HS 283220 Other sulphites
Quick Answer: HS Code 283220 covers "Other sulphites," encompassing various inorganic chemical compounds containing the sulfite ion (SO3^2-), excluding disodium disulphite (metabisulphite). These chemicals are widely used as reducing agents, preservatives in food and beverages, and in industrial processes like water treatment and pulp and paper manufacturing. For importers, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates vary significantly: the UK applies a 4.00% ad valorem duty, the EU a 5.50% ad valorem duty, and the US a 3.1% ad valorem duty, with some specific products potentially facing a 25% rate. However, the US offers duty-free treatment under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and preference programs (e.g., A*, AU, CL, KR, SG), which can provide substantial cost savings. Importers should verify specific product classifications and leverage applicable trade agreements to optimize duty costs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2832200000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2832200000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2832200000 | 3.1% | 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 2832.20?
Imports of Other 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, and 15 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 283220 cover?
This subheading covers "Other sulphites," specifically referring to salts of sulfurous acid (H2SO3) that are not disodium sulphite (sodium metabisulphite), which is classified under HS 283210. Products falling under 283220 typically include various metallic sulphites, such as calcium sulphite, potassium sulphite, and magnesium sulphite, provided they are chemically defined. The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2832 clarify that this heading encompasses sulphites and thiosulphates, and subheading 283220 serves as the residual category for sulphites not specifically enumerated elsewhere, aligning with definitions found in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC system.
What falls outside HS 283220?
The following products are excluded from HS 283220: Disodium sulphite (sodium metabisulphite), which is specifically classified under HS 283210 due to its widespread industrial use and distinct chemical identity. Additionally, thiosulphates, such as sodium thiosulphate, are excluded from 283220 and are instead classified under HS 283230. Furthermore, mixtures of sulphites with other substances, or sulphites in forms not considered chemically defined pure substances, might be excluded and classified under other headings in Chapter 28 or even Chapter 38, depending on their composition and primary function, adhering to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(b) regarding mixtures.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 283220?
A common error is misclassifying disodium sulphite (sodium metabisulphite) under 283220 instead of its specific subheading, 283210. Importers sometimes overlook the explicit carve-out for sodium metabisulphite, leading to incorrect duty rates and potential compliance issues. Another frequent mistake involves classifying complex mixtures containing sulphites under 283220 when the sulphite is not the predominant or essential character-imparting component, violating GRI 3(b). For instance, a preparation primarily for photographic uses containing a sulphite would likely fall under Chapter 37 or 38, not 283220, as its primary function dictates classification.
How should importers classify products under HS 283220?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 283220 involves first confirming that the product is indeed a sulphite. Second, verify that it is *not* disodium sulphite (sodium metabisulphite), which has its own specific subheading (283210). Third, ensure it is not a thiosulphate, which falls under 283230. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a Certificate of Analysis or a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to confirm the precise chemical identity and purity of the sulphite. If the product is a chemically defined "other sulphite," then 283220 is appropriate. Always consult the WCO Explanatory Notes and official tariff schedules (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, applying GRI 1 for primary classification based on the terms of the headings and section/chapter notes.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 2832.20 ('Other sulphites') in the United States, and what preferential rates are available?
For imports into the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for Harmonized System (HS) code 2832.20, covering 'Other sulphites,' is 3.1% ad valorem. However, significant preferential duty treatment is available under various free trade agreements and preference programs. Imports from countries eligible under agreements such as the Australia Free Trade Agreement (AU), Bahrain Free Trade Agreement (BH), Chile Free Trade Agreement (CL), Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CO), Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (D-CAFTA), El Salvador (E), Israel Free Trade Agreement (IL), Jordan Free Trade Agreement (JO), Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KR), Morocco Free Trade Agreement (MA), Oman Free Trade Agreement (OM), Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (PA), Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PE), Singapore Free Trade Agreement (SG), and others (denoted by A*, P, S) may qualify for a 'Free' (0%) duty rate. Importers should verify the specific country of origin and ensure compliance with the rules of origin for the applicable trade agreement to claim preferential treatment. (Source: USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, Chapter 28, Subheading 2832.20.00)
What are the key classification criteria for 'Other sulphites' under HS 2832.20, and what distinguishes them from other chemical classifications?
HS code 2832.20 specifically covers 'Other sulphites,' which are salts of sulfurous acid (H2SO3) not elsewhere specified in subheading 2832.10 (sodium sulphites). The primary classification criteria revolve around the chemical composition and the specific cation combined with the sulfite anion (SO3^2-). Importers must ensure that the product is indeed a sulfite and not, for example, a sulfate (salts of sulfuric acid, H2SO4, classified under HS 2833) or a thiosulfate (HS 2832.30). Accurate chemical identification, often supported by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS), is crucial. The 'other' designation implies that it includes sulphites other than sodium sulphites, such as calcium sulphite or potassium sulphite. (Source: WCO Explanatory Notes to Chapter 28, Heading 28.32)
What documentation is typically required by customs authorities for the import of 'Other sulphites' (HS 2832.20)?
For the import of 'Other sulphites' under HS 2832.20, standard customs documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is often requested by customs to verify the chemical identity, purity, and composition of the product, ensuring accurate classification and compliance with any chemical-specific regulations. If claiming preferential duty rates under a free trade agreement, a Certificate of Origin (e.g., a NAFTA Certificate of Origin for goods from Mexico/Canada, or a Free Trade Agreement Certificate of Origin for other eligible countries) is mandatory. Importers should also be prepared to provide any permits or licenses required by regulatory bodies if the specific sulfite has controlled uses (e.g., food additives, pharmaceuticals). (Source: General Customs Requirements, specific to importing country's regulations)
Are there any specific trade agreements or regional tariffs that significantly impact the duty rates for 'Other sulphites' (HS 2832.20) in major markets like the EU or UK?
Yes, trade agreements significantly impact duty rates for HS 2832.20 in the EU and UK. In the European Union, the MFN duty rate for 'Other sulphites' (TARIC code 2832 20 00 00) is 5.50% ad valorem. However, goods originating from countries with preferential agreements (e.g., GSP beneficiaries, or countries with FTAs like those with South Korea, Canada, Japan, etc.) may qualify for a 'Free' (0%) duty rate, provided the rules of origin are met. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, following Brexit, the MFN duty rate for HS 2832.20.00.00 is 4.00% ad valorem. The UK has also rolled over many EU trade agreements and established new ones (e.g., with Australia, Japan), offering preferential 'Free' (0%) duty rates for qualifying goods. Importers must consult the EU TARIC database or the UK Trade Tariff, respectively, and ensure proper origin documentation to claim these benefits. (Source: EU TARIC database for 2832 20 00 00; UK Trade Tariff for 2832.20.00.00)