Product classification

HS code for Sodium hexametaphosphate: 2835.39

Polyphosphates, other than sodium triphosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate), whether or not chemically defined.

Classification of sodium hexametaphosphate under HS 2835.39

Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is classified under HS code 2835.39. This classification falls within Chapter 28 (Inorganic chemicals) and Heading 2835, which encompasses phosphinates, phosphonates, phosphates, and polyphosphates. SHMP is a hexamer of composition (NaPO3)6 and is technically a sodium polyphosphate. While Heading 2835 includes various phosphates, subheading 2835.31 is specifically reserved for sodium triphosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate). Consequently, other polyphosphates, including sodium hexametaphosphate, are categorized under the residual subheading 2835.39. The classification is based on the chemical structure of the substance as a condensed phosphate. SHMP is widely used in water treatment, detergents, and food processing as a sequestrant and emulsifier. To qualify for this code, the product must be a separate chemically defined compound, although technical grades containing small amounts of other phosphates formed during the manufacturing process are generally accepted under this heading according to the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 28.

Covers
  • Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP)
  • Graham's salt
  • Sodium polymetaphosphate
  • Glassy sodium polyphosphate
  • Food grade sodium hexametaphosphate
Also under 2835.39
  • ICL (food phosphates)
  • Innophos (specialty phosphates)
  • Budenheim (food ingredients)
  • Clariant (flame retardants)

Codes often confused with 2835.39

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with sodium triphosphate (STPP), which belongs under HS code 2835.31. Importers often confuse these two because they are both sodium polyphosphates used in similar industrial applications. Another error involves classifying SHMP under 3824.94 if it is part of a prepared water treatment mixture or under 3402.90 if it is formulated as a finished detergent. If the SHMP is blended with other active ingredients, it loses its status as a pure chemical under Chapter 28 and must be moved to the appropriate functional chapter.

2835.31Polyphosphates; sodium triphosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate), whether or not chemically defined3402.90Washing and cleaning preparations; surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), including auxiliary washing preparations, not for retail sale

Top exporters and importers of HS 283539 (the code used for sodium hexametaphosphate), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283539 (the code used for sodium hexametaphosphate) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 283539, not only sodium hexametaphosphate.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $343M
  2. 2 Germany $194M
  3. 3 United States $107M

World total: $983M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $104M
  2. 2 Canada $52M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $51M

The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.

World total: $1.0B 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 hexametaphosphate

Brazil splits HS 2835.39 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 hexametaphosphate

What is the HS code for Sodium hexametaphosphate?

The HS code for Sodium hexametaphosphate is 283539 (Polyphosphates; other than sodium triphosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate), whether or not chemically defined). The HS code for sodium hexametaphosphate is 2835.39, covering other polyphosphates.

How do I classify Sodium hexametaphosphate for customs?

Sodium hexametaphosphate is classified under HS code 283539 — Polyphosphates; other than sodium triphosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate), whether or not chemically defined. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does the food-grade status change the HS code for SHMP?

No, both industrial and food-grade sodium hexametaphosphate are classified under 2835.39, provided they are not mixed with other substances.

Which countries are the top exporters of sodium hexametaphosphate (HS 283539)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283539 (the code used for sodium hexametaphosphate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($343M, 35% of world exports), Germany ($194M) and the United States ($107M). World exports came to about $983M, 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 hexametaphosphate (HS 283539)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 283539 (the code used for sodium hexametaphosphate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($104M, 10% of world imports), Canada ($52M) and the United Kingdom ($51M). World imports came to about $1.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.

Is the HS code for Sodium hexametaphosphate the same in all countries?

The base HS code 283539 for Sodium hexametaphosphate 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 hexametaphosphate in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 283539 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for sodium hexametaphosphate depends on the product's details: 2835.39.10 (Sodium metaphosphates), 2835.39.20 (Sodium pyrophosphates), 2835.39.30 (Zinc pyrophosphate), 2835.39.90 (Other polyphosphates).