Product classification
HS code for Sodium bisulphite: 2832.10
Sulphites, of sodium.
Classification of sodium bisulphite under HS 2832.10
Sodium bisulphite, also known as sodium hydrogen sulphite, is classified under HS code 2832.10. This classification is determined by its status as an inorganic salt of an oxoacid of sulfur. Heading 2832 is dedicated to sulphites and thiosulphates. Within this heading, the Harmonized System provides a specific subheading, 2832.10, for sulphites of sodium. The classification is based on the chemical structure (NaHSO3). In the context of international trade, Chapter 28 covers inorganic chemicals and precious metals. Sodium bisulphite is a primary inorganic chemical used extensively in water treatment, the paper industry, and as a reducing agent in textile dyeing. The classification is straightforward as long as the substance is not mixed with other chemicals in a way that would qualify it as a prepared chemical product under Chapter 38.
- Covers
- Sodium hydrogen sulphite (liquid or solid)
- Anhydrous sodium bisulphite
- Technical grade sodium bisulphite for water treatment
- Food grade sodium bisulphite (E222)
- Sodium bisulphite solution
- Also under 2832.10
- BASF Sodium Sulphite
- Solvay Sodium Sulphite
- Esseco Sodium Metabisulphite
- ADM Sodium Sulphite
- Merck Sodium Sulphite
Codes often confused with 2832.10
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion is between sodium bisulphite (2832.10) and sodium metabisulphite (2832.10) or sodium sulphate (2833.11). While sodium bisulphite and metabisulphite often share the same HS code in many jurisdictions because they are both sodium sulphites, they are chemically distinct. More critically, it is often misclassified under 2833.11 (Sodium sulphates), which are salts of sulphuric acid rather than sulfurous acid. Importers must verify the oxidation state of the sulfur to distinguish between 2832 and 2833.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283210 (the code used for sodium bisulphite), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283210 (the code used for sodium bisulphite) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 7.6% of world imports. The DR Congo did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 4.9% of its imports here ($3.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 283210, not only sodium bisulphite.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $120M 40% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $43M 15% of world exports
- 3 Italy $41M 14% of world exports
World total: $297M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $29M 7.6% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $19M 4.8% of world imports
- 3 Ecuador $18M 4.6% of world imports
The DR Congo did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 4.9% of its imports here ($3.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $388M 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 sodium bisulphite
Brazil splits HS 2832.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2832.10.10Disodium sulphite
- 2832.10.90Other sodium sulphites
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sodium bisulphite
What is the HS code for Sodium bisulphite?
The HS code for Sodium bisulphite is 283210 (Sulphites; of sodium). The standard HS code for sodium bisulphite is 2832.10, which covers sulphites of sodium.
How do I classify Sodium bisulphite for customs?
Sodium bisulphite is classified under HS code 283210 — Sulphites; of sodium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can sodium bisulphite be classified under Chapter 38?
Only if it is part of a prepared mixture, such as a specialized photographic chemical or a complex water treatment blend. Pure sodium bisulphite must stay in 2832.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of sodium bisulphite (HS 283210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283210 (the code used for sodium bisulphite) in UN Comtrade data were China ($120M, 40% of world exports), Thailand ($43M) and Italy ($41M). World exports came to about $297M, 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 sodium bisulphite (HS 283210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283210 (the code used for sodium bisulphite) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($29M, 7.6% of world imports), Brazil ($19M) and Ecuador ($18M). World imports came to about $388M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The DR Congo did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 4.9% of its imports here ($3.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Sodium bisulphite the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283210 for Sodium bisulphite 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 sodium bisulphite in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 283210 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for sodium bisulphite depends on the product's details: 2832.10.10 (Disodium sulphite), 2832.10.90 (Other sodium sulphites).