Product classification
HS code for Synthetic cryolite: 2826.30
Sodium hexafluoroaluminate (synthetic cryolite).
Classification of synthetic cryolite under HS 2826.30
Synthetic cryolite, chemically known as sodium hexafluoroaluminate, is classified under HS code 282630. This classification is situated within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, precious metals, and rare-earth metals. Heading 2826 is designated for fluorides, fluorosilicates, fluoroaluminates, and other complex fluorine salts. The specific subheading 282630 is reserved for the synthetic version of cryolite, a compound essential in the industrial production of aluminum. The classification is driven by the chemical purity and the manufacturing origin of the substance. Unlike natural cryolite, which is a mineral found in the earth's crust, synthetic cryolite is produced through chemical reactions involving hydrofluoric acid, sodium hydroxide, and aluminum hydroxide. The Harmonized System distinguishes between naturally occurring minerals (Chapter 25) and chemically defined compounds produced in a laboratory or industrial setting (Chapter 28). Synthetic cryolite is primarily used as a flux in the electrolytic production of aluminum, as it lowers the melting point of alumina. It is also used in the manufacture of glass, ceramics, and as an active filler in resin-bonded abrasives for metal treatment. To qualify for this code, the product must meet the chemical definition of Na3AlF6 and must not contain additives that change its character from a basic chemical to a prepared mixture. Importers must provide chemical analysis reports to confirm the fluorine and aluminum content to ensure the product is not a simple mixture of salts.
- Covers
- Sodium hexafluoroaluminate (synthetic)
- Artificial cryolite powder
- Fluxing agents for aluminum smelting (pure synthetic cryolite)
- Industrial grade synthetic cryolite for glass manufacturing
- Also under 2826.30
- Solvay (fluorine chemicals)
- Honeywell (fluorine products)
- Stella Chemifa (fluorine compounds)
- Rio Tinto Alcan (aluminium production input)
Codes often confused with 2826.30
Common mistake. Synthetic cryolite is often confused with natural cryolite, which is classified under 2530.90. It may also be misclassified under 2826.19 (other fluorides) if the specific hexafluoroaluminate structure is not identified. Prepared fluxes that contain other substances in addition to cryolite may fall under 3810.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 282630 (the code used for synthetic cryolite), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282630 (the code used for synthetic cryolite) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 17% 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 282630, not only synthetic cryolite.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $43M 55% of world exports
- 2 Canada $7.0M 9.1% of world exports
- 3 Hungary $4.9M 6.3% of world exports
World total: $77M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $12M 17% of world imports
- 2 United States $8.5M 12% of world imports
- 3 India $5.5M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $70M 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 synthetic cryolite
Brazil classifies synthetic cryolite under NCM 2826.30.00: HS 2826.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about synthetic cryolite
What is the HS code for Synthetic cryolite?
The HS code for Synthetic cryolite is 282630 (Sodium hexafluoroaluminate (synthetic cryolite)). The HS code for synthetic cryolite (sodium hexafluoroaluminate) is 282630.
How do I classify Synthetic cryolite for customs?
Synthetic cryolite is classified under HS code 282630 — Sodium hexafluoroaluminate (synthetic cryolite). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can natural cryolite be classified under this code?
No, natural cryolite is a mineral and is classified under HS code 2530.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of synthetic cryolite (HS 282630)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282630 (the code used for synthetic cryolite) in UN Comtrade data were China ($43M, 55% of world exports), Canada ($7.0M) and Hungary ($4.9M). World exports came to about $77M, 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 synthetic cryolite (HS 282630)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 282630 (the code used for synthetic cryolite) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($12M, 17% of world imports), the United States ($8.5M) and India ($5.5M). World imports came to about $70M, 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 Synthetic cryolite the same in all countries?
The base HS code 282630 for Synthetic cryolite 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 synthetic cryolite in Brazil?
In Brazil, synthetic cryolite (HS 282630) is classified under NCM 2826.30.00.