Product classification

HS code for Sodium thiosulphate: 2832.30

Thiosulphates.

Classification of sodium thiosulphate under HS 2832.30

Sodium thiosulphate is classified under HS code 2832.30, which specifically covers thiosulphates. This classification is governed by the Harmonized System's structure for inorganic chemicals in Chapter 28. Specifically, heading 2832 is designated for sulphites, thiosulphates, and their salts. Sodium thiosulphate, with the chemical formula Na2S2O3, is an inorganic salt that fits the criteria of this heading perfectly. The classification follows General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since 2832.30 explicitly names \"Thiosulphates,\" there is no ambiguity for pure sodium thiosulphate. The product is typically traded in crystalline or anhydrous forms. Its classification remains consistent regardless of whether it is intended for industrial water treatment, gold ore processing, or as a photographic fixer. The purity of the substance must be considered; however, as long as it is a separate chemically defined compound, it remains in Chapter 28. If the product were mixed with other substances to form a prepared chemical for photographic use, it might move to Chapter 37, but the raw chemical salt is strictly 2832.30.

Covers
  • Sodium thiosulphate pentahydrate
  • Anhydrous sodium thiosulphate
  • Technical grade sodium thiosulphate
  • Photographic grade sodium thiosulphate (pure)
  • Pharmaceutical grade sodium thiosulphate
Also under 2832.30
  • BASF Sodium Thiosulphate
  • Solvay Sodium Thiosulphate
  • Sigma-Aldrich Ammonium Thiosulphate
  • Eastman Kodak Thiosulphate Fixer

Codes often confused with 2832.30

Common mistake. A common point of confusion arises between sodium thiosulphate (2832.30) and sodium sulphites (2832.10) or sodium metabisulphite (2832.20). While they are all salts of sulphur-based oxoacids, their chemical structures and applications differ significantly. Sodium sulphite (Na2SO3) is used primarily in the pulp and paper industry, whereas sodium thiosulphate is used in photography and mining. Another frequent misclassification occurs with photographic chemical preparations. If sodium thiosulphate is packaged for retail sale as a photographic fixer and contains other ingredients like hardeners or buffers, it must be classified under HS code 3707.90. Importers often mistakenly use the chemical code 2832.30 for these prepared mixtures, which can lead to customs delays and incorrect duty payments. Additionally, sodium thiosulphate should not be confused with sodium sulphate (2833.11), which is a salt of sulphuric acid, not thiosulphuric acid.

2832.10Sulphites; of sodium2832.20Sulphites; other than of sodium3707.90Photographic goods; chemical preparations other than sensitised emulsions, put up in measured portions or put up for retail sale in a form ready for use2833.11Sodium sulphates; disodium sulphate

Top exporters and importers of HS 283230 (the code used for sodium thiosulphate), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283230 (the code used for sodium thiosulphate) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.0% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 283230, not only sodium thiosulphate.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $31M
  2. 2 Belgium $24M
  3. 3 China $15M

World total: $115M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $11M
  2. 2 Mexico $11M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $9.7M

The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.

World total: $123M 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 thiosulphate

Brazil splits HS 2832.30 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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

Questions about sodium thiosulphate

What is the HS code for Sodium thiosulphate?

The HS code for Sodium thiosulphate is 283230 (Thiosulphates). The standard international HS code for sodium thiosulphate is 2832.30, which falls under the category of thiosulphates.

How do I classify Sodium thiosulphate for customs?

Sodium thiosulphate is classified under HS code 283230 — Thiosulphates. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is sodium thiosulphate classified differently if it is in liquid form?

No, as long as it is a pure aqueous solution of the chemically defined compound, it remains under HS code 2832.30. However, if it contains other chemical additives, it may be classified elsewhere.

Which countries are the top exporters of sodium thiosulphate (HS 283230)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283230 (the code used for sodium thiosulphate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($31M, 27% of world exports), Belgium ($24M) and China ($15M). World exports came to about $115M, 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 thiosulphate (HS 283230)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 283230 (the code used for sodium thiosulphate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($11M, 9.0% of world imports), Mexico ($11M) and the United Kingdom ($9.7M). World imports came to about $123M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $2.7B of its chapter 28 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.

Is the HS code for Sodium thiosulphate the same in all countries?

The base HS code 283230 for Sodium thiosulphate 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 thiosulphate in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 283230 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for sodium thiosulphate depends on the product's details: 2832.30.10 (Ammonium thiosulphate), 2832.30.20 (Sodium thiosulphate), 2832.30.90 (Other thiosulphates).