Product classification
HS code for SOP fertilizer: 3104.30
Fertilizers, mineral or chemical, potassic, potassium sulphate.
Classification of SOP fertilizer under HS 3104.30
SOP (Sulphate of Potash) fertilizer, chemically known as potassium sulphate, is classified under HS code 3104.30. This classification is governed by the notes in Chapter 31, which covers fertilizers. Heading 3104 is specifically designated for mineral or chemical fertilizers, potassic. Within this heading, 3104.30 is the specific subheading for potassium sulphate. To be classified here, the product must be of a kind used as a fertilizer or be a separate chemically defined compound of potassium sulphate. SOP is highly valued in agriculture for providing both potassium and sulphur while maintaining a low chloride content, making it ideal for chloride-sensitive crops. The classification remains consistent whether the product is in crystalline, powder, or granular form, provided it is not put up in tablets or similar forms or in packages of a gross weight not exceeding 10 kg, which would move it to heading 3105.
- Covers
- Agricultural grade potassium sulphate
- Water-soluble SOP for fertigation
- Granular SOP fertilizer
- Crystalline potassium sulphate (K2SO4)
- Industrial grade potassium sulphate used as fertilizer
- Also under 3104.30
- K+S Kaliumsulfat
- Tessenderlo Kerley SOP
- Compass Minerals SOP
- SQM SOP
- ICL Specialty Fertilizers SOP.
Codes often confused with 3104.30
Common mistake. SOP is often confused with MOP (Muriate of Potash), which is potassium chloride and is classified under HS code 3104.20. While both are potassic fertilizers, they are distinct chemical compounds with different subheadings. Another common misclassification occurs with HS code 3105.20, which covers NPK fertilizers. If SOP is blended with nitrogen or phosphorus, it must be moved to 3105. Additionally, if the SOP is packaged for retail sale in bags weighing 10 kg or less, it must be classified under HS code 3105.10, regardless of its chemical purity, as per the rules of Chapter 31.
Top exporters and importers of HS 310430 (the code used for SOP fertilizer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 310430 (the code used for SOP fertilizer) in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 7.1% 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 310430, not only SOP fertilizer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Egypt $130M 22% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$96M 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Sweden $96M 16% of world exports
World total: $592M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $73M 7.1% of world imports
- 2 Australia $58M 5.6% of world imports
- 3 South Africa $57M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $1.0B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 SOP fertilizer
Brazil splits HS 3104.30 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3104.30.10Potassium sulphate, 52% K2O or less
- 3104.30.90Potassium sulphate, over 52% K2O
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about SOP fertilizer
What is the HS code for SOP fertilizer?
The HS code for SOP fertilizer is 310430 (Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; potassic, potassium sulphate). The HS code for SOP (potassium sulphate) fertilizer is 3104.30.
How do I classify SOP fertilizer for customs?
SOP fertilizer is classified under HS code 310430 — Fertilizers, mineral or chemical; potassic, potassium sulphate. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is potassium sulphate classified differently if it is food grade?
If potassium sulphate is not intended for use as a fertilizer and is a pure chemical, it might still fall under 3104.30, but some jurisdictions may look at 2833.29; however, for most trade, 3104.30 is the standard.
Which countries are the top exporters of SOP fertilizer (HS 310430)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 310430 (the code used for SOP fertilizer) in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($130M, 22% of world exports), Taiwan (about $96M) and Sweden ($96M). World exports came to about $592M, 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 SOP fertilizer (HS 310430)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 310430 (the code used for SOP fertilizer) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($73M, 7.1% of world imports), Australia ($58M) and South Africa ($57M). World imports came to about $1.0B, 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 SOP fertilizer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 310430 for SOP fertilizer 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 SOP fertilizer in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 310430 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for SOP fertilizer depends on the product's details: 3104.30.10 (Potassium sulphate, 52% K2O or less), 3104.30.90 (Potassium sulphate, over 52% K2O).