Product classification

HS code for Sodium chloride: 2501.00

Salt (including table salt and denatured salt), pure sodium chloride whether or not in aqueous solution, sea water.

Classification of sodium chloride under HS 2501.00

Sodium chloride is classified under HS code 2501.00. This is a notable classification because sodium chloride (salt) is one of the few pure chemical compounds classified in Chapter 25 (Salt; sulfur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime and cement) rather than Chapter 28 (Inorganic chemicals). Heading 2501.00 is a broad category that includes all types of salt, whether or not in aqueous solution or containing added anti-caking or free-flowing agents. This includes common table salt, rock salt, sea salt, and even pure sodium chloride used for industrial or laboratory purposes. The Harmonized System explicitly excludes sodium chloride from Chapter 28 via Chapter Note 1 to Chapter 28, which directs salt to heading 2501.

Covers
  • Table salt and iodized salt
  • Rock salt (halite)
  • Sea salt and evaporated salt
  • Pure sodium chloride (NaCl) for industrial use
  • Denatured salt and salt in brine (aqueous solution)
Also under 2501.00
  • Morton Salt
  • Cargill Salt
  • Diamond Crystal Salt
  • K+S Salt
  • Himalayan Pink Salt

Codes often confused with 2501.00

Common mistake. The most common misclassification is attempting to use HS code 2827.39 (Other chlorides) because sodium chloride is chemically a chloride. However, Chapter 28 notes specifically exclude sodium chloride. Another error occurs with saline solutions; if the solution is a sterile medicament put up for retail sale, it may be classified under 3004. However, bulk saline solution or pure sodium chloride in water remains 2501.00. Additionally, salt flavored with spices is classified under 2103.90 as a mixed condiment.

2827.39Chlorides; other than of ammonium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium and nickel30.04Medicaments; (not goods of heading no. 3002, 3005 or 3006) consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic use, put up in measured doses (incl. those in the form of transdermal admin. systems) or packed for retail sale2103.90Sauces and preparations therefor; mixed condiments and mixed seasonings

Top exporters and importers of HS 250100 (the code used for sodium chloride), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 250100 (the code used for sodium chloride) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 11% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 250100, not only sodium chloride.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 India $404M
  2. 2 Germany $391M
  3. 3 Netherlands $335M

World total: $3.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $812M
  2. 2 China $485M
  3. 3 Japan $312M

World total: $5.1B 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 chloride

Brazil splits HS 2501.00 into 4 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 chloride

What is the HS code for Sodium chloride?

The HS code for Sodium chloride is 250100 (Salt (including table salt and denatured salt); pure sodium chloride whether or not in aqueous solution; sea water). The HS code for sodium chloride is 2501.00, which covers salt and pure sodium chloride.

How do I classify Sodium chloride for customs?

Sodium chloride is classified under HS code 250100 — Salt (including table salt and denatured salt); pure sodium chloride whether or not in aqueous solution; sea water. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does 2501.00 include sea water?

Yes, HS code 2501.00 specifically includes sea water along with other forms of sodium chloride and salt solutions.

Which countries are the top exporters of sodium chloride (HS 250100)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 250100 (the code used for sodium chloride) in UN Comtrade data were India ($404M, 11% of world exports), Germany ($391M) and the Netherlands ($335M). World exports came to about $3.5B, 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 chloride (HS 250100)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 250100 (the code used for sodium chloride) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($812M, 16% of world imports), China ($485M) and Japan ($312M). World imports came to about $5.1B, 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 chloride the same in all countries?

The base HS code 250100 for Sodium chloride 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 chloride in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 250100 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for sodium chloride depends on the product's details: 2501.00.11 (Bulk sea salt, without additives), 2501.00.19 (Other bulk salt, without additives), 2501.00.20 (Table salt), 2501.00.90 (Other salt, sodium chloride and sea water).