum in crystalline form
- Granulated potassium alum for industrial water treatment
- Technical grade potassium alum powder
- Also under 2833.30
- Alum Stone (deodorant)
- Water Treatment Alum (various suppliers)
- Mordant Alum (textile dyes)
- Styptic Pencil (shaving products)
Codes often confused with 2833.30
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 2833.22, which is dedicated to aluminum sulfate. While potassium alum contains aluminum sulfate as part of its double salt structure, the presence of the alkali metal (potassium) and its crystalline nature as an alum requires the use of 2833.30. Additionally, when potassium alum is shaped into specific forms for use as a deodorant or aftershave (such as "crystal" deodorant sticks), it may be misclassified under 3307.90 (other perfumery or cosmetic preparations). However, if it is simply the bulk chemical, 2833.30 remains the correct code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283330 (the code used for potassium alum), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283330 (the code used for potassium alum) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% 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 283330, not only potassium alum.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $5.9M 30% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $3.4M 17% of world exports
- 3 India $2.0M 10% of world exports
World total: $20M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $8.3M 29% of world imports
- 2 Thailand $2.6M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 India $2.3M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $29M 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 potassium alum
Brazil classifies potassium alum under NCM 2833.30.00: HS 2833.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about potassium alum
What is the HS code for Potassium alum?
The HS code for Potassium alum is 283330 (Alums). The HS code for Potassium alum is 2833.30, which covers all types of alums.
How do I classify Potassium alum for customs?
Potassium alum is classified under HS code 283330 — Alums. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the purity of the alum affect its HS code?
Generally, no. Whether it is technical grade or pharmaceutical grade, as long as it remains a separate chemically defined inorganic compound, it stays under 2833.30. However, if it is mixed with other ingredients for a specific retail use, the classification might shift to Chapter 33 or 38.
Which countries are the top exporters of potassium alum (HS 283330)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283330 (the code used for potassium alum) in UN Comtrade data were China ($5.9M, 30% of world exports), Mexico ($3.4M) and India ($2.0M). World exports came to about $20M, 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 potassium alum (HS 283330)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283330 (the code used for potassium alum) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($8.3M, 29% of world imports), Thailand ($2.6M) and India ($2.3M). World imports came to about $29M, 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 Potassium alum the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283330 for Potassium alum 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 potassium alum in Brazil?
In Brazil, potassium alum (HS 283330) is classified under NCM 2833.30.00.