Product classification

HS code for Sodium carbonate: 2836.20

Carbonates, disodium carbonate.

Classification of sodium carbonate under HS 2836.20

Sodium carbonate, commonly known as soda ash, is classified under HS code 2836.20. This code is found in Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System, which covers inorganic chemicals. Heading 2836 is reserved for carbonates and peroxocarbonates. Subheading 2836.20 specifically identifies disodium carbonate (Na2CO3). The classification applies to both light and dense soda ash, as these terms refer to the physical bulk density of the product rather than a difference in chemical identity. To be classified under this code, the sodium carbonate must be a separate chemically defined compound, as per Chapter 28, Note 1. This means it must be produced through chemical synthesis (such as the Solvay process) or refined from natural sources to a high degree of purity. Sodium carbonate is a fundamental industrial chemical used extensively in glass manufacturing, detergent production, and chemical processing. Proper classification is critical because of the high volume of international trade in this commodity and its role as a key raw material in numerous industrial sectors.

Covers
  • Light soda ash (low density sodium carbonate)
  • Dense soda ash (high density sodium carbonate)
  • Washing soda (sodium carbonate decahydrate)
  • Synthetic disodium carbonate
  • Refined sodium carbonate powder
  • Anhydrous sodium carbonate
Also under 2836.20
  • Solvay (soda ash)
  • Ciner Resources (soda ash)
  • Tata Chemicals (soda ash)
  • OCI Chemical (soda ash)

Codes often confused with 2836.20

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification for sodium carbonate (2836.20) is with sodium bicarbonate (2836.30). While they are both sodium carbonates, they have different chemical formulas and uses. Another significant misclassification involves natural sodium carbonate. If the product is a naturally occurring mineral like trona that has not been chemically processed, it should be classified under HS code 2530.90. Additionally, if sodium carbonate is mixed with surfactants and other builders to create a finished laundry detergent, it must be classified under heading 3402 rather than as a pure chemical in Chapter 28.

2836.30Carbonates; sodium hydrogen carbonate (sodium bicarbonate)2530.90Mineral substances; n.e.c. in chapter 2534.02Organic surface-active agents (not soap); surface-active, washing (including auxiliary washing) and cleaning preparations, containing soap or not, excluding those of heading no. 3401

Top exporters and importers of HS 283620 (the code used for sodium carbonate), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283620 (the code used for sodium carbonate) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 7.0% 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 283620, not only sodium carbonate.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $1.5B
  2. 2 Türkiye $907M
  3. 3 China $398M

World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Mexico $325M
  2. 2 Brazil $311M
  3. 3 Chile $262M

World total: $4.6B 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 carbonate

Brazil splits HS 2836.20 into 2 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 sodium carbonate

What is the HS code for Sodium carbonate?

The HS code for Sodium carbonate is 283620 (Carbonates; disodium carbonate).

How do I classify Sodium carbonate for customs?

Sodium carbonate is classified under HS code 283620 — Carbonates; disodium carbonate. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for soda ash?

Soda ash, or disodium carbonate, is classified under HS code 2836.20.

Is there a different HS code for light and dense soda ash?

No, both light and dense soda ash are chemically disodium carbonate and are both classified under HS code 2836.20 regardless of their physical density.

Which countries are the top exporters of sodium carbonate (HS 283620)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283620 (the code used for sodium carbonate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 38% of world exports), Türkiye ($907M) and China ($398M). World exports came to about $3.9B, 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 carbonate (HS 283620)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 283620 (the code used for sodium carbonate) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($325M, 7.0% of world imports), Brazil ($311M) and Chile ($262M). World imports came to about $4.6B, 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 Sodium carbonate the same in all countries?

The base HS code 283620 for Sodium carbonate 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 carbonate in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 283620 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for sodium carbonate depends on the product's details: 2836.20.10 (Anhydrous disodium carbonate), 2836.20.90 (Other disodium carbonate).