Product classification
HS code for Table salt: 2501.00
Salt (including table salt and denatured salt), pure sodium chloride whether or not in aqueous solution, sea water.
Classification of table salt under HS 2501.00
Table salt is classified under HS code 2501.00, which encompasses salt and pure sodium chloride. Chapter 25 of the Harmonized System deals with mineral products in their crude or minimally processed states. Salt is classified here even if it has been refined, iodized, or treated with anti-caking agents, as these processes do not change its essential character as a mineral. The code 2501.00 is a broad heading that includes sea water, rock salt, and salt in aqueous solution. For international trade, table salt is recognized as a staple mineral product rather than a prepared foodstuff, which is why it remains in the mineral chapter rather than the processed food chapters. According to the Chapter Notes for Chapter 25, products may have added anti-dusting agents or coloring, provided that the additions do not make the product particularly suitable for specific use rather than for general use. Table salt, being a universal seasoning and preservative, fits perfectly within this mineral classification.
- Covers
- Iodized table salt
- Refined sea salt
- Rock salt for culinary use
- Salt with anti-caking agents
- Pure sodium chloride in retail packaging
- Also under 2501.00
- Morton Salt
- Cargill Salt
- Diamond Crystal Salt
- K+S Salt
- Himalayan Pink Salt
Codes often confused with 2501.00
Common mistake. Salt is often misclassified under 2103.90 if it contains significant additives like herbs, spices, or flavorings (e.g., celery salt or garlic salt). These are considered "mixed condiments and mixed seasonings." Another error occurs with 3824.99, where chemical mixtures are classified. Pure sodium chloride for laboratory use might be confused with industrial salt, but 2501.00 remains the primary heading for salt in almost all forms except for certain medicinal or optical applications. Salt used for de-icing roads is also 2501.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 250100 (the code used for table salt), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 250100 (the code used for table salt) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 11% 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 250100, not only table salt.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $404M 11% of world exports
- 2 Germany $391M 11% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $335M 9.5% of world exports
World total: $3.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $812M 16% of world imports
- 2 China $485M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 Japan $312M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $5.1B 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 table salt
Brazil splits HS 2501.00 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2501.00.11Bulk sea salt, without additives
- 2501.00.19Other bulk salt, without additives
- 2501.00.20Table salt
- 2501.00.90Other salt, sodium chloride and sea water
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about table salt
What is the HS code for Table salt?
The HS code for Table salt is 250100 (Salt (including table salt and denatured salt); pure sodium chloride whether or not in aqueous solution; sea water). The HS code for table salt, including iodized and refined versions, is 2501.00.
How do I classify Table salt for customs?
Table salt is classified under HS code 250100 — Salt (including table salt and denatured salt); pure sodium chloride whether or not in aqueous solution; sea water. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is Himalayan pink salt classified differently?
No, Himalayan pink salt is a form of rock salt and is classified under the same HS code, 2501.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of table salt (HS 250100)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 250100 (the code used for table salt) in UN Comtrade data were India ($404M, 11% of world exports), Germany ($391M) and the Netherlands ($335M). World exports came to about $3.5B, 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 table salt (HS 250100)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 250100 (the code used for table salt) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($812M, 16% of world imports), China ($485M) and Japan ($312M). World imports came to about $5.1B, 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 Table salt the same in all countries?
The base HS code 250100 for Table salt 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 table salt in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 250100 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for table salt depends on the product's details: 2501.00.11 (Bulk sea salt, without additives), 2501.00.19 (Other bulk salt, without additives), 2501.00.20 (Table salt), 2501.00.90 (Other salt, sodium chloride and sea water).