Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP)
Sodium tripolyphosphate is a polyphosphate salt used primarily as a builder in detergents and cleaning products to soften water and enhance cleaning efficiency. It falls under HTS 2835.39.5000 as it is a polyphosphate compound, chemically defined, not specifically enumerated elsewhere in the heading.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If determined to be a simple phosphonate rather than polyphosphate
Simple phosphonates (phosphites) fall under a separate subheading, distinguished by molecular structure lacking extended phosphate chains.
If imported as a formulated mixture for retail detergent use
Chemical preparations containing polyphosphates but not chemically pure may shift to Chapter 38 as prepared mixtures.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right HTS code — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify purity and chemical composition via lab analysis to confirm classification as a polyphosphate under Chapter 28
• Include Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and ensure compliance with EPA regulations for detergent precursors
• Avoid misclassification as a simple phosphate (2835.25) by documenting polymeric structure
Related Products under HTS 2835.39.50.00
Potassium Tripolyphosphate
Potassium tripolyphosphate serves as a food additive for moisture retention in seafood processing and as a sequestrant in industrial applications. Classified in HTS 2835.39.5000 as an 'other' polyphosphate, it meets Chapter 28 criteria for inorganic polyphosphate salts.
Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP)
Sodium hexametaphosphate, a cyclic polyphosphate, functions as a water softener, dispersant in ceramics, and sequestrant in food processing. It qualifies for HTS 2835.39.5000 as an 'other' polyphosphate meeting chemical definition criteria.
Calcium Polyphosphate
Calcium polyphosphate serves as a dietary supplement for bone health and in dental applications for remineralization. It is an 'other' polyphosphate under HTS 2835.39.5000, chemically defined per Chapter 28.
Potassium Polyphosphate
Potassium polyphosphate finds use in meat processing for water binding and in fire retardant formulations. It is imported under HTS 2835.39.5000 as other polyphosphates.
Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate
Tetrasodium pyrophosphate is a polyphosphate used in toothpaste as a tartar control agent and in water treatment for corrosion inhibition. It is categorized under HTS 2835.39.5000 for polyphosphates other than sodium tripolyphosphate.
Ammonium Polyphosphate
Ammonium polyphosphate is used as a flame retardant in plastics, textiles, and intumescent coatings due to its phosphorus content. Classified under HTS 2835.39.5000 as it represents polyphosphates of ammonium per Chapter 28 notes.