2832 - Sulfites; thiosulfates:

This HTS category, 2832, encompasses a group of inorganic sulfur compounds, specifically sulfites and thiosulfates. Sulfites are salts or esters of sulfurous acid, often characterized by their reducing properties and use in applications such as food preservation, bleaching, and water treatment. Thiosulfates, on the other hand, are salts of thiosulfuric acid, commonly employed in photography as a fixing agent and in various industrial processes.

Within the broader Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, this heading distinguishes itself from other chemical compounds by its specific focus on sulfur in these particular oxidation states. Its siblings, such as live animals or agricultural products, are entirely distinct in terms of their nature and application, belonging to different sections of the HTS.

The subcategories within 2832 provide further specificity. Subheading 2832.10.00.00 is dedicated to sodium sulfites, a common and widely used form. Subheading 2832.20.00.00 covers all other sulfites not specifically listed. Finally, 2832.30 differentiates thiosulfates, recognizing their unique chemical properties and common uses that set them apart from other sulfites.