Sodium Silicate Solution (Water Glass)
A viscous, aqueous solution of sodium silicate, commonly known as water glass, used in detergents, adhesives, and as a concrete sealant. It is classified under tariff item 2839.90.00 as a commercial alkali metal silicate, other than those specified elsewhere in the heading.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the sodium silicate is in solid form (e.g., powder or lumps)
Heading 2839 covers silicates; solid sodium metasilicate falls under a more specific subheading.
If the solution is formulated with other ingredients for a specific industrial use
Prepared binders or chemical products not elsewhere specified may be classified in Chapter 38.
If the product is put up as a detergent preparation for retail sale
Surface-active preparations and washing products are classified in Chapter 34.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Ensure the solution is properly labelled with its concentration and intended use to confirm classification under 2839.90.00
• If the product contains additives for specific applications, verify whether it still qualifies as a commercial alkali metal silicate
• Keep shipping documents ready for CBSA inspection, including the safety data sheet
Related Products under Tariff item 2839.90.00
AgSil 16H Potassium Silicate Fertilizer Grade
> AgSil 16H is a horticultural potassium silicate solution with a 2.5:1 SiO2:K2O ratio, used for plant nutrition and disease resistance. It is a commercial alkali metal silicate of potassium, meeting the Chapter 28 definition of a separate chemically defined compound or a solution thereof. Although marketed for agricultural use, it is not a fertilizer preparation and remains classifiable under this tariff item.
Anhydrous Sodium Silicate Powder
> Anhydrous sodium silicate powder is a dehydrated powder of sodium silicate used in specialty ceramics and investment casting. It is a commercial alkali metal silicate of sodium, classifiable under this tariff item as a separate chemically defined compound. The product does not contain added stabilizers or other substances that would remove it from Chapter 28.
Industrial Potassium Silicate 40% Solids
> This is a 40% solids aqueous solution of potassium silicate used in paper manufacturing and detergents. It is a commercial alkali metal silicate of potassium, classifiable under this tariff item as a separate chemically defined compound in solution. The product does not contain added stabilizers or other substances that would remove it from Chapter 28.
Liquid Potassium Silicate KAS-10
> KAS-10 is a high-ratio potassium silicate liquid (SiO2:K2O = 3.3:1) for specialty coatings and soil stabilizers. It is a commercial alkali metal silicate of potassium, classifiable under this tariff item as a separate chemically defined compound in solution. The product is not a preparation of Chapter 38.
Liquid Sodium Silicate Grade 40° Bé
> Liquid sodium silicate Grade 40° Bé is an industrial-grade liquid sodium silicate with 40° Baumé density, applied in corrugated board production and pulp bleaching. It is a commercial alkali metal silicate of sodium, classifiable under this tariff item as a separate chemically defined compound in solution. The product is not a preparation of Chapter 38.
Lithium Silicate Solution
> Lithium silicate solution is an aqueous solution of lithium silicate for concrete densifiers and protective coatings. It is a commercial alkali metal silicate of lithium, classifiable under this tariff item as a separate chemically defined compound in solution. The product is not a preparation of Chapter 38.