Product classification
HS code for Zinc sulphide: 2830.90
Sulphides and polysulphides, whether or not chemically defined, other than sulphides of sodium.
Classification of zinc sulphide under HS 2830.90
Zinc sulphide is classified under HS code 2830.90. This classification is part of Chapter 28, which deals with inorganic chemicals. Heading 2830 covers sulphides and polysulphides, whether or not they are chemically defined. Zinc sulphide is an inorganic compound used extensively in the manufacture of pigments, infrared optics, and electronics. The subheading 2830.90 serves as a residual category for sulphides other than sodium sulphides. It is critical to distinguish between synthetic zinc sulphide and the naturally occurring mineral known as sphalerite. While the natural ore is classified in Chapter 26 (Ores), the chemically produced or purified compound belongs in Chapter 28. Furthermore, the classification is governed by the purity and the form of the substance. If the zinc sulphide is doped with other elements for use as a phosphor, it might still fall here unless it is prepared as a luminophore, which could shift it to 3206.50. However, the basic chemical substance, provided it is not mixed with binders or other pigments, is strictly 2830.90.
- Covers
- Synthetic zinc sulphide
- Purified zinc sulphide powder
- Zinc sulphide for optical use
- Chemically defined zinc sulphide
- Zinc sulphide crystals (synthetic)
- Also under 2830.90
- Sigma-Aldrich Zinc Sulphide
- Alfa Aesar Molybdenum Disulphide
- Merck KGaA Barium Sulphide
- Dow Chemical Polysulphide Polymers
Codes often confused with 2830.90
Common mistake. Zinc sulphide is frequently misclassified under 2530.90, which covers natural mineral substances not elsewhere specified. It is also often confused with 3206.42, which is the specific code for lithopone and pigments based on zinc sulphide. If the product is intended for use as a pigment and contains additives, 3206.42 is more appropriate than 2830.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 283090 (the code used for zinc sulphide), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 283090 (the code used for zinc sulphide) in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, 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 283090, not only zinc sulphide.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Austria $140M 30% of world exports
- 2 Philippines $131M 28% of world exports
- 3 Germany $42M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $463M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $56M 16% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $33M 9.5% of world imports
- 3 Italy $31M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $344M 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 zinc sulphide
Brazil splits HS 2830.90 into 8 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2830.90.11Molybdenum disulphide
- 2830.90.12Barium sulphide
- 2830.90.13Potassium sulphide
- 2830.90.14Lead sulphide
- 2830.90.15Strontium sulphide
- 2830.90.16Zinc sulphide
- 2830.90.19Other sulphides
- 2830.90.20Polysulphides
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about zinc sulphide
What is the HS code for Zinc sulphide?
The HS code for Zinc sulphide is 283090 (Sulphides and polysulphides; whether or not chemically defined, other than sulphides of sodium). The standard HS code for chemically defined zinc sulphide is 2830.90.
How do I classify Zinc sulphide for customs?
Zinc sulphide is classified under HS code 283090 — Sulphides and polysulphides; whether or not chemically defined, other than sulphides of sodium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is natural zinc sulphide ore classified here?
No, natural zinc sulphide ore (sphalerite) is classified under Chapter 26, specifically 2608.00 for zinc ores and concentrates.
Which countries are the top exporters of zinc sulphide (HS 283090)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 283090 (the code used for zinc sulphide) in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($140M, 30% of world exports), the Philippines ($131M) and Germany ($42M). World exports came to about $463M, 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 zinc sulphide (HS 283090)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 283090 (the code used for zinc sulphide) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($56M, 16% of world imports), South Korea ($33M) and Italy ($31M). World imports came to about $344M, 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 Zinc sulphide the same in all countries?
The base HS code 283090 for Zinc sulphide 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 zinc sulphide in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 283090 into 8 NCM codes, so the right one for zinc sulphide depends on the product's details: 2830.90.11 (Molybdenum disulphide), 2830.90.12 (Barium sulphide), 2830.90.13 (Potassium sulphide), 2830.90.14 (Lead sulphide), 2830.90.15 (Strontium sulphide), 2830.90.16 (Zinc sulphide), and more.