HS 283210 Sodium sulphites
Quick Answer: HS code 283210 specifically covers sodium sulphites, which are inorganic chemical compounds primarily used as reducing agents, preservatives, and antioxidants in various industries. Common applications include food and beverage processing (e.g., wine, dried fruit), water treatment, and the pulp and paper industry. For importers and exporters, understanding the duty rates is crucial. In the UK, the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate is 4.00% ad valorem. The EU applies an MFN rate of 5.50% ad valorem. For the US, the MFN rate is 4.5% ad valorem, though significant preferential duty treatment exists, with rates as low as 1.5% or even Free for goods originating from numerous countries under various Free Trade Agreements (e.g., Australia, Chile, Korea, Singapore). Importers should verify origin and eligibility for these preferential rates to optimize landed costs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2832100000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2832100000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2832100000 | 1.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 2832.10?
Imports of Sodium sulphites may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 14 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 283210 cover?
This subheading covers sodium sulphites, which are inorganic chemical compounds of sodium and sulfurous acid. Specifically, it encompasses disodium sulfite (Na2SO3), a white, crystalline powder commonly used as an antioxidant, preservative, and reducing agent in various industries, including food and beverage, pulp and paper, and water treatment. The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2832 confirm that this heading covers sulfites and thiosulfates, and subheading 2832.10 specifically delineates the sodium salts of sulfurous acid. Official classifications by the USITC and EU TARIC systems consistently apply this subheading to chemically pure or commercially pure sodium sulphites.
What falls outside HS 283210?
The following products are excluded from HS 283210: sodium bisulphite (sodium hydrogen sulphite), which is classified under HS 2832.20. Sodium thiosulphate, another related sulfur compound, is classified under HS 2832.30. Furthermore, preparations containing sodium sulphites but formulated for specific uses, such as photographic fixers or certain food additives that are mixtures or composite goods, may be classified elsewhere based on their primary function or composition, often falling into Chapter 38 or specific chapters related to their end-use application, rather than as a pure inorganic chemical.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 283210?
A common error is misclassifying sodium bisulphite (sodium hydrogen sulphite) as sodium sulphite under 2832.10. While chemically related, sodium bisulphite has a distinct chemical formula (NaHSO3) and is specifically provided for under HS 2832.20. Importers sometimes overlook the precise chemical distinction, leading to incorrect duty rates and potential penalties. Another mistake involves classifying mixtures or preparations containing sodium sulphite, but where the sodium sulphite is not the essential character, under this subheading. According to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(b), composite goods should be classified by the material or component which gives them their essential character, which may lead to classification outside Chapter 28.
How should importers classify products under HS 283210?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 283210 involves first confirming the precise chemical identity of the substance. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer, clearly stating the chemical name as "sodium sulphite" (disodium sulfite) and its purity. Verify that the product is not sodium bisulphite or sodium thiosulphate, which have their own specific subheadings within Heading 2832. If the product is a mixture or preparation, apply General Interpretative Rules (GRI) 1 and 3 to determine if the sodium sulphite imparts the essential character. Consult the WCO Explanatory Notes and national tariff guidance (e.g., USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule or EU TARIC) for definitive interpretations.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 2832.10 (Sodium sulphites) in major markets, and how can preferential rates be applied?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS 2832.10 (Sodium sulphites) can vary significantly by importing country. For instance, the United States typically applies a rate of 3.5% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC database shows a common MFN duty rate of 5.5% ad valorem for this heading. The United Kingdom Global Tariff also lists a 5.5% ad valorem MFN rate. Importers should always verify the current rate with the specific country's customs tariff. Preferential duty rates, often 'Free' (0% ad valorem), are available under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programs. For example, imports into the US from countries like Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG) may qualify for duty-free treatment under respective FTAs. To claim preferential rates, importers must ensure the goods meet the Rules of Origin criteria of the applicable agreement and provide proper documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin (e.g., USMCA Certificate, EUR.1, or GSP Form A), at the time of import.
What are the key classification criteria for sodium sulphites under HS 2832.10, and what are common misclassification risks?
HS code 2832.10 specifically covers 'Sodium sulphites.' The primary classification criterion is the chemical identity of the substance: it must be a salt of sulfurous acid (H2SO3) where sodium is the cation. This includes sodium sulfite (Na2SO3) and sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3), also known as sodium hydrogen sulfite. The WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 28 provide guidance on the chemical purity and form required for classification within this chapter. Common misclassification risks include confusing sodium sulphites with other sulfur compounds, such as sodium sulfates (HS 2833.11 or 2833.19), sodium thiosulfates (HS 2832.30), or even mixtures where sodium sulphites are not the predominant or essential character-imparting component. Importers must ensure that the chemical name, CAS number, and purity align precisely with 'sodium sulphites' to avoid reclassification and potential penalties.
What specific documentation is required for importing sodium sulphites (HS 2832.10), beyond standard customs documents?
Beyond standard customs documentation such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill, importers of sodium sulphites (HS 2832.10) may require additional specific documents, particularly concerning chemical safety and regulatory compliance. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS), compliant with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, is almost universally required for chemical imports to provide information on hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures. Depending on the end-use and importing country's regulations, a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) may be necessary to confirm the purity, concentration, and absence of impurities. Furthermore, if claiming preferential duty rates, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., issued by the exporter or an authorized body) is mandatory. Some countries may also require import permits or licenses if sodium sulphites are considered controlled substances for specific applications, though this is less common for general industrial use.
Are there any specific trade agreements that offer preferential duty treatment for HS 2832.10 into key markets like the EU or UK?
Yes, numerous trade agreements offer preferential duty treatment for HS 2832.10 (Sodium sulphites) into key markets. For the European Union, imports from countries with which the EU has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) often qualify for 0% duty. Examples include agreements with countries like South Korea, Japan, Canada (CETA), Vietnam, and many others. The specific origin rules of each agreement must be met. Similarly, for the United Kingdom, following Brexit, the UK has established its own network of FTAs. Imports from countries with which the UK has an FTA (e.g., Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, and many developing countries under its GSP scheme) may also enter duty-free. Importers should consult the EU TARIC database or the UK Trade Tariff, respectively, and verify the origin requirements (e.g., 'wholly obtained' or specific processing rules) to ensure eligibility for preferential rates under agreements like the EU-Korea FTA, UK-Japan CEPA, or the various GSP schemes.