The main uses are soap and detergent manufacturing (saponification and LABSA neutralisation), textile mercerising and scouring, water-treatment pH control, pulp and paper, petroleum refining, alumina production, biodiesel catalysis and, in food grade E524, fruit and vegetable peeling, olive curing and cocoa processing.

Both are solid sodium hydroxide. Pearls are uniform round granules at 99% min NaOH that pour freely, make very little dust and dose precisely in automatic feeders. Flakes are thin irregular pieces at 98–99% NaOH that can bridge in hoppers and create more dust. Pearls usually cost the same as or slightly more than flakes per ton.

Yes. Lye is the common name for sodium hydroxide, and caustic soda pearls are sodium hydroxide in bead form, so lye pearls, NaOH pearls and caustic soda pearls are the same product. The name lye is sometimes also used for potassium hydroxide, so check that the label or COA states NaOH and CAS 1310-73-2.

Caustic soda pearls are quoted per metric ton, FOB Jebel Ali or Mersin or CFR/CIF to your port, and the price depends on grade, volume, packing, destination and the current chlor-alkali market. A firm quotation is issued per enquiry within 24 hours, and indicative FOB levels are published on our caustic soda price page.

Yes. Caustic soda pearls are the preferred form for bar soap because they weigh out accurately and dissolve evenly. Use NaOH of 99% purity, calculate the amount for each oil with a saponification value, and always add the pearls to water, never water to the pearls.

Wear goggles, alkali-resistant gloves and protective clothing, then add the pearls slowly to cold water in a stainless steel or HDPE container while stirring. Dissolving releases strong heat, so never add water onto caustic soda and never use aluminium, zinc or tin containers, which react and release hydrogen.

Solid sodium hydroxide, including pearls, is classified under HS code 2815.11. The CAS number is 1310-73-2, the EC number is 215-185-5 and the UN transport number is UN 1823.

The minimum export order is 20 MT, one 20ft container. A 20ft container loads up to about 25 MT of caustic soda pearls in 25 kg bags (1,000 bags), or about 24 MT when palletised or packed in 1,000 kg jumbo bags. Volume terms apply from three containers.

Store the bags sealed, on pallets, in a cool, dry and ventilated warehouse away from acids and light metals. Sodium hydroxide does not decompose, so shelf life is set by the packaging: sealed bags keep the pearls free-flowing, while open bags absorb moisture and carbon dioxide and cake. Re-test NaOH and carbonate content on stock that has been opened or held for a long time.

Yes. Caustic soda pearls ship as UN 1823, Sodium hydroxide, solid, Class 8 corrosive, Packing Group II under IMDG, ADR/RID and IATA rules. They cause severe skin burns and eye damage (GHS H314) and are corrosive to metals (H290), so they need UN-approved packaging, hazard labels and a Safety Data Sheet.

Each shipment comes with a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, Safety Data Sheet and a Certificate of Analysis for every lot. SGS or Bureau Veritas pre-shipment inspection is available on request, and Class 8 import-permit documents are supported where the destination requires them.

Yes. A recent COA for our caustic soda pearls shows NaOH at 99.04% against a 99.0% minimum, sodium carbonate at 0.49% (limit 0.8%), sodium chloride at 0.02% (limit 0.1%) and iron at 8 ppm (limit 50 ppm), and it can be downloaded from this page. Every shipment carries the COA for its own lot, and SGS or Bureau Veritas analysis can be added before loading.

Export orders are usually paid by T/T, with an advance and the balance against a copy of the Bill of Lading, or by irrevocable L/C at sight. The exact split, offer validity and any terms for repeat buyers are stated on the proforma invoice and agreed per contract.