Product classification
HS code for Sodium metasilicate: 2839.11
Silicates, sodium metasilicates.
Classification of sodium metasilicate under HS 2839.11
Sodium metasilicate is classified under HS code 2839.11. This code falls under Heading 2839, which covers silicates and commercial alkali metal silicates. The subheading 2839.11 is specifically designated for sodium metasilicates. Sodium metasilicate is an inorganic salt formed by the combination of sodium oxide and silica in a 1:1 molar ratio. It is available in several forms, including anhydrous (Na2SiO3) and various hydrated forms like the pentahydrate or nonahydrate. All these forms are covered under 2839.11 as long as they maintain the metasilicate structure. This chemical is highly valued for its alkalinity and its ability to emulsify fats and oils, making it a common ingredient in industrial and household detergents, as well as in metal cleaning, textile processing, and the pulp and paper industry. It is also used to stabilize hydrogen peroxide bleaches and as a binder in ceramics. In the context of the Harmonized System, the distinction between metasilicates and other silicates, such as sodium orthosilicate or commercial water glass solutions, is important. Other sodium silicates that do not meet the metasilicate definition are classified under 2839.19. If sodium metasilicate is blended with surfactants, builders, or other additives to create a finished cleaning product, the classification shifts to Chapter 34. However, as a pure, chemically defined substance, it remains in Chapter 28. The classification is determined by GRI 1, which prioritizes the specific terms of the heading and subheading that most accurately describe the chemical composition of the product.
- Covers
- Sodium metasilicate anhydrous
- Sodium metasilicate pentahydrate
- Sodium metasilicate nonahydrate
- Granular sodium metasilicate
- Technical grade sodium metasilicate for detergents
- Also under 2839.11
- PQ Corporation Sodium Metasilicate
- OxyChem Sodium Metasilicate
- BASF Sodium Metasilicate
Codes often confused with 2839.11
Common mistake. Sodium metasilicate is often confused with 2839.19, which covers other sodium silicates like liquid sodium silicate (water glass). It is also frequently misclassified under 3402.20 or 3402.90 when it is a component of a detergent preparation rather than a pure chemical. It should also be distinguished from magnesium silicates (2839.90).
Top exporters and importers of HS 283911 (the code used for sodium metasilicate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283911 (the code used for sodium metasilicate) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, 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 283911, not only sodium metasilicate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $30M 42% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $17M 23% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $7.7M 11% of world exports
World total: $73M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $10M 12% of world imports
- 2 Japan $8.7M 10% of world imports
- 3 United States $7.3M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $87M 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 metasilicate
Brazil classifies sodium metasilicate under NCM 2839.11.00: HS 2839.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sodium metasilicate
What is the HS code for Sodium metasilicate?
The HS code for Sodium metasilicate is 283911 (Silicates; sodium metasilicates). The HS code for sodium metasilicate is 2839.11.
How do I classify Sodium metasilicate for customs?
Sodium metasilicate is classified under HS code 283911 — Silicates; sodium metasilicates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the hydration level change the HS code?
No, whether the sodium metasilicate is anhydrous, pentahydrate, or nonahydrate, it remains classified under 2839.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of sodium metasilicate (HS 283911)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283911 (the code used for sodium metasilicate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($30M, 42% of world exports), Belgium ($17M) and the Netherlands ($7.7M). World exports came to about $73M, 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 metasilicate (HS 283911)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283911 (the code used for sodium metasilicate) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($10M, 12% of world imports), Japan ($8.7M) and the United States ($7.3M). World imports came to about $87M, 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 metasilicate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283911 for Sodium metasilicate 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 metasilicate in Brazil?
In Brazil, sodium metasilicate (HS 283911) is classified under NCM 2839.11.00.