Product classification

HS code for Potassium persulphate: 2833.40

Peroxosulphates (persulphates).

Classification of potassium persulphate under HS 2833.40

Potassium persulphate, also known as potassium peroxydisulphate (K2S2O8), is classified under HS code 2833.40. This classification is found within Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System, which deals with inorganic chemicals. Heading 2833 is dedicated to sulphates, alums, and peroxosulphates (persulphates). The specific subheading 2833.40 is reserved for peroxosulphates, which includes the ammonium, sodium, and potassium salts of peroxydisulphuric acid. The classification is determined by the chemical structure of the salt; specifically, the presence of the peroxo group (-O-O-) linked to the sulphate groups. Potassium persulphate is a white, crystalline, odorless salt that is highly soluble in water. It is a robust oxidizing agent used extensively in the polymer industry as an initiator for the polymerization of various monomers, such as in the production of synthetic rubber and latex. It also finds significant application in the cosmetics industry as a bleaching agent for hair and in the electronics industry for etching printed circuit boards. The HS system requires that these peroxosulphates be grouped together, separate from standard sulphates, due to their distinct chemical properties and higher reactivity.

Covers
  • Potassium peroxydisulphate (K2S2O8)
  • Technical grade potassium persulphate for industrial polymerization
  • Potassium persulphate used in hair bleach formulations
  • Analytical reagent grade potassium persulphate
Also under 2833.40
  • Hair Bleach (L'Oréal, Wella)
  • PCB Etchants (various chemical suppliers)
  • Polymerization Initiators (BASF, Arkema)
  • Water Treatment Oxidizers

Codes often confused with 2833.40

Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 2833.29, which covers "other sulphates." While potassium persulphate is a derivative of sulphate chemistry, the presence of the peroxo bond mandates its classification under 2833.40. Additionally, it is sometimes confused with potassium sulphate (K2SO4), which is classified under 3104.30 when used as a fertilizer or 2833.29 for technical grades, but these lack the oxidizing peroxide linkage found in 2833.40.

2833.29Sulphates; n.e.c. in item no. 2833.23104.30Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; potassic, potassium sulphate

Top exporters and importers of HS 283340 (the code used for potassium persulphate), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283340 (the code used for potassium persulphate) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 11% 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 283340, not only potassium persulphate.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $37M
  2. 2 China $35M
  3. 3 Japan $14M

World total: $130M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Italy $17M
  2. 2 South Korea $12M
  3. 3 United States $11M

World total: $159M 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 potassium persulphate

Brazil splits HS 2833.40 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about potassium persulphate

What is the HS code for Potassium persulphate?

The HS code for Potassium persulphate is 283340 (Peroxosulphates (persulphates)). The HS code for potassium persulphate is 2833.40, which specifically includes peroxosulphates.

How do I classify Potassium persulphate for customs?

Potassium persulphate is classified under HS code 283340 — Peroxosulphates (persulphates). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can potassium persulphate be classified as a fertilizer?

No, unlike potassium sulphate, potassium persulphate is an oxidizing agent and initiator, not a nutrient source for plants, and therefore does not fall under Chapter 31.

Which countries are the top exporters of potassium persulphate (HS 283340)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283340 (the code used for potassium persulphate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($37M, 29% of world exports), China ($35M) and Japan ($14M). World exports came to about $130M, 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 persulphate (HS 283340)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 283340 (the code used for potassium persulphate) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($17M, 11% of world imports), South Korea ($12M) and the United States ($11M). World imports came to about $159M, 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 persulphate the same in all countries?

The base HS code 283340 for Potassium persulphate 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 persulphate in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 283340 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for potassium persulphate depends on the product's details: 2833.40.10 (Sodium peroxosulphate (persulphate)), 2833.40.20 (Ammonium peroxosulphate (persulphate)), 2833.40.90 (Other peroxosulphates (persulphates)).