Product classification
HS code for Sodium hexafluoroaluminate: 2826.30
Sodium hexafluoroaluminate (synthetic cryolite).
Classification of sodium hexafluoroaluminate under HS 2826.30
Sodium hexafluoroaluminate, commonly known as synthetic cryolite, is classified under HS code 2826.30. This classification is determined by the Harmonized System's hierarchical structure, specifically within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals and precious metal compounds. Heading 2826 is designated for fluorides, fluorosilicates, fluoroaluminates, and other complex fluorine salts. Sodium hexafluoroaluminate is a complex salt consisting of sodium, aluminum, and fluorine. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, the product is specifically identified by name in subheading 2826.30. This code is reserved for the synthetic version of the mineral, which is primarily produced through the reaction of hydrofluoric acid with sodium aluminate or through the interaction of aluminum fluoride with sodium fluoride. The classification remains consistent regardless of the product's grade, provided it remains a separate chemically defined compound as per Note 1 to Chapter 28. Its primary industrial application is as a flux in the electrolytic production of aluminum, where it lowers the melting point of alumina.
- Covers
- Synthetic cryolite (Na3AlF6)
- Sodium fluoroaluminate
- Artificial cryolite for aluminum smelting
- Vitreous enamel grade sodium hexafluoroaluminate
- Abrasive grade synthetic cryolite
- Also under 2826.30
- Solvay (fluorine chemicals)
- Honeywell (fluorine products)
- Stella Chemifa (fluorine compounds)
- Rio Tinto Alcan (aluminium production input)
Codes often confused with 2826.30
Common mistake. Sodium hexafluoroaluminate is frequently confused with natural cryolite, which is classified under HS code 2530.90. While chemically similar, the Harmonized System distinguishes between naturally occurring minerals (Chapter 25) and those produced through chemical synthesis (Chapter 28). Another common error involves misclassifying it under 2826.19, which is a residual category for other fluorides. However, because 2826.30 specifically names sodium hexafluoroaluminate, it takes precedence over the general category. Additionally, mixtures containing cryolite and other salts for specific industrial uses might be classified under 3824.99 if they no longer meet the definition of a separate chemically defined compound.
Top exporters and importers of HS 282630 (the code used for sodium hexafluoroaluminate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282630 (the code used for sodium hexafluoroaluminate) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 17% 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 282630, not only sodium hexafluoroaluminate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $43M 55% of world exports
- 2 Canada $7.0M 9.1% of world exports
- 3 Hungary $4.9M 6.3% of world exports
World total: $77M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $12M 17% of world imports
- 2 United States $8.5M 12% of world imports
- 3 India $5.5M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $70M 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 sodium hexafluoroaluminate
Brazil classifies sodium hexafluoroaluminate under NCM 2826.30.00: HS 2826.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sodium hexafluoroaluminate
What is the HS code for Sodium hexafluoroaluminate?
The HS code for Sodium hexafluoroaluminate is 282630 (Sodium hexafluoroaluminate (synthetic cryolite)). The specific HS code for synthetic sodium hexafluoroaluminate is 2826.30.
How do I classify Sodium hexafluoroaluminate for customs?
Sodium hexafluoroaluminate is classified under HS code 282630 — Sodium hexafluoroaluminate (synthetic cryolite). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is natural cryolite classified under the same HS code?
No, natural cryolite is classified under HS code 2530.90 as a mineral substance not elsewhere specified, whereas the synthetic version is in Chapter 28.
Which countries are the top exporters of sodium hexafluoroaluminate (HS 282630)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282630 (the code used for sodium hexafluoroaluminate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($43M, 55% of world exports), Canada ($7.0M) and Hungary ($4.9M). World exports came to about $77M, 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 hexafluoroaluminate (HS 282630)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 282630 (the code used for sodium hexafluoroaluminate) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($12M, 17% of world imports), the United States ($8.5M) and India ($5.5M). World imports came to about $70M, 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 hexafluoroaluminate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 282630 for Sodium hexafluoroaluminate 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 hexafluoroaluminate in Brazil?
In Brazil, sodium hexafluoroaluminate (HS 282630) is classified under NCM 2826.30.00.