Product classification
HS code for Sodium hypophosphite: 2835.10
Phosphinates (hypophosphites) and phosphonates (phosphites), whether or not chemically defined.
Classification of sodium hypophosphite under HS 2835.10
Sodium hypophosphite, also known as sodium phosphinate (NaPO2H2), is classified under HS code 2835.10. This heading covers phosphinates (hypophosphites) and phosphonates (phosphites). The classification is driven by the oxidation state of the phosphorus atom. In the Harmonized System, inorganic salts of oxoacids of phosphorus are grouped together under heading 2835, but they are distinguished by their chemical structure. Hypophosphites contain phosphorus in the +1 oxidation state, which differentiates them from phosphates where phosphorus is in the +5 state. This chemical distinction is critical for customs purposes and regulatory compliance. Sodium hypophosphite is a critical industrial chemical, primarily used as a reducing agent in the electroless nickel plating process. This process allows for uniform metal coating on various substrates, including plastics and complex geometries. It also finds use as a catalyst in some polymerization reactions, a stabilizer for plastics, and an intermediate in pharmaceutical manufacturing. For classification purposes, the product must be a separate chemically defined compound as per Note 1 to Chapter 28. If the product is a mixture or a prepared solution with other active ingredients for plating, it might be classified under Heading 3824 as a chemical preparation. However, the pure salt, even if containing minor impurities from the manufacturing process, remains under 2835.10. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the product is in its anhydrous form or as a monohydrate, as both are considered chemically defined inorganic salts within the scope of Chapter 28.
- Covers
- Sodium hypophosphite monohydrate
- Anhydrous sodium hypophosphite
- Crystalline sodium phosphinate
- Electroless nickel plating grade sodium hypophosphite
- Pharmaceutical grade sodium hypophosphite
- Also under 2835.10
- Electroless Nickel Plating Solutions (Atotech, MacDermid Enthone)
- Polymer Stabilizers (BASF, Songwon)
- Antioxidants (various chemical suppliers)
- Chemical Intermediates
Codes often confused with 2835.10
Common mistake. Sodium hypophosphite is frequently confused with 2835.29, which covers other phosphates, or 2835.31, which is specific to sodium triphosphate. The confusion arises from the similarity in names, but the chemical oxidation state of phosphorus is the deciding factor. It may also be misclassified under 3824.99 if it is part of a proprietary plating solution blend.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283510 (the code used for sodium hypophosphite), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283510 (the code used for sodium hypophosphite) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 11% 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 283510, not only sodium hypophosphite.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $122M 43% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $107M 38% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $8.0M 2.8% of world exports
World total: $284M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Malaysia $21M 11% of world imports
- 2 United States $20M 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $16M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $181M 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 hypophosphite
Brazil splits HS 2835.10 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2835.10.11Sodium phosphinate (hypophosphite)
- 2835.10.19Other phosphinates (hypophosphites)
- 2835.10.21Dibasic lead phosphonate (phosphite)
- 2835.10.29Other phosphonates (phosphites)
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sodium hypophosphite
What is the HS code for Sodium hypophosphite?
The HS code for Sodium hypophosphite is 283510 (Phosphinates (hypophosphites) and phosphonates (phosphites), whether or not chemically defined). The HS code for sodium hypophosphite is 2835.10, covering phosphinates and phosphonates.
How do I classify Sodium hypophosphite for customs?
Sodium hypophosphite is classified under HS code 283510 — Phosphinates (hypophosphites) and phosphonates (phosphites), whether or not chemically defined. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can sodium hypophosphite be classified as a fertilizer?
No, sodium hypophosphite does not contain the necessary nitrogen, phosphorus (in phosphate form), or potassium levels required for Chapter 31 fertilizer classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of sodium hypophosphite (HS 283510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283510 (the code used for sodium hypophosphite) in UN Comtrade data were China ($122M, 43% of world exports), Indonesia ($107M) and Switzerland ($8.0M). World exports came to about $284M, 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 hypophosphite (HS 283510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283510 (the code used for sodium hypophosphite) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($21M, 11% of world imports), the United States ($20M) and Germany ($16M). World imports came to about $181M, 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 hypophosphite the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283510 for Sodium hypophosphite 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 hypophosphite in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 283510 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for sodium hypophosphite depends on the product's details: 2835.10.11 (Sodium phosphinate (hypophosphite)), 2835.10.19 (Other phosphinates (hypophosphites)), 2835.10.21 (Dibasic lead phosphonate (phosphite)), 2835.10.29 (Other phosphonates (phosphites)).