Product classification
HS code for Sodium tripolyphosphate: 2835.31
Polyphosphates, sodium triphosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate), whether or not chemically defined.
Classification of sodium tripolyphosphate under HS 2835.31
Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) is classified under HS code 2835.31. This classification is found within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals. Heading 2835 is dedicated to phosphinates, phosphonates, phosphates, and polyphosphates. Sodium tripolyphosphate is a specific type of polyphosphate. The HS nomenclature provides a specific six-digit subheading, 2835.31, for \"Sodium triphosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate),\" making the classification process highly specific and less prone to interpretation errors compared to other chemicals. This classification applies to STPP whether it is chemically defined or not, as per the subheading text. The substance is widely used as a builder in heavy-duty laundry detergents and as a preservative in seafood and meats to retain moisture. When classifying this product, it is essential to distinguish between the pure chemical and formulated products. For instance, a detergent containing STPP would be classified under heading 3402, not 2835.31. The classification under 2835.31 is reserved for the chemical substance itself, often sold in bulk as a white powder or granular material.
- Covers
- Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) technical grade
- Sodium tripolyphosphate food grade
- Sodium triphosphate (pentasodium triphosphate)
- Granular sodium tripolyphosphate
- Powdered sodium tripolyphosphate
- Also under 2835.31
- P&G (detergents)
- Unilever (detergents)
- Innophos (food ingredients)
- ICL (industrial chemicals)
Codes often confused with 2835.31
Common mistake. Sodium tripolyphosphate (2835.31) is frequently confused with other sodium phosphates. For example, mono- or disodium phosphate is classified under 2835.22. While they are all sodium-based phosphorus salts, the molecular structure of a polyphosphate (triphosphate) is distinct from a simple orthophosphate. Another common error is classifying STPP under 3402.20 or 3402.90 when it is intended for use in detergents. However, heading 3402 is for prepared washing and cleaning preparations. If the product is pure STPP, it must remain in 2835.31. Furthermore, sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is another polyphosphate that is often confused with STPP; SHMP is classified under 2835.39 as \"Other polyphosphates.\" Accurate chemical identification via a Certificate of Analysis (COA) is necessary to distinguish between these subheadings.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283531 (the code used for sodium tripolyphosphate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283531 (the code used for sodium tripolyphosphate) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 283531, not only sodium tripolyphosphate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $224M 44% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $95M 19% of world exports
- 3 Canada $41M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $504M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $83M 16% of world imports
- 2 India $42M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $28M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $519M 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 tripolyphosphate
Brazil splits HS 2835.31 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2835.31.10Food-grade sodium tripolyphosphate
- 2835.31.90Other sodium triphosphate (tripolyphosphate)
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sodium tripolyphosphate
What is the HS code for Sodium tripolyphosphate?
The HS code for Sodium tripolyphosphate is 283531 (Polyphosphates; sodium triphosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate), whether or not chemically defined). The HS code for sodium tripolyphosphate is 2835.31, which specifically identifies sodium triphosphate.
How do I classify Sodium tripolyphosphate for customs?
Sodium tripolyphosphate is classified under HS code 283531 — Polyphosphates; sodium triphosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate), whether or not chemically defined. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can food-grade STPP use a different HS code?
No, the HS code 2835.31 applies to sodium tripolyphosphate regardless of its grade (technical or food), provided it is the pure chemical compound.
Which countries are the top exporters of sodium tripolyphosphate (HS 283531)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283531 (the code used for sodium tripolyphosphate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($224M, 44% of world exports), Belgium ($95M) and Canada ($41M). World exports came to about $504M, 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 tripolyphosphate (HS 283531)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283531 (the code used for sodium tripolyphosphate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($83M, 16% of world imports), India ($42M) and Brazil ($28M). World imports came to about $519M, 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 tripolyphosphate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283531 for Sodium tripolyphosphate 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 tripolyphosphate in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 283531 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for sodium tripolyphosphate depends on the product's details: 2835.31.10 (Food-grade sodium tripolyphosphate), 2835.31.90 (Other sodium triphosphate (tripolyphosphate)).