Potassium iodide

Potassium Iodide is typically categorized into USP/BP/EP Grade (Pharmaceutical), Food Grade (FCC), and Industrial/ACS Grade. For B2B buyers, the purity should be ≥99.0%. Key parameters to monitor include heavy metal content (Pb ≤10ppm), loss on drying (≤0.5%), and iodine identification tests. Ensure the product appears as colorless crystals or white powder, as a yellowish tint may indicate oxidation and degradation.

Depending on the application, suppliers must provide GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) for pharma-grade, ISO 9001 for quality management, and HACCP/ISO 22000 for food-grade additives. For the US market, FDA registration is essential, while the EU market requires REACH registration. Always request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) that aligns with GHS (Globally Harmonized System) standards.

Potassium Iodide is highly photosensitive and hygroscopic. It must be stored in light-resistant, airtight containers (typically fiber drums with double PE inner bags). The storage environment must be cool, dry, and well-ventilated. Buyers should verify that the supplier uses UV-blocking packaging to prevent the salt from turning yellow due to the release of free iodine when exposed to light and moisture.

In the medical sector, it is used for thyroid protection and as an expectorant. Industrially, it serves as a catalyst in organic synthesis, a component in polarizing films for LCD screens, and in photographic chemicals. In the food industry, it is a critical agent for salt iodization to prevent iodine deficiency disorders.

Potassium Iodide is generally not classified as a dangerous good (Non-DG) for transport, but this can vary by concentration and local regulations. You must ensure the supplier provides a DGM Report (Identification and Classification Report for Air/Sea Transport of Goods) to avoid customs delays. For sea freight, use FCL (Full Container Load) where possible to minimize handling and exposure to humidity.

Utilize Secured Trading Services provided by Made-in-China.com to ensure payment safety. Conduct a factory audit or hire a third-party inspector (like SGS or Intertek) to perform Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI). This verifies that the batch being loaded matches the COA specifications and that the packaging is intact.

The price of Potassium Iodide is heavily influenced by the global raw iodine market (Chile and Japan). B2B buyers should negotiate based on volume-based pricing tiers; for example, orders over 500kg to 1 ton usually trigger significant discounts. Consider long-term supply contracts with price adjustment clauses linked to raw material indices to stabilize costs against market volatility.

The biggest risk is specification mismatch (e.g., receiving industrial grade when pharma grade was ordered). Always request a pre-production sample and have it tested in an independent lab. Additionally, be aware of Anti-Dumping Duties (ADD) that some countries may impose on chemical imports from specific regions; check your local Harmonized System (HS) Code (typically 2827.60) duties before finalizing the deal.