Product classification

HS code for Sodium silicate: 2839.19

Silicates, of sodium (excluding sodium metasilicates).

Classification of sodium silicate under HS 2839.19

Sodium silicate is classified under HS code 2839.19. This classification is part of Chapter 28, which encompasses inorganic chemicals, precious metal compounds, and radioactive elements. Specifically, heading 2839 is designated for silicates and commercial alkali metal silicates. Within this heading, the code 2839.11 is reserved for sodium metasilicates, which have a specific molar ratio. Consequently, 2839.19 serves as the residual category for all other forms of sodium silicates, including those with varying silica-to-sodium oxide ratios. The classification is determined by the chemical composition and the fact that it is an inorganic salt of silica. These compounds are typically produced by melting high-purity sand with soda ash in a furnace or through a hydrothermal process involving caustic soda and silica. The resulting products, often referred to as water glass, are essential in industrial applications such as detergents, adhesives, soil stabilization, and water treatment. The versatility of sodium silicate in liquid and powder forms necessitates a clear distinction from other metal silicates like potassium silicate, which falls under 2839.90. The classification remains consistent regardless of the concentration of the aqueous solution, provided the substance is not mixed with other ingredients to form a prepared binder.

Covers
  • Liquid sodium silicate (water glass)
  • Sodium orthosilicate
  • Sodium sesquisilicate
  • Powdered sodium silicate
  • Alkaline sodium silicate solutions
  • Neutral sodium silicate
  • Sodium silicate glass lumps
Also under 2839.19
  • PQ Corporation Sodium Silicate
  • W. R. Grace Sodium Silicate
  • BASF Sodium Silicate

Codes often confused with 2839.19

Common mistake. It is frequently confused with HS code 2839.11, which is strictly for sodium metasilicates. Another common error is classifying it under 3824.99, which covers prepared binders for foundry moulds or cores; however, if the product is pure sodium silicate without additives, 2839.19 is the correct code. It should also not be confused with 2505.10 (silica sands) which are the raw materials used in production.

2839.11Silicates; sodium metasilicates3824.99Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; n.e.c. heading 38242505.10Sands; natural, silica and quartz sands, whether or not coloured

Top exporters and importers of HS 283919 (the code used for sodium silicate), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283919 (the code used for sodium silicate) in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 9.7% 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 283919, not only sodium silicate.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Poland $73M
  2. 2 China $70M
  3. 3 Netherlands $60M

World total: $482M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Netherlands $47M
  2. 2 France $33M
  3. 3 United States $31M

World total: $491M 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 silicate

Brazil classifies sodium silicate under NCM 2839.19.00: HS 2839.19 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about sodium silicate

What is the HS code for Sodium silicate?

The HS code for Sodium silicate is 283919 (Silicates; of sodium (excluding sodium metasilicates)). The HS code is 2839.19 for most forms, excluding metasilicates.

How do I classify Sodium silicate for customs?

Sodium silicate is classified under HS code 283919 — Silicates; of sodium (excluding sodium metasilicates). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is sodium silicate considered hazardous for shipping?

While not classified as a highly toxic substance, it is highly alkaline and can be corrosive to skin and eyes, requiring appropriate safety labeling and handling during international transit.

Which countries are the top exporters of sodium silicate (HS 283919)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283919 (the code used for sodium silicate) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($73M, 15% of world exports), China ($70M) and the Netherlands ($60M). World exports came to about $482M, 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 silicate (HS 283919)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 283919 (the code used for sodium silicate) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($47M, 9.7% of world imports), France ($33M) and the United States ($31M). World imports came to about $491M, 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 silicate the same in all countries?

The base HS code 283919 for Sodium silicate 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 silicate in Brazil?

In Brazil, sodium silicate (HS 283919) is classified under NCM 2839.19.00.