Product classification
HS code for Potassium metabisulphite: 2832.20
Sulphites, other than of sodium.
Classification of potassium metabisulphite under HS 2832.20
Potassium metabisulphite, also known as potassium pyrosulphite, is classified under HS code 2832.20. This classification is situated within heading 2832, which is dedicated to sulphites, thiosulphates, and their derivatives. The Harmonized System distinguishes between sodium sulphites (2832.10) and other sulphites (2832.20), placing potassium metabisulphite in the latter category. The classification is based on the chemical structure of the substance as an inorganic salt of sulphurous acid. As a separate chemically defined compound, it meets the criteria for Chapter 28. It is widely utilized in the food and beverage industry as a preservative and antioxidant, particularly in winemaking. Despite its widespread use as a food additive (E224), it does not lose its chemical classification in Chapter 28 unless it is mixed with other substances to the point that it becomes a prepared food preservative of heading 3824 or 3808.
- Covers
- Potassium metabisulphite powder (E224)
- Potassium pyrosulphite in crystalline form
- Food-grade potassium metabisulphite for wine preservation
- Technical grade potassium metabisulphite for textile bleaching
- Potassium metabisulphite used as a photographic developer component
- Also under 2832.20
- Merck Potassium Sulphite
- Sigma-Aldrich Calcium Sulphite
- Alfa Aesar Magnesium Sulphite
- Spectrum Chemical Ammonium Sulphite
Codes often confused with 2832.20
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 2833.29, which covers other sulphates. Importers often confuse sulphites (SO3) with sulphates (SO4) due to the similarity in nomenclature. Potassium sulphate is a distinct chemical classified under 2833.29 (or 3104 if used as fertilizer). Additionally, potassium metabisulphite is sometimes incorrectly classified under 2832.10, which is strictly reserved for sodium sulphites. It is essential to verify the cation (potassium vs. sodium) to ensure the correct subheading is applied.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283220 (the code used for potassium metabisulphite), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283220 (the code used for potassium metabisulphite) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 21% 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 283220, not only potassium metabisulphite.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $11M 29% of world exports
- 2 India $7.1M 18% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $4.5M 12% of world exports
World total: $38M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $18M 21% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $7.4M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 Spain $7.2M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $87M 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 metabisulphite
Brazil classifies potassium metabisulphite under NCM 2832.20.00: HS 2832.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about potassium metabisulphite
What is the HS code for Potassium metabisulphite?
The HS code for Potassium metabisulphite is 283220 (Sulphites; other than of sodium). The HS code for potassium metabisulphite is 2832.20, which covers sulphites other than those of sodium.
How do I classify Potassium metabisulphite for customs?
Potassium metabisulphite is classified under HS code 283220 — Sulphites; other than of sodium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the food-grade status change the HS code for potassium metabisulphite?
No, the food-grade status (E224) does not change the classification. As long as it is a separate chemically defined inorganic compound, it remains under HS code 2832.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of potassium metabisulphite (HS 283220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283220 (the code used for potassium metabisulphite) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($11M, 29% of world exports), India ($7.1M) and the United Kingdom ($4.5M). World exports came to about $38M, 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 metabisulphite (HS 283220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283220 (the code used for potassium metabisulphite) in UN Comtrade data were France ($18M, 21% of world imports), Mexico ($7.4M) and Spain ($7.2M). World imports came to about $87M, 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 metabisulphite the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283220 for Potassium metabisulphite 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 metabisulphite in Brazil?
In Brazil, potassium metabisulphite (HS 283220) is classified under NCM 2832.20.00.