HS Code 2832Sulphites; thiosulphates

What HS code 2832 covers

The Harmonized System sorts traded goods into numbered groups. Under 2832 you find salts of sulphurous acid, called sulphites. In the US they are often spelled sulfites. You also find salts of thiosulphuric acid, called thiosulphates. Sodium thiosulphate is a common example.

Many countries share the first six digits of the Harmonized System. India calls its version the HSN code 2832. The United States calls its version the HTS code 2832. The first six digits mean the same thing in all of them. Each country then adds its own extra digits, so always check your national tariff line before you file.

This is where the heading sits:

• Chapter 28: inorganic chemicals
• Heading 2832: sulphites and thiosulphates
• Subheadings: 283210, 283220 and 283230

HS 2832 subheadings: sodium sulphites, other sulphites, thiosulphates

Each six-digit code has its own customs wording. Customs officers match your product to that wording, so read it closely.

Here is what each code means in plain terms:

• 283210: sulphites of sodium. This is the code for sodium sulphite and other sodium sulphites.
• 283220: sulphites of any metal other than sodium, such as potassium sulphites.
• 283230: thiosulphates. This is also the answer to the hs code for sodium thiosulphate.

How to choose between 283210, 283220 and 283230

Start with the chemical name on your product label or safety sheet. Then ask two questions.

First, is it a sulphite or a thiosulphate? The names look alike, but they are different compounds. If the name contains thiosulphate, the product belongs in 283230. If it is a sulphite, go to the second question.

Second, which metal is in the salt? If it is sodium, use 283210. If it is any other metal, use 283220. So the hs code for sodium sulphites is 283210, and potassium sulphites go to 283220.

Mixed or unusual products can be harder. If the label is unclear, ask your supplier for the exact chemical name. You can also try the HS code classifier. Customs in your country has the final say.

What heading 2832 does not cover

Several neighbouring headings sound alike. Mixing them up is a common error.

Sulphides and polysulphides belong in 2830. They are not sulphites, even though the names are close. Dithionites and sulphoxylates are other sulphur salts, and they go in 2831. A sulphate is a different salt from a sulphite.

Sulphuric acid and oleum sit in heading 2807. Sulphides of non-metals sit in 2813. Neither belongs here. Check the exact chemical name first, because one letter can move a product to a different heading.

HS 2832 import and export data: buyers and suppliers

EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily. You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo.

Open the import data and export data pages to follow trade in these salts. Open the buyer data and supplier data pages to find companies to contact.