Product classification
HS code for Tetrasodium pyrophosphate: 2835.39
Polyphosphates, other than sodium triphosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate), whether or not chemically defined.
Classification of tetrasodium pyrophosphate under HS 2835.39
Tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) is classified under HS code 2835.39. This classification falls within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, precious metals, and rare-earth metals. Heading 2835 is designated for phosphinates (hypophosphites), phosphonates (phosphites), and phosphates, including polyphosphates. TSPP is a polyphosphate, specifically a sodium salt of pyrophosphoric acid. While sodium triphosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate) has its own specific subheading (2835.31) due to its high trade volume, other polyphosphates, including tetrasodium pyrophosphate, are grouped under the "other" category in subheading 2835.39. This classification applies to both the anhydrous form and the decahydrate form of the chemical. TSPP is widely used in the food industry as an emulsifier, thickening agent, and buffering agent, and in industrial applications as a water softener and detergent builder. The classification remains 2835.39 regardless of the grade (food vs. industrial) as long as it is a chemically defined sodium polyphosphate.
- Covers
- Tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP)
- Sodium pyrophosphate, anhydrous
- Sodium pyrophosphate, decahydrate
- Tetrasodium diphosphate
- Also under 2835.39
- ICL (food phosphates)
- Innophos (specialty phosphates)
- Budenheim (food ingredients)
- Clariant (flame retardants)
Codes often confused with 2835.39
Common mistake. TSPP is frequently misclassified under 2835.31, which is reserved exclusively for sodium triphosphate (tripolyphosphate). While both are sodium polyphosphates, the molecular structure differs. It may also be confused with 2835.29, which covers "other" phosphates (orthophosphates). Pyrophosphates are condensed phosphates and must be classified under the polyphosphate subheadings (2835.31-39) rather than the simple phosphate subheadings (2835.22-29).
Top exporters and importers of HS 283539 (the code used for tetrasodium pyrophosphate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283539 (the code used for tetrasodium pyrophosphate) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 283539, not only tetrasodium pyrophosphate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $343M 35% of world exports
- 2 Germany $194M 20% of world exports
- 3 United States $107M 11% of world exports
World total: $983M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $104M 10% of world imports
- 2 Canada $52M 5.1% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $51M 4.9% 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.
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 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 tetrasodium pyrophosphate
Brazil splits HS 2835.39 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2835.39.10Sodium metaphosphates
- 2835.39.20Sodium pyrophosphates
- 2835.39.30Zinc pyrophosphate
- 2835.39.90Other polyphosphates
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about tetrasodium pyrophosphate
What is the HS code for Tetrasodium pyrophosphate?
The HS code for Tetrasodium pyrophosphate is 283539 (Polyphosphates; other than sodium triphosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate), whether or not chemically defined). The HS code for Tetrasodium pyrophosphate is 2835.39, categorized under other polyphosphates.
How do I classify Tetrasodium pyrophosphate for customs?
Tetrasodium pyrophosphate is classified under HS code 283539 — Polyphosphates; other than sodium triphosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate), whether or not chemically defined. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is food-grade TSPP classified differently?
No, the HS code 2835.39 applies to tetrasodium pyrophosphate regardless of its purity or intended use, provided it is not mixed with other ingredients into a prepared food additive.
Which countries are the top exporters of tetrasodium pyrophosphate (HS 283539)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283539 (the code used for tetrasodium pyrophosphate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($343M, 35% of world exports), Germany ($194M) and the United States ($107M). World exports came to about $983M, 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 tetrasodium pyrophosphate (HS 283539)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283539 (the code used for tetrasodium pyrophosphate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($104M, 10% of world imports), Canada ($52M) and the United Kingdom ($51M). World imports came to about $1.0B, 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 Tetrasodium pyrophosphate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283539 for Tetrasodium pyrophosphate 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 tetrasodium pyrophosphate in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 283539 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for tetrasodium pyrophosphate depends on the product's details: 2835.39.10 (Sodium metaphosphates), 2835.39.20 (Sodium pyrophosphates), 2835.39.30 (Zinc pyrophosphate), 2835.39.90 (Other polyphosphates).