Product classification
HS code for Sodium metal: 2805.11
Alkali or alkali-earth metals, sodium.
Classification of sodium metal under HS 2805.11
Sodium metal is classified under HS code 2805.11. This specific subheading is dedicated to sodium within Heading 2805, which covers alkali or alkaline-earth metals, rare-earth metals, scandium, and yttrium, as well as mercury. Sodium is a highly reactive alkali metal that does not occur naturally in its elemental form; it is produced industrially, typically through the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride in a process known as the Downs cell. Because of its extreme reactivity with moisture and air, sodium metal is usually transported and stored under a protective layer of mineral oil or within hermetically sealed containers filled with an inert gas like nitrogen or argon. The classification under 2805.11 is reserved for the element in its metallic state. The Harmonized System organizes metals in Chapter 28 when they are in their elemental, non-alloyed form. Sodium is used extensively in the manufacture of sodamide, sodium cyanide, and various organic compounds. It also serves as a heat transfer fluid in certain types of nuclear reactors and as a reducing agent in the production of other metals like titanium and zirconium. When classifying this product, it is essential to ensure it is not an alloy where another metal predominates by weight, as this would shift the classification to the heading for that specific metal according to the Section XV notes. Furthermore, sodium compounds, such as sodium chloride or sodium hydroxide, are classified elsewhere in Chapter 25 or 28. The physical form, whether ingots, sticks, or dispersions in oil, does not change the classification as long as the sodium remains the primary elemental component.
- Covers
- Elemental sodium ingots
- Sodium metal sticks or lumps
- Sodium dispersions in mineral oil
- High-purity sodium for nuclear applications
- Sodium metal drums for industrial synthesis
- Also under 2805.11
- Sigma-Aldrich Sodium
- Alfa Aesar Sodium
- American Elements Sodium
- BASF (uses sodium in production)
- Dow Chemical (uses sodium in production)
Codes often confused with 2805.11
Common mistake. Sodium metal is often confused with 2805.19, which covers other alkali metals like lithium or potassium. It is also sometimes misclassified under 2805.12 (calcium). It should never be confused with sodium compounds like sodium chloride (2501.00) or sodium hydroxide (2815.11), which are chemically distinct from the metallic element.
Top exporters and importers of HS 280511 (the code used for sodium metal), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 280511 (the code used for sodium metal) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 64% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% 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 280511, not only sodium metal.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $41M 64% of world exports
- 2 China $19M 30% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $1.6M 2.5% of world exports
World total: $64M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $19M 29% of world imports
- 2 India $14M 22% of world imports
- 3 Japan $5.4M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $65M 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 metal
Brazil classifies sodium metal under NCM 2805.11.00: HS 2805.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sodium metal
What is the HS code for Sodium metal?
The HS code for Sodium metal is 280511 (Alkali or alkali-earth metals; sodium). The HS code for elemental sodium metal is 2805.11.
How do I classify Sodium metal for customs?
Sodium metal is classified under HS code 280511 — Alkali or alkali-earth metals; sodium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is sodium metal in oil classified?
Sodium metal stored in mineral oil for safety is still classified under 2805.11, as the oil is considered a necessary preservative for transport and storage.
Which countries are the top exporters of sodium metal (HS 280511)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 280511 (the code used for sodium metal) in UN Comtrade data were France ($41M, 64% of world exports), China ($19M) and the Netherlands ($1.6M). World exports came to about $64M, 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 metal (HS 280511)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 280511 (the code used for sodium metal) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($19M, 29% of world imports), India ($14M) and Japan ($5.4M). World imports came to about $65M, 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 metal the same in all countries?
The base HS code 280511 for Sodium metal 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 metal in Brazil?
In Brazil, sodium metal (HS 280511) is classified under NCM 2805.11.00.