Product classification
HS code for Sodium nitrite: 2834.10
Nitrites.
Classification of sodium nitrite under HS 2834.10
Sodium nitrite is classified under HS code 2834.10. This classification is based on its chemical identity as a nitrite, which is a salt of nitrous acid (HNO2). Under the Harmonized System, Chapter 28 is dedicated to inorganic chemicals, and heading 28.34 specifically covers nitrites and nitrates. Subheading 2834.10 is reserved exclusively for nitrites of all metals. Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) is a distinct, chemically defined compound used extensively in industrial applications, such as the production of diazo dyes, as a corrosion inhibitor in metallurgy, and as a food preservative (E250). Because it is a separate chemically defined compound and does not meet the specific criteria for fertilizers or other specialized chapters, it is classified according to its chemical structure within the inorganic chemistry chapter. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the product is in powder, flake, or granular form, provided it is not mixed with other substances in a way that changes its essential character.
- Covers
- Industrial grade sodium nitrite
- Food grade sodium nitrite (preservative E250)
- Technical grade sodium nitrite for dye manufacturing
- Sodium nitrite solutions (aqueous)
- Also under 2834.10
- Curing Salt (Morton Salt)
- Food Preservative E250 (sodium nitrite)
- Corrosion Inhibitors (various industrial suppliers)
- Chemical Reagents
Codes often confused with 2834.10
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for sodium nitrite is HS code 2834.21 or 2834.29, which are for nitrates. While the names are similar, nitrates (NO3) and nitrites (NO2) are chemically distinct and have different HS subheadings. Additionally, it is sometimes confused with sodium nitrate fertilizer (3102.50). However, sodium nitrite has no significant fertilizing value and is never classified in Chapter 31. Importers must ensure the chemical formula is verified to avoid the 2834.10 vs 2834.2x error.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283410 (the code used for sodium nitrite), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283410 (the code used for sodium nitrite) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.9% 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 283410, not only sodium nitrite.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $20M 36% of world exports
- 2 India $15M 28% of world exports
- 3 United States $8.2M 14% of world exports
World total: $56M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $9.9M 9.9% of world imports
- 2 India $7.6M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $6.4M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $100M 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 nitrite
Brazil splits HS 2834.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2834.10.10Sodium nitrite
- 2834.10.90Other nitrites
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 nitrite
What is the HS code for Sodium nitrite?
The HS code for Sodium nitrite is 283410 (Nitrites). The HS code for sodium nitrite is 2834.10, which falls under the category of nitrites of inorganic chemicals.
How do I classify Sodium nitrite for customs?
Sodium nitrite is classified under HS code 283410 — Nitrites. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can sodium nitrite be classified as a food additive?
While it is used as a food additive, for customs purposes it is classified by its chemical composition under 2834.10 rather than as a prepared food ingredient, unless it is part of a complex mixture.
Which countries are the top exporters of sodium nitrite (HS 283410)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283410 (the code used for sodium nitrite) in UN Comtrade data were China ($20M, 36% of world exports), India ($15M) and the United States ($8.2M). World exports came to about $56M, 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 nitrite (HS 283410)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283410 (the code used for sodium nitrite) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($9.9M, 9.9% of world imports), India ($7.6M) and the Netherlands ($6.4M). World imports came to about $100M, 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 nitrite the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283410 for Sodium nitrite 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 nitrite in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 283410 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for sodium nitrite depends on the product's details: 2834.10.10 (Sodium nitrite), 2834.10.90 (Other nitrites).