For detergent, glass or paper applications, order anhydrous sodium sulfate (SSA) 99% min: detergent grade if colour matters in your powder, industrial grade for glass and paper. It ships as general cargo under HS 2833.11 in 50 kg bags or 1000 kg super sacks, with 20-45 days to African and South American ports.
Anhydrous sodium sulfate (Na2SO4, "salt cake" / "元明粉") is a white crystalline powder used in huge volume in detergent manufacturing, glass production, kraft paper pulping, textile dyeing and construction gypsum. China is the world's largest producer and exporter — buying it from China is straightforward because it is not a dangerous good and requires no special import licence in most countries.
1. Which grade do you need?
Buyers usually confuse grades and end up with the wrong material. Tell your supplier your end use:
- Industrial grade 99% — the standard for glass, paper and construction gypsum
- Detergent grade 99% min — lowest insoluble matter and best whiteness, used as a filler in washing powder and detergent powders
- Food / textile grade — stricter heavy-metal limits, requested by dye houses and food additive buyers
Most African buyers in the soap and detergent trade need detergent-grade anhydrous sodium sulfate 99% min, with a minimum whiteness of 90 and insoluble matter below 0.2%.
2. What the COA should show
Always ask for a Certificate of Analysis before the vessel sails. Check these four numbers:
- Na2SO4 content ≥ 99%
- Water insoluble matter ≤ 0.2% (high insoluble = dirty powder, bad for detergent)
- Whiteness ≥ 90 — yellowish or grey powder means lower grade
- Moisture ≤ 0.2% — hygroscopic, so dry bags are essential
3. Packaging and MOQ
Standard packing:
- 25 kg / 50 kg PP bags on pallets, stretch-wrapped
- 1000 kg (1 MT) ton bags for detergent factories and glass plants
A 20ft container holds about 25 tons; a 40ft container about 25–27 tons. Smaller trial orders are possible but at a higher per-ton price.
4. HS code and import basics
Anhydrous sodium sulfate is classified under HS 2833.11. It is a non-hazardous bulk chemical — no dangerous-goods paperwork, no special shipping approval. Most African countries clear it on a standard commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, with the COA attached.
5. Shipping time to your port
- West Africa (Lagos, Tema, Abidjan, Dakar, Douala): about 25–35 days
- East Africa (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam): about 20–30 days
- South America (Santos, Cartagena, Callao): about 35–45 days
6. The three most common problems
Sodium sulfate is cheap and easy, but three issues cause most claims: (1) moisture damage — bags absorb water in humid holds and cake up; insist on dry, lined bags and a clean container. (2) wrong grade — industrial powder delivered when detergent grade was ordered; always confirm grade on the PO and COA. (3) discoloured powder — grey or yellowish batches from lower-grade mines; ask for recent photos and the batch whiteness value.
SAIFENG supplies anhydrous sodium sulfate 99% in 25kg, 50kg and ton-bag packing, together with caustic soda, sulfur, urea and mining chemicals, to detergent factories and industrial buyers across Africa and South America. Every inquiry is answered within 2 working hours.
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