HS Code 2835Phosphinates (hypophosphites), phosphonates (phosphites), and phosphates; and polyphosphates, whether or not chemically defined

What HS code 2835 covers

Heading 2835 is for salts of phosphorus-based acids. It covers phosphinates (also called hypophosphites), phosphonates (also called phosphites), phosphates and polyphosphates. In India the same number is used as the HSN code 2835.

These are inorganic chemicals, so the heading sits in the Harmonized System chapter for inorganic chemicals. The products are mostly white powders or crystals. Buyers use them in many industries, but the code depends only on the chemical, not on the end use.

The wording 'whether or not chemically defined' appears throughout the heading. It means a product does not have to be one pure compound to qualify. A commercial grade can still fit if it is the named salt.

HS 2835 subheadings: 283510 to 283539

Each six-digit code names one salt or one group of salts. Here is what each one means in simple terms.

• 283522: phosphates of sodium that have one or two sodium atoms, known as mono- or disodium phosphate.
• 283524: potassium phosphates.
• 283525: dicalcium phosphate, whose chemical name is calcium hydrogenorthophosphate.
• 283529: all other phosphates, meaning those not covered by the four codes above.
• 283531: sodium tripolyphosphate, often shortened to STPP.
• 283539: polyphosphates other than sodium tripolyphosphate.

Phosphates vs polyphosphates vs phosphites

Start with the type of salt. Phosphites and hypophosphites belong in 283510. Polyphosphates belong in 283531 or 283539.

Next, look at the metal. Sodium, potassium and calcium each have their own code. If the phosphate is of mono- or disodium, use 283522. If it is of potassium, use 283524. A phosphate of some other metal falls into the catch-all, 283529.

Calcium needs one more step. Dicalcium phosphate has its own code, 283525. Every other calcium phosphate goes to 283526. Do not mix them up, because the two codes are listed on separate lines in customs records.

For polyphosphates the split is simple. Sodium tripolyphosphate goes to 283531. Any other polyphosphate goes to 283539. If you are still unsure, the HS code classifier can help you narrow it down.

Related headings in Chapter 28

Heading 2835 is for salts. The acids themselves are elsewhere. Phosphoric acid and polyphosphoric acids are in heading 2809, so a shipment of phosphoric acid should not be filed under 2835.

Other nearby salts have their own homes. Nitrites and nitrates are in heading 2834. Salts of inorganic acids not named anywhere else, including aluminosilicates, go to heading 2842.

Phosphides are a different group of compounds and sit in heading 2853. Their name looks like 'phosphate', but they are not the same product. Check the chemical name before you pick a heading.

HS code 2835 import export data: who imports phosphates

Once you know your code, you can look at the trade behind it. Shipment records show who buys and sells sodium, potassium and calcium phosphates, STPP and the other products under this heading.

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.