Product classification
HS code for Sodium sulphite: 2832.10
Sulphites, of sodium.
Classification of sodium sulphite under HS 2832.10
Sodium sulphite is classified under HS code 2832.10. This code belongs to Chapter 28, heading 2832, which covers sulphites and thiosulphates. Sodium sulphite is a soluble sodium salt of sulphurous acid. The classification 2832.10 is specific to sodium sulphites, distinguishing them from other metal sulphites. This includes both the anhydrous form and the heptahydrate. The product is widely used as an antioxidant and preservative in the food industry to prevent discoloration of dried fruits and to preserve meats. It also serves as a dechlorinating agent in water treatment and a developer in the photography industry. The chemical structure, characterized by the SO3 group, is the primary determinant for its placement under heading 2832. Its role as a reducing agent is a defining chemical property that separates it from the more oxidized sulphates. In industrial settings, it is often used in the pulp and paper industry for the production of sulfite pulp. The classification remains the same regardless of the grade, whether it is food, photographic, or technical grade, provided it remains a chemically defined inorganic salt.
- Covers
- Sodium sulphite anhydrous
- Sodium sulphite crystals
- Food grade sodium sulphite
- Photographic grade sodium sulphite
- Sodium sulphite solution
- Sodium hydrogen sulphite (bisulphite) in some contexts
- Also under 2832.10
- BASF Sodium Sulphite
- Solvay Sodium Sulphite
- Esseco Sodium Metabisulphite
- ADM Sodium Sulphite
- Merck Sodium Sulphite
Codes often confused with 2832.10
Common mistake. Most commonly confused with sodium sulphate (2833.11) because of the similar spelling and appearance. It is also sometimes confused with sodium metabisulphite, which is classified under 2832.20 as "other" sulphites in certain tariff schedules. Importers must ensure the oxygen count (SO3 vs SO4) is verified to avoid misclassification between 2832 and 2833.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283210 (the code used for sodium sulphite), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283210 (the code used for sodium sulphite) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 7.6% of world imports. The DR Congo did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 4.9% of its imports here ($3.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 283210, not only sodium sulphite.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $120M 40% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $43M 15% of world exports
- 3 Italy $41M 14% of world exports
World total: $297M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $29M 7.6% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $19M 4.8% of world imports
- 3 Ecuador $18M 4.6% of world imports
The DR Congo did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 4.9% of its imports here ($3.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $388M 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 sulphite
Brazil splits HS 2832.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2832.10.10Disodium sulphite
- 2832.10.90Other sodium sulphites
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sodium sulphite
What is the HS code for Sodium sulphite?
The HS code for Sodium sulphite is 283210 (Sulphites; of sodium). The HS code is 2832.10.
How do I classify Sodium sulphite for customs?
Sodium sulphite is classified under HS code 283210 — Sulphites; of sodium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between food grade and industrial sodium sulphite?
Food grade sodium sulphite must meet strict purity standards regarding heavy metals and arsenic, though both are classified under 2832.10 for customs purposes.
Which countries are the top exporters of sodium sulphite (HS 283210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283210 (the code used for sodium sulphite) in UN Comtrade data were China ($120M, 40% of world exports), Thailand ($43M) and Italy ($41M). World exports came to about $297M, 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 sulphite (HS 283210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283210 (the code used for sodium sulphite) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($29M, 7.6% of world imports), Brazil ($19M) and Ecuador ($18M). World imports came to about $388M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The DR Congo did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 4.9% of its imports here ($3.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Sodium sulphite the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283210 for Sodium sulphite 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 sulphite in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 283210 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for sodium sulphite depends on the product's details: 2832.10.10 (Disodium sulphite), 2832.10.90 (Other sodium sulphites).