Product classification
HS code for Sodium nitrate: 2834.29
Nitrates, of other than potassium.
Classification of sodium nitrate under HS 2834.29
Sodium nitrate is classified under HS code 2834.29. This heading covers nitrites and nitrates, and the subheading 2834.29 is a residual category for nitrates other than potassium nitrate. Sodium nitrate (NaNO3) is a white solid that is highly soluble in water and acts as a strong oxidizing agent. Its classification is unique due to its dual role as an industrial chemical and a fertilizer. According to the Chapter Notes for Chapter 31 (Fertilizers), sodium nitrate is one of the few substances that can be classified as a fertilizer even if it is chemically pure, provided it is intended for such use. Specifically, 3102.50 is the code for sodium nitrate used as a fertilizer. However, when sodium nitrate is intended for industrial applications—such as in the manufacture of glass, explosives, enamels, or as a food preservative—it is classified under 2834.29. This industrial classification applies to technical, reagent, and pharmaceutical grades. The distinction often depends on the packaging and the documentation accompanying the shipment. For instance, sodium nitrate sold in bulk for agricultural use is almost always 3102.50, while high-purity crystals sold for laboratory use or glass production are 2834.29. It is also used in heat storage for concentrated solar power plants. The classification is governed by the intended use and the purity of the product, following the legal notes of Section VI. It is also important to distinguish sodium nitrate from sodium nitrite (NaNO2), which is classified under 2834.10. Proper documentation of the product's grade and intended application is essential for correct customs entry.
- Covers
- Technical grade sodium nitrate
- Industrial grade Chile saltpeter
- Sodium nitrate for glass manufacturing
- Reagent grade sodium nitrate
- Sodium nitrate for food preservation (E251)
- Also under 2834.29
- Chilean Saltpeter (sodium nitrate)
- YaraLiva (calcium nitrate fertilizer)
- ANFO (ammonium nitrate fuel oil explosive)
- Photographic Chemicals (silver nitrate)
- Pyrotechnic Colorants (strontium/barium nitrate)
Codes often confused with 2834.29
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is between 2834.29 and 3102.50 (fertilizer grade). It is also frequently confused with 2834.10 (sodium nitrite) or 2834.21 (potassium nitrate). In some cases, it may be confused with 3824.99 if it is part of a specialized explosive precursor blend.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283429 (the code used for sodium nitrate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283429 (the code used for sodium nitrate) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 7.2% 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 283429, not only sodium nitrate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $102M 29% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $38M 11% of world exports
- 3 Poland $26M 7.5% of world exports
World total: $346M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $30M 7.2% of world imports
- 2 United States $30M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 France $25M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $418M 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 nitrate
Brazil splits HS 2834.29 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2834.29.10Calcium nitrate, 16% nitrogen or less
- 2834.29.30Aluminium nitrate
- 2834.29.40Lithium nitrate
- 2834.29.90Other nitrates
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Questions about sodium nitrate
What is the HS code for Sodium nitrate?
The HS code for Sodium nitrate is 283429 (Nitrates; of other than potassium). For industrial or technical use, the HS code is 2834.29. For fertilizer use, it is 3102.50.
How do I classify Sodium nitrate for customs?
Sodium nitrate is classified under HS code 283429 — Nitrates; of other than potassium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is sodium nitrate the same as Chile saltpeter?
Yes, Chile saltpeter is a common name for natural sodium nitrate, which is classified under 3102.50 if used as fertilizer or 2834.29 if refined for industrial use.
Which countries are the top exporters of sodium nitrate (HS 283429)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283429 (the code used for sodium nitrate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($102M, 29% of world exports), Belgium ($38M) and Poland ($26M). World exports came to about $346M, 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 nitrate (HS 283429)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283429 (the code used for sodium nitrate) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($30M, 7.2% of world imports), the United States ($30M) and France ($25M). World imports came to about $418M, 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 nitrate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283429 for Sodium nitrate 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 nitrate in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 283429 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for sodium nitrate depends on the product's details: 2834.29.10 (Calcium nitrate, 16% nitrogen or less), 2834.29.30 (Aluminium nitrate), 2834.29.40 (Lithium nitrate), 2834.29.90 (Other nitrates).