Supplier of Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide 98-99%) from Turkey and Dubai-UAE
- Supplier of Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide 98-99%) from Turkey and Dubai-UAE
- Caustic soda (NaOH) at a glance
- What Is Caustic Soda? — NaOH, Lye & Sodium Hydroxide Explained
- Three Grades of Caustic Soda — Which One Fits Your Process?
- Caustic Soda Flakes vs Pearls vs Liquid — Direct Comparison
- TDS & Specifications — Flakes, Pearls & Liquid
- How Is Caustic Soda Made?
- Industrial Uses of Caustic Soda — Sector by Sector
- Packaging Options, Storage & Shelf Life
- Global Logistics & Export Terms for Caustic Soda
- Caustic Soda Price — How It Is Quoted & What Drives It
- Get a Firm Caustic Soda Quote — Within 24 Hours
- Why Source Caustic Soda From SUHA International?
- Ordering Caustic Soda — Five Steps to First Delivery
- Safe Handling & Compliance — Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
- Speak With Our Export Team
- FAQ — Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide, NaOH)
- 🔗 Related Products & Technical Guides
- SUHA International Trading L.L.C.
- Contact
- Products
Caustic Soda Supplier — Bulk NaOH Flakes, Pearls & Liquid for Global Industry
High-purity caustic soda exported from ISO-certified plants in Turkey and our Dubai hub. Three grades — flakes 98–99%, pearls 99%, liquid 32–50% — shipped to industrial buyers worldwide with a Certificate of Analysis on every lot and a firm FOB/CIF price in 24 hours.
- 98–99%Flakes Purity
- 99%Pearls Purity
- 32–50%Liquid Conc.
- 24 hFirm Quote
- COAPer Batch
- ISO9001 · 14001
📦 Stock status: All grades in stock — Turkey & UAE ✈ Export: Worldwide — FOB, CFR, CIF, DAP, DDP 🗓 Last reviewed: — SUHA International export desk
Caustic soda (NaOH) at a glance
Caustic soda is the common trade name for sodium hydroxide (NaOH), a strong inorganic alkali (CAS 1310-73-2) made by chlor-alkali electrolysis of brine. SUHA International exports it in three forms — flakes at 98–99%, pearls at 99% and liquid at 32–50% — from ISO-certified plants in Turkey and the UAE, with a Certificate of Analysis on every lot and a firm FOB/CIF quote within 24 hours.
- Chemical: NaOH (sodium hydroxide)
- CAS: 1310-73-2
- HS Code: 2815.11 / 2815.12
- UN No.: 1823 (solid) / 1824 (liquid)
- Hazard: Class 8 — Corrosive
- MOQ: 24 MT (one 20′ FCL)
What Is Caustic Soda? — NaOH, Lye & Sodium Hydroxide Explained
Caustic soda — chemically sodium hydroxide (NaOH) — is one of the most widely produced inorganic alkalis in the world. Also traded as lye, white caustic, sodium hydrate and, in older literature, caustic alkali, it is produced on an industrial scale by the electrolysis of brine (sodium chloride solution) in the chlor-alkali process.
Pure sodium hydroxide is a white, odourless solid with a strongly alkaline character (pH ≈ 13–14 in 1% solution). It dissolves readily in water with a highly exothermic reaction, making it easy to dose and dilute — but it also means that safe handling protocols are non-negotiable. Its powerful reactivity toward fats, oils, proteins and many metals makes NaOH indispensable across metallurgy, pulp and paper, petrochemicals, water treatment, food processing, textiles, and soap and detergent manufacture.
Commercially, caustic soda is available in three principal forms: white solid flakes at 98–99% NaOH, low-dust micropearls at 99% NaOH, and aqueous liquid solution at 32%, 46%, 48% or 50% NaOH by mass. SUHA International supplies all three grades from dual origins — ISO-certified production facilities in Turkey and our UAE export hub — giving bulk buyers supply-chain redundancy without managing multiple vendor relationships.
Chemical Identity & Classification — Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda)
| Parameter | Data | Notes / Regulatory Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| IUPAC Name | Sodium hydroxide | — |
| Trade Names | Caustic soda · Lye · White caustic · Sodium hydrate | All refer to NaOH |
| Chemical Formula | NaOH | Molar mass 39.997 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 1310-73-2 | EC / EINECS 215-185-5 |
| Available Grades | Flakes 98–99% · Pearls 99% · Liquid 32–50% | COA per production lot |
| Appearance | White opaque solid (flakes / pearls); colourless to pale-yellow liquid | — |
| Melting Point | 318 °C (604 °F) | Anhydrous solid NaOH |
| Boiling Point | 1,388 °C (2,530 °F) | Anhydrous solid NaOH |
| Density | 2.13 g/cm³ (solid) · 1.52 g/cm³ (50% solution) | At 20 °C |
| Solubility in Water | Highly soluble — approx. 111 g / 100 mL | At 20 °C; dissolution is exothermic |
| pH (1% solution) | ≈ 13–14 | Strongly alkaline |
| HS Code | 2815.11 (solid) · 2815.12 (aqueous solution) | Export classification |
| UN Number | UN 1823 (solid) · UN 1824 (solution) | Dangerous goods |
| Hazard Class | 8 — Corrosive | IMDG Code / ADR |
| GHS Classification | GHS05 (Corrosion) — Skin Corr. 1A, Eye Dam. 1 | EU CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, harmonised entry |
| Shelf Life | ≈ 24 months (solid) · ≈ 12 months (liquid) | Sealed, dry storage |
| E-Number (food) | E 524 | Permitted food additive (acidity regulator) |
Three Grades of Caustic Soda — Which One Fits Your Process?
Not all caustic soda is interchangeable. The right grade reduces handling cost, dosing errors and off-spec risk. Use the guide below or call our technical desk — we'll recommend the correct form for your application before you commit to an order. See the full types and grades of caustic soda guide.
Caustic Soda Flakes
98–99% NaOH · HS 2815.11 · UN 1823
- Standard export grade, most competitively priced
- White, free-flowing irregular chips (approx. 0.3–1 cm²)
- NaCl ≤ 0.02% (typ. 0.009%); Fe ≤ 15 ppm (typ. 10 ppm)
- Aluminium, non-ferrous metallurgy, Bayer process
- Soap & detergent saponification
- Textile mercerization & pulp digestion
- 25 kg bags, 500–1,000 kg jumbo bags (FIBC)
Caustic Soda Pearls
99% NaOH · HS 2815.11 · UN 1823
- Micropearl form — virtually dust-free, superior flowability
- 99.0% purity min; Na₂CO₃ ≤ 0.8%; NaCl ≤ 0.05%
- Precise, repeatable volumetric dosing
- Cosmetics & personal-care formulation
- Pharmaceutical and specialty chemistry
- Food-grade option (E524) for CIP and food processing
- 25 kg PP bags, palletized with PE liner
Liquid Caustic Soda
32% / 46% / 48% / 50% NaOH · HS 2815.12 · UN 1824
- Ready-to-use — no dissolving, no dust exposure
- 50% grade: NaOH 48–50% w/w; Fe ≤ 10 ppm; Hg ≤ 0.1 ppm
- Membrane-cell grade available (ultra-low mercury)
- Water & wastewater pH adjustment
- Petrochemical caustic washing & desulfurization
- Pulp & paper alkaline extraction
- IBC 1,000 L, HDPE drums 200 L, road tanker, ISO tank
- ISO 9001:2015
- ISO 14001
- REACH Compliant
- EU CLP
- COA Per Lot
- SDS / MSDS
- IMDG Class 8
- E524 Food Grade
- L/C Accepted
Caustic Soda Flakes vs Pearls vs Liquid — Direct Comparison
One table, three grades, the criteria procurement actually decides on: purity, dust, dosing, packaging, freight efficiency and landed cost.
| Criterion | Flakes | Pearls | Liquid |
|---|---|---|---|
| NaOH purity | 98–99% w/w | 99% w/w min | 32 / 46 / 48 / 50% w/w |
| Physical form | Irregular chips, 0.3–1 cm² | Uniform micropearls (prilled) | Aqueous solution |
| Dust generation | Moderate | Very low | None |
| Dosing accuracy | Good (batch) | Excellent (automated / volumetric) | Excellent (continuous / metering pump) |
| Needs dissolving on site | Yes — exothermic | Yes — exothermic, faster | No |
| NaOH per 20′ container | ≈ 24 MT (≈ 24 MT NaOH) | ≈ 24 MT (≈ 24 MT NaOH) | ≈ 22 MT solution (≈ 11 MT NaOH at 50%) |
| Freight efficiency | High | High | Low — you also ship the water |
| Typical unit price | Lowest per MT of solid | Premium over flakes | Lowest per MT of product, highest per MT of NaOH delivered |
| Cold-weather issue | Caking if damp | Minimal | 50% crystallises below ≈ 12 °C — needs trace heating |
| Food / pharma grade | Limited | Yes (E524 option) | Yes (membrane-cell) |
| Best fit | Metallurgy, soap, textiles, pulp | Pharma, cosmetics, food, precision dosing | Water treatment, refineries, high-volume continuous plants |
| Packaging | 25 kg bag · 500–1,000 kg FIBC | 25 kg PP bag, palletized | 200 L drum · 1,000 L IBC · road tanker · ISO tank |
TDS & Specifications — Flakes, Pearls & Liquid
Representative analytical data for each grade is shown below. A signed Certificate of Analysis for your specific production lot is issued with every shipment. Full TDS PDFs are available before you order — request via the contact form or WhatsApp.
Caustic Soda Flakes — Technical Data Sheet
98–99% NaOH| Parameter | Typical Result | Unit | Specification Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| NaOH Purity | 98.5 | % w/w | Min 98.0 |
| Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃) | 0.43 | % w/w | Max 1.0 |
| Sodium Chloride (NaCl) | 0.0085 | % w/w | Max 0.02 |
| Sodium Sulfate (Na₂SO₄) | 0.0047 | % w/w | Max 0.01 |
| Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂) | 0.0019 | % w/w | Max 0.005 |
| Iron (Fe) | 10 | ppm | Max 15 |
| Aluminium Oxide (Al₂O₃) | < 3 | ppm | Max 5 |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | < 2 | ppm | Max 5 |
| Water-Insoluble Matter | Nil | % w/w | Nil |
| Shape / Size | Irregular white chips | 0.3–1 cm² | Free-flowing |
View full specs — Caustic Soda Flakes →
Caustic Soda Pearls — Technical Data Sheet
99% NaOH| Physical Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Melting Point | 318–320 | °C |
| Boiling Point | ≈ 1,388 | °C |
| Bulk Density at 20 °C | 2.13 | g/cm³ (true density) |
| Dissolution Rate (50 g in 100 mL H₂O, 25 °C) | ≈ 22 | seconds |
| Specific Heat Capacity at 25 °C | ≈ 1.49 | J/g·K |
| Standard Enthalpy of Formation at 25 °C | −10.64 | kJ/g (= −425.6 kJ/mol) |
| Chemical Parameter | Specification | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| NaOH Purity | 99.0 min | % w/w |
| Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃) | 0.8 max | % w/w |
| Sodium Chloride (NaCl) | 0.05 max | % w/w |
| Iron as Fe₂O₃ | 50 max | ppm |
View full specs — Caustic Soda Pearls →
Liquid Caustic Soda — Technical Data Sheet (50% Grade)
50% NaOH| No. | Parameter | Unit | Acceptance Limit | Typical COA Result | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NaOH Purity | % mass | Min 48 | 50 | ASTM E291 |
| 2 | Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃) | % mass | Max 0.5 | 0.2 | ASTM E291 |
| 3 | Sodium Chloride (NaCl) | % mass | Max 0.03 | 0.01 | ASTM E291 |
| 4 | Sodium Sulfate (Na₂SO₄) | % mass | Max 0.007 | 0.001 | ASTM E291 |
| 5 | Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂) | % mass | Max 0.01 | 0.001 | ASTM E291 |
| 6 | Iron (Fe) | ppm | Max 10 | 3 | ASTM E291 |
| 7 | Aluminium Oxide (Al₂O₃) | ppm | Max 10 | < 1 | ASTM E291 |
| 8 | Mercury (Hg) | ppm | Max 0.1 | 0.01 | ISO 12846 / CVAAS |
| 9 | Arsenic (as As₂O₃) | ppm | Max 1 | < 0.02 | ICP-OES |
How Is Caustic Soda Made?
Understanding the production method matters for procurement: it determines purity, mercury content, and suitability for food-grade or pharmaceutical applications. See the full technical guide on how caustic soda is made.
All commercial sodium hydroxide is produced by the electrolysis of saturated brine — sodium chloride (NaCl) dissolved in water — in what the industry calls the chlor-alkali process. The three commercial technologies differ in how they separate the NaOH product from the co-produced chlorine gas:
- Membrane cell (dominant technology): a semi-permeable ion-exchange membrane separates the anode and cathode compartments. Produces high-purity NaOH with low chloride and no mercury contamination. The cleanest available grade — preferred for food, pharma and high-purity chemical applications.
- Diaphragm cell: an asbestos or synthetic (polymer-modified) diaphragm separates the compartments. Produces NaOH at lower initial concentration and with higher chloride levels. Lower capex but higher evaporation energy cost and more impurities than membrane.
- Mercury cell (being phased out): produces very pure NaOH via sodium amalgam, but requires strict mercury management. Closed across the EU under the Industrial Emissions Directive and phased out in most OECD markets under the Minamata Convention.
After electrolysis, liquid NaOH solution is evaporated and concentrated to the required grade (32–50%). For solid flake and pearl production, the concentrated liquid is further evaporated to a near-anhydrous state and processed through flaking or prilling equipment. SUHA International sources only from membrane-cell and diaphragm-cell producers, ensuring all shipments meet EU mercury limits for caustic soda.
Raw Material
NaCl Brine
Saturated sodium chloride solution
Process
Electrolysis
Membrane cell · Diaphragm cell
Co-Products
Cl₂ + H₂
Chlorine gas & hydrogen gas
Final Product
NaOH
Liquid → flakes or pearls
Industrial Uses of Caustic Soda — Sector by Sector
Caustic soda is among the highest-volume industrial chemicals produced globally. Below is how it functions in each major sector — with dedicated guides for technical buyers and procurement engineers.
Metallurgy, Mining & Aluminium
The Bayer process digests bauxite ore with hot sodium hydroxide solution to dissolve alumina, which is then precipitated as Al(OH)₃ and calcined to alumina (Al₂O₃). Also used in base-metal hydrometallurgy, flotation pH control, surface etching and effluent neutralization. Caustic soda in metal processing →
Water & Wastewater Treatment
NaOH is a preferred reagent for pH elevation, water softening, and precipitation of heavy metals as hydroxides in both drinking-water and municipal/industrial effluent treatment. Liquid grade at 32–50% is easiest to dose in continuous systems. Caustic soda for water treatment →
Pulp & Paper
In the kraft process, white liquor (NaOH + Na₂S) cooks wood chips to dissolve lignin, leaving cellulose fibres. NaOH is also used in alkaline extraction stages of bleaching (E stage) and in deinking of recycled fibre for OCC and DIP mills. Caustic soda in pulp & paper →
Petrochemicals & Refining
Caustic washing removes acidic impurities (H₂S, mercaptans) from LPG, naphtha and natural gas. Also used in ethylene oxide / ethylene glycol production, biodiesel transesterification (as catalyst) and neutralization of acidic refinery streams. Caustic soda in petroleum →
Soaps & Detergents
Saponification of vegetable oils and animal fats with NaOH produces solid sodium soap. For liquid detergents, NaOH neutralizes linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid (LAS) and other acid-form surfactants. Flakes and pearls are preferred for batch soap production. Caustic soda in soap & detergent →
Textiles
Mercerization — treatment of cotton yarn or fabric with concentrated NaOH solution — increases tensile strength, lustre and dye uptake. Also used in scouring to remove natural waxes and impurities before dyeing. Flakes 98–99% are the standard grade. Caustic soda for textiles →
Food Processing
Food-grade sodium hydroxide (E524) is approved for pretzel and baked-goods lye baths, olive curing, cocoa alkalization (Dutching), noodle making, and CIP (clean-in-place) cleaning of food processing equipment. Food-grade pearls or membrane-grade liquid required. Food-grade pearls →
Chemical Synthesis & Pharma
NaOH is a key reagent in pH control, neutralization, ester/amide hydrolysis and basic catalysis across organic and inorganic chemical synthesis. Pharmaceutical-grade caustic soda requires membrane-cell origin and certified low-mercury analysis. Compare grades for your process →
Application Matrix — Industry · NaOH Function · Recommended Grade
| Industry | Key Function of NaOH | Recommended Grade | Typical Concentration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium / Mining | Bayer process digestion, pH control | Flakes 98–99% | 20–30% w/w solution |
| Water Treatment | pH elevation, softening, metal precipitation | Liquid 32–50% | As received or diluted |
| Pulp & Paper | Kraft cooking, alkaline extraction, deinking | Liquid / Flakes | White liquor ≈ 100 g/L as NaOH |
| Petrochemicals | Caustic washing, desulfurization, biodiesel | Liquid 32–50% | 10–20% w/w |
| Soap & Detergent | Saponification, surfactant neutralization | Flakes / Pearls | Neat solid or 30–50% solution |
| Textiles | Cotton mercerization, scouring | Flakes 98–99% | 200–300 g/L |
| Food Processing | Lye baths, CIP, cocoa alkalization | Food-grade pearls / liquid | 1–5% food use; ≈ 2% CIP |
| Chemical Synthesis | pH adjustment, neutralization, reagent | Pearls 99% / Liquid | Application-specific |
Packaging Options, Storage & Shelf Life
Proper packaging is the first line of defence for NaOH quality in transit. Every shipment of caustic soda from SUHA International uses moisture-resistant, IMDG-compliant packaging with batch ID, manufacturing date and shelf-life label on every unit.
| Grade | Packaging Format | Net Weight | Load per 20′ Container (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flakes / Pearls | PP woven bag with PE inner liner | 25 kg | ≈ 960 bags = 24 MT |
| Flakes / Pearls | Jumbo bag (FIBC), palletized | 500–1,000 kg | ≈ 24 × 1,000 kg FIBC = 24 MT |
| Liquid NaOH | HDPE drum | 200–220 L (≈ 250–275 kg) | ≈ 80 drums = 20–22 MT solution |
| Liquid NaOH | IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) | 1,000 L (≈ 1.5 MT at 50%) | ≈ 10 IBCs = 15 MT solution |
| Liquid NaOH | Road tanker (rubber / HDPE lined) | 20–30 MT | Full truck / direct delivery |
| Liquid NaOH | ISO tank container | 20–23 MT | 1 ISO tank = 1 × 20′ slot |
Shelf life: caustic soda flakes and pearls are stable for approximately 24 months from the production date when stored sealed in original packaging in a cool (≤ 30 °C), dry, ventilated warehouse away from moisture, CO₂ and acids. Liquid NaOH solution has a shelf life of approximately 12 months in sealed HDPE or stainless-steel containers. Sodium hydroxide slowly absorbs CO₂ from air to form sodium carbonate, so keep containers sealed at all times outside active use. Full guidance: how to store caustic soda safely.
Concentration–temperature note for liquid grade: high-concentration NaOH solution (50%) begins to crystallize at around 12 °C. Storage tanks and lines handling 48–50% liquid in cold climates should be trace-heated or maintained above 15 °C to prevent blockages. A 32% solution stays liquid to roughly −25 °C, which is why it is the standard winter grade in northern Europe.
Global Logistics & Export Terms for Caustic Soda
SUHA International exports caustic soda from two origins — Türkiye and the UAE — giving buyers access to the fastest shipping lane for their destination and a built-in contingency if one corridor is disrupted.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Loading Ports — Türkiye | Mersin · Izmir · Istanbul · Derince · Samsun |
| Loading Ports — UAE | Jebel Ali (Dubai) · Khalifa Port (Abu Dhabi) |
| Incoterms Available | FOB · CFR · CIF · CPT · DAP · DDP (Incoterms® 2020) |
| Destination Regions | Europe · Balkans · Middle East · Africa · Asia · Americas |
| Container Types | 20′ FCL (dry, for solids) · 20′ ISO tank (liquid) · FTL road tanker |
| Transit Times (approx.) | 5–7 days to SE Europe · 10–14 days Mediterranean · 20–28 days Far East |
| MOQ — Packed | 24 MT — one 20′ FCL of flakes or pearls (sample quantities on request) |
| MOQ — Bulk Liquid | 24 MT — one ISO tank container or road tanker |
| Payment Terms | T/T in advance · T/T against documents · L/C at sight · D/P |
| Dangerous Goods | IMDG Class 8 — UN 1823 (solid) / UN 1824 (liquid) — full DG docs included |
Caustic Soda Price — How It Is Quoted & What Drives It
Caustic soda is priced in USD per metric tonne (USD/MT) and fluctuates with energy costs, chlorine–PVC market dynamics, feedstock brine availability and freight. For a live indicative price or a firm export quote, see the caustic soda price page.
| Price Driver | Direction of Influence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Energy cost (electricity) | Higher energy cost → higher NaOH price | Electrolysis is energy-intensive |
| Chlorine market demand | Higher chlorine demand → lower NaOH price | Co-product economics |
| Aluminium & PVC production | Higher demand → higher NaOH price | Largest downstream sectors |
| Freight rates | Higher freight → higher CIF/CFR price | Container and bulk rates vary by route |
| Grade (liquid vs solid) | Solid priced higher per MT than liquid | Extra evaporation and processing cost |
| Order volume (MT) | Larger volume → lower unit price | FCL and tanker economies of scale |
| Incoterm | DDP > CIF > CFR > FOB | More service included = higher inclusive price |
Get a Firm Caustic Soda Quote — Within 24 Hours
Tell us your grade, volume, delivery point and Incoterm. Our export desk returns a bankable FOB or CIF offer with unit price, container value, payment terms and shipping schedule. No ballpark figures — a number you can take to budget approval.
Why Source Caustic Soda From SUHA International?
Procurement managers don't worry about price lists — they worry about stockouts, off-spec batches and documentation failures at customs. SUHA International is structured to remove exactly those risks.
Ordering Caustic Soda — Five Steps to First Delivery
Step 1 — Send Your Inquiry
Specify grade (flakes / pearls / liquid), purity, estimated volume (MT per order and/or per year), delivery point, packaging format and preferred Incoterm. Use the contact form, WhatsApp (+971 50 720 9246) or email (info@causticsodaco.com).
Step 2 — Receive a Firm Export Quote (≤ 24 h)
A written offer covering unit price (USD/MT), total container value, payment terms, loading port, available shipment dates and transit time estimate. Not a ballpark — a number you can act on.
Step 3 — Confirm Order & Terms
MOQ: 24 MT (metric tonnes) — one 20-foot FCL for packed goods or one ISO tank for bulk liquid. Sign the proforma invoice (PI) and arrange payment — T/T, L/C at sight or D/P. We confirm the production slot or available stock immediately.
Step 4 — Quality Control & Pre-Shipment Documentation
In-house QC and COA per lot. Full export document pack issued: COA, SDS, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin. Third-party inspection (SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek) available on request at buyer's cost.
Step 5 — Shipment & On-Time Delivery
Cargo loaded and vessel/truck booked. Shipment tracking and B/L copy shared on departure. Lead times from stock: packed goods 5–10 days; bulk liquid 7–14 days (sea freight); subject to destination port and routing.
Safe Handling & Compliance — Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
Caustic soda is a strong corrosive alkali. Every shipment includes a full SDS/MSDS prepared to GHS/CLP standards. See the authoritative hazard data at PubChem — Sodium Hydroxide and regulatory guidance at the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
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Hazard Classification
GHS05 Corrosion — Skin Corr. 1A (causes severe skin burns) and Eye Dam. 1 (causes serious eye damage). UN 1823 (solid) / UN 1824 (solution), IMDG / ADR Hazard Class 8. Store away from acids, oxidizers and aluminium metal (hydrogen evolution risk).
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Required PPE
Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), splash-proof goggles (not just safety glasses), full face shield, chemical apron or suit, and alkali-resistant boots. An emergency eyewash station and safety shower must be within 10 seconds' travel of the handling area.
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Storage Requirements
Cool (≤ 30 °C), dry, well-ventilated warehouse. Keep containers sealed to prevent CO₂ absorption and moisture ingress. Segregate from acids, organic materials and reactive metals. Floors should be alkali-resistant with bunded secondary containment.
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Regulatory Framework
EU CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008; REACH (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006); IMO IMDG Code (sea transport); ADR (road transport, Europe). Serbian chemical legislation is aligned with EU standards under the EU association framework.
Speak With Our Export Team
We respond to caustic soda export inquiries within 24 business hours — usually the same day. For urgent or large-volume requirements, WhatsApp is the fastest channel.
WhatsApp — Fastest Response+971 50 720 9246 📞 Phone — Export Desk+971 50 720 9246 📧 Email — Export Inquiries & Quotesinfo@causticsodaco.comInclude These Details for the Fastest Quote
●Grade: Flakes 98–99% / Pearls 99% / Liquid 32–50%
●Volume: Metric tonnes per order & per month or year
●Delivery point: City / port / country
●Incoterm: FOB / CFR / CIF / DAP / DDP
●Packaging: 25 kg bags / jumbo FIBC / IBC / ISO tank
●Application: Metallurgy / water / pulp / food / textile / chemical
●Payment: T/T / L/C at sight / D/P
●Special requirements: Food-grade, membrane-cell, low mercury, SGS inspection
FAQ — Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide, NaOH)
What is caustic soda and what is its chemical name?
Caustic soda is the industrial trade name for sodium hydroxide (NaOH), CAS number 1310-73-2. It is also known as lye, sodium hydrate and white caustic. It is a strong inorganic alkali produced by the chlor-alkali electrolysis of brine, available commercially as solid flakes, micropearls and aqueous liquid solution.
What grades of caustic soda does SUHA International supply?
We supply three commercial grades: caustic soda flakes at 98–99% NaOH (most widely traded, suitable for metallurgy, textiles and soap); caustic soda pearls at 99% NaOH (low-dust micropearls, preferred for food-grade and precision dosing); and liquid caustic soda at 32%, 46%, 48% and 50% NaOH (ready-to-dose for water treatment and petrochemicals). A Certificate of Analysis (COA) ships with every production lot.
What is the difference between caustic soda flakes and pearls?
Both are solid sodium hydroxide, but they differ in form and purity. Flakes are irregular thin chips of roughly 0.3–1 cm² produced by scraping a cooled NaOH film; they are the standard export grade at 98–99% NaOH and the most cost-effective. Pearls are uniform spherical micropearls produced by prilling, at 99% NaOH minimum — virtually dust-free, with excellent flowability and a consistent dissolution rate. Pearls are preferred for automated dosing systems and for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food-grade applications where dust minimisation matters.
What are the main industrial uses of caustic soda?
Caustic soda is used across most heavy industries: alumina production from bauxite via the Bayer process; kraft pulping and bleaching in pulp and paper; pH adjustment and heavy-metal precipitation in water and wastewater treatment; saponification in soap and detergent manufacture; cotton mercerisation and scouring in textiles; caustic washing and desulfurisation in petrochemicals and refining; food processing under E524; chemical and pharmaceutical synthesis; and clean-in-place industrial cleaning.
What is the HS Code and UN number for caustic soda?
Caustic soda (NaOH) is classified under HS Code 2815.11 for solid grades (flakes and pearls) and HS Code 2815.12 for aqueous liquid solution. For dangerous-goods transport, solid NaOH is classified as UN 1823 and liquid solution as UN 1824, both under IMDG / ADR Hazard Class 8 — Corrosive.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for bulk caustic soda export?
The minimum order quantity (MOQ) is 24 MT (metric tonnes). For packed solid grades (25 kg bags or jumbo bags) this is one 20-foot full container load (FCL); for bulk liquid NaOH it is one ISO tank container or road tanker. Smaller sample quantities (from one pallet) can be arranged on request for qualification before a commercial order.
How much does caustic soda cost per metric tonne?
Caustic soda is traded in USD per metric tonne and has no fixed list price — it moves with electricity costs, the chlorine and PVC market, freight rates, grade and order volume. Because NaOH and chlorine are co-products, strong chlorine demand tends to push NaOH prices down and weak chlorine demand pushes them up. SUHA International issues a firm FOB or CIF offer, valid for a stated period, within 24 hours of receiving your grade, volume, destination and Incoterm.
How is caustic soda produced?
Caustic soda is produced industrially by electrolysis of saturated brine (NaCl solution) in the chlor-alkali process — co-producing chlorine gas and hydrogen. The three commercial technologies are the membrane cell (cleanest grade, dominant globally), the diaphragm cell (older, higher impurities) and the mercury cell (being phased out due to environmental regulations). SUHA International sources exclusively from membrane-cell and diaphragm-cell producers.
What documents are included with each caustic soda shipment?
Every export shipment includes: Certificate of Analysis (COA) for the specific production lot; Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) to GHS/CLP standards; Commercial Invoice; Packing List; Bill of Lading (B/L) or CMR/AWB; Certificate of Origin (CO); and IMDG Class 8 dangerous-goods documentation for sea freight. Third-party inspection reports (SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek) can be added on request.
What is the shelf life of caustic soda and how should it be stored?
Caustic soda flakes and pearls have a shelf life of approximately 24 months when stored sealed in original packaging in a cool (≤30°C), dry, well-ventilated area away from CO₂, moisture and acids. Liquid NaOH solution is stable for approximately 12 months in sealed HDPE or steel containers. Material that still meets specification on reanalysis may be used beyond these dates.
