Product classification

HS code for Sodium thiocyanate: 2842.90

Salts, of inorganic acids or peroxoacids, other than double or complex silicates, including aluminosilicates, whether or not chemically, excluding azides.

Classification of sodium thiocyanate under HS 2842.90

Sodium thiocyanate is classified under HS code 2842.90. This classification falls under Chapter 28, heading 2842, which serves as a category for "other salts of inorganic acids or peroxoacids (including aluminosilicates whether or not chemically defined), other than azides." Unlike silicates, sulphates, or sulphides, thiocyanates do not have a specific named heading in the 2826-2841 range of the Harmonized System. Therefore, they are classified in the residual heading 2842. Sodium thiocyanate, also known as sodium rhodanide, is an inorganic compound used as a precursor for pharmaceuticals, as a solvent for polyacrylonitrile in fiber spinning, and in the construction industry as an accelerator for concrete hardening. The classification remains 2842.90 regardless of whether it is in crystalline form or an aqueous solution, provided it is not mixed with other substances to form a preparation. It is a colorless, deliquescent salt that is highly soluble in water. Because it is an inorganic salt of thiocyanic acid, it must be distinguished from organic thiocyanates which are found in a different chapter of the HS nomenclature.

Covers
  • Sodium thiocyanate crystals
  • Sodium thiocyanate 50% solution
  • Sodium rhodanide
  • Sodium sulfocyanate
  • Technical grade sodium thiocyanate
  • Analytical reagent sodium thiocyanate
Also under 2842.90
  • Solvay (sodium carbonate)
  • K+S (potassium chloride)
  • Dow Chemical (calcium chloride)
  • BASF (ammonium sulfate)
  • Compass Minerals (magnesium sulfate)

Codes often confused with 2842.90

Common mistake. Often misclassified under 2837.20 (Complex cyanides) because thiocyanates contain the -CN group; however, they are chemically distinct from cyanides and are not considered complex cyanides. It may also be confused with organic thiocyanates, which are classified in Chapter 29 under 2930.90 as organo-sulfur compounds.

2837.20Complex cyanides2930.90Organo-sulphur compounds; n.e.c. in heading no. 2930

Top exporters and importers of HS 284290 (the code used for sodium thiocyanate), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 284290 (the code used for sodium thiocyanate) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 85% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 71% 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 284290, not only sodium thiocyanate.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $2.8B
  2. 2 Germany $149M
  3. 3 Canada $67M

World total: $3.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $1.9B
  2. 2 Indonesia $146M
  3. 3 United States $126M

World total: $2.7B 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 thiocyanate

Brazil classifies sodium thiocyanate under NCM 2842.90.00: HS 2842.90 with 00 added.

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

Questions about sodium thiocyanate

What is the HS code for Sodium thiocyanate?

The HS code for Sodium thiocyanate is 284290 (Salts; of inorganic acids or peroxoacids, other than double or complex silicates, including aluminosilicates, whether or not chemically, excluding azides). The HS code is 2842.90.

How do I classify Sodium thiocyanate for customs?

Sodium thiocyanate is classified under HS code 284290 — Salts; of inorganic acids or peroxoacids, other than double or complex silicates, including aluminosilicates, whether or not chemically, excluding azides. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is sodium thiocyanate toxic?

While it is significantly less toxic than sodium cyanide, it is still considered harmful if swallowed and requires careful handling and appropriate safety data sheets (SDS) for international trade.

Which countries are the top exporters of sodium thiocyanate (HS 284290)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 284290 (the code used for sodium thiocyanate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.8B, 85% of world exports), Germany ($149M) and Canada ($67M). World exports came to about $3.3B, 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 thiocyanate (HS 284290)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 284290 (the code used for sodium thiocyanate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.9B, 71% of world imports), Indonesia ($146M) and the United States ($126M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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 thiocyanate the same in all countries?

The base HS code 284290 for Sodium thiocyanate 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 thiocyanate in Brazil?

In Brazil, sodium thiocyanate (HS 284290) is classified under NCM 2842.90.00.