HS Code 280511: Alkali or alkali-earth metals; sodium

Q: Is HS code 280511 the same in every country?

Yes — HS code 280511 is part of the WCO Harmonized System and is the same in every WCO member country at the 6-digit level. Beyond 6 digits, each country extends the code under its own system (e.g. HTSUS in the US, CN/TARIC in the EU, HSK in Korea, CCCHS in China) for national tariff rates and trade statistics. To see how a specific country classifies this code, select a country.

Q: Which WCO edition does HS code 280511 belong to, and has it been reclassified?

The Harmonized System is maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and revised approximately every five years. The current edition is HS 2022, which replaced HS 2017 on 1 January 2022. Codes are added, merged, or split between editions to reflect new products and trade patterns, so a code valid in one edition may not exist or may mean something different in another.

Q: How do I find the correct country-specific version of HS code 280511?

Beyond the international 6-digit level, each country adds its own digits — the US extends to 10 digits (HTSUS), the EU to 8 or 10 (CN/TARIC), China to 13 (CCCHS), Korea to 10 (HSK), Japan to 9, and so on. To find the full code used by a specific country, select a country in TradeInt's HS Code Tool and search for 280511.

What is HS Code 280511

HS Code 280511 covers Alkali or alkali-earth metals; sodium. It is a 6-digit subheading — the deepest level of the international HS — within: · Section VI — Products of the chemical or allied industries · Chapter 28 — Inorganic chemicals : organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, of radioactive elements or of isotopes · Heading 2805 — Alkali or alkaline-earth metals; rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed; mercury. At 6 digits, this code is the same in every HS-adopting country. From digit 7 onward, each country extends it.

Explore global 2026 latest import export trade data and shipment records for Sodium Metal on TradeInt global trade data platform

What does HS Code 280511 Alkali or alkali-earth metals; sodium Cover?

Section VI

Chapters (28-38) Products of the chemical or allied industries

Chapter 28

Inorganic chemicals : organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, of radioactive elements or of isotopes

HS Code 2805

Alkali or alkaline-earth metals; rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed; mercury

HS Code 280511

Alkali or alkali-earth metals; sodium

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What HS Codes for Inorganic Chemicals Do Not Cover

Chapter 28 covers inorganic chemical elements, oxides, halogens, sulphides, and isotopes. Goods frequently misclassified here but that belong elsewhere include:

Mineral products in natural state

Chapters 25, 26

Organic compounds

Chapter 29

Inorganic pigments and paints

Chapter 32

Inorganic fertilizers

Chapter 31

This list highlights common classification errors only — it is not exhaustive. For binding classification, work with a licensed customs broker or qualified trade compliance professional.

Top Trading Countries for Sodium Metal HS 280511

China

Key Importer & Exporter

Chile

Key Importer

United States of America

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 280511?

HS code 280511 covers Alkali or alkali-earth metals; sodium under the WCO Harmonized System. It belongs to Chapter 28 (Inorganic chemicals : organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, of radioactive elements or of isotopes), Heading 2805, and represents the most specific level of classification that is harmonized internationally.

Is HS code 280511 the same in every country?

Which WCO edition does HS code 280511 belong to, and has it been reclassified?

How do I find the correct country-specific version of HS code 280511?