2-Trifluoromethoxy-benzenesulphonamide, of the formula (I), ##STR1## which can be used as intermediate for the preparation of certain herbicidally active compounds is obtained in very high yield and high purity by a process in which halogenated trifluoromethoxy-benzenesulphonamides of the general formula (II) ##STR2## in which X.sup.1 represents halogen and X.sup.2 represents hydrogen or halogenare reacted with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst and in the presence of a diluent and, if appropriate, in the presence of an acid acceptor at temperatures between 0.degree. C. and 200.degree. C. ("dehalogenated"), the resulting compound of the formula (I) is isolated in the customary manner in the event that "X.sup.2 =halogen" and converted into a pure, crystalline product by treating it with a protic polar organic liquid and isolated by removing the liquid component by means of filtration with suction in the event that "X.sup.2 =H".