Product classification
HS code for Sodium hypochlorite: 2828.90
Hypochlorites, n.e.c. in heading no. 2828.
Classification of sodium hypochlorite under HS 2828.90
Sodium hypochlorite is classified under HS code 2828.90. This classification is determined by the chemical's identity as an inorganic salt of an oxoacid of a halogen. Heading 2828 specifically covers hypochlorites, commercial calcium hypochlorite, chlorites, and hypobromites. Within this heading, the Harmonized System distinguishes between calcium-based hypochlorites (2828.10) and all other hypochlorites (2828.90). Sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as liquid bleach, falls into the latter category. The classification process follows General Interpretative Rule (GIR) 1, which states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 28 Note 1(b) is particularly relevant, as it allows for the inclusion of aqueous solutions of these chemicals, provided that the solution is a necessary and customary mode of transport for the chemical and that the solvent does not render the product particularly suitable for specific use rather than for general use. Sodium hypochlorite is almost always traded as an aqueous solution because the anhydrous form is highly unstable and explosive. Therefore, the solution remains in Chapter 28. If the product were to be mixed with detergents, perfumes, or other additives for retail sale as a household cleaner, it would likely be reclassified under Heading 3402 as a cleaning preparation.
- Covers
- Sodium hypochlorite aqueous solutions (industrial grade)
- Liquid bleach (without added surfactants or fragrances)
- Chlorinated soda solutions
- Sodium hypochlorite pentahydrate
- Pool chlorinating liquid (pure sodium hypochlorite base)
- Also under 2828.90
- Clorox Bleach
- Diversey Sodium Hypochlorite
- Ecolab Hypochlorite Sanitizer
- PPG Industries Sodium Hypochlorite
Codes often confused with 2828.90
Common mistake. Sodium hypochlorite is frequently misclassified under HS code 3402.20 or 3402.90. This occurs when the product is marketed as a finished cleaning preparation containing surfactants. Another common error is using HS code 3808.94, which is reserved for disinfectants put up in forms or packings for retail sale. If the sodium hypochlorite is in bulk and not formulated, 2828.90 is the correct code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 282890 (the code used for sodium hypochlorite), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282890 (the code used for sodium hypochlorite) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 282890, not only sodium hypochlorite.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $66M 12% of world exports
- 2 Canada $50M 9.6% of world exports
- 3 Germany $49M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $527M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $60M 12% of world imports
- 2 France $47M 9.3% of world imports
- 3 Germany $34M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $502M 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 hypochlorite
Brazil splits HS 2828.90 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2828.90.11Sodium hypochlorite
- 2828.90.19Other hypochlorites
- 2828.90.20Sodium chlorite
- 2828.90.90Other chlorites and hypobromites
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sodium hypochlorite
What is the HS code for Sodium hypochlorite?
The HS code for Sodium hypochlorite is 282890 (Hypochlorites; n.e.c. in heading no. 2828). The HS code for sodium hypochlorite is 2828.90. This code applies to the chemical in its pure form or as an aqueous solution, provided no other functional ingredients are added.
How do I classify Sodium hypochlorite for customs?
Sodium hypochlorite is classified under HS code 282890 — Hypochlorites; n.e.c. in heading no. 2828. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is sodium hypochlorite classified as a hazardous material?
Yes, for transport purposes, sodium hypochlorite is typically classified as a Class 8 corrosive substance. However, for customs classification, it remains under 2828.90 regardless of its hazard class, provided it meets the chemical definitions of Chapter 28.
Which countries are the top exporters of sodium hypochlorite (HS 282890)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282890 (the code used for sodium hypochlorite) in UN Comtrade data were China ($66M, 12% of world exports), Canada ($50M) and Germany ($49M). World exports came to about $527M, 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 hypochlorite (HS 282890)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 282890 (the code used for sodium hypochlorite) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($60M, 12% of world imports), France ($47M) and Germany ($34M). World imports came to about $502M, 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 hypochlorite the same in all countries?
The base HS code 282890 for Sodium hypochlorite 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 hypochlorite in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 282890 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for sodium hypochlorite depends on the product's details: 2828.90.11 (Sodium hypochlorite), 2828.90.19 (Other hypochlorites), 2828.90.20 (Sodium chlorite), 2828.90.90 (Other chlorites and hypobromites).