HS 280130 Fluorine; bromine
Quick Answer: HS 280130 covers elemental fluorine and bromine, critical halogens used in diverse industrial applications such as refrigerants, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and flame retardants. Importers and customs brokers should note the significant variation in duty rates globally. For the UK, most entries are 0.00% ad valorem. The EU applies rates around 5.00% to 5.50% ad valorem. The US rates are highly variable, ranging from 3.7% to 25% ad valorem, with many preferential duty programs offering duty-free treatment (e.g., under FTAs with Australia, Korea, and Singapore). Accurate classification and understanding of origin rules are crucial to leverage these preferential rates and ensure compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2801301000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2801300000 | — | — | — |
| 2801309000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2801301000 | 5.00 % | — | — |
| 2801300000 | — | — | — |
| 2801309000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2801301000 | 3.7% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 280130 | — | — | — |
| 2801302000 | 5.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 2801.30?
Imports of Fluorine; bromine may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 280130 cover?
This subheading covers the chemical elements Fluorine (F) and Bromine (Br) in their uncombined, elemental forms. According to the Harmonized System Nomenclature, specifically Chapter 28, Heading 2801 encompasses "Halogens." Subheading 280130 precisely delineates Fluorine and Bromine, distinguishing them from other halogens like Chlorine (280110) and Iodine (280120). These elements are typically traded in various states, such as liquid bromine or gaseous fluorine, provided they remain in their elemental, uncombined form. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC system both align with this WCO definition, ensuring consistent global classification for these specific halogens.
What falls outside HS 280130?
The following products are excluded from HS 280130: compounds containing fluorine or bromine, such as hydrofluoric acid (281111), bromides (e.g., potassium bromide, typically in 282751 or 282759), or fluorides (e.g., sodium fluoride, typically in 282619). Furthermore, mixtures of fluorine or bromine with other substances, unless specifically provided for elsewhere and retaining the essential character of the elemental halogen, would generally be excluded. For instance, solutions of bromine in water, if not meeting specific purity thresholds or intended for particular uses, might fall under other headings depending on their composition and concentration, as they are no longer purely elemental bromine.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 280130?
A common error is misclassifying compounds of fluorine or bromine as the elemental forms. For example, classifying hydrobromic acid (HBr) under 280130 instead of 281119 (other inorganic acids) is a frequent mistake, as HBr is a compound, not elemental bromine. Similarly, fluorides used in industrial processes are often incorrectly placed here instead of under 2826. This error typically stems from a failure to distinguish between the uncombined element and its chemical compounds, which are systematically classified in subsequent headings within Chapter 28 or other chapters based on their chemical structure and properties, often guided by General Interpretative Rule 1.
How should importers classify products under HS 280130?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 280130 involves verifying that the substance is indeed elemental fluorine or bromine, and not a compound or mixture. Importers and customs brokers should always consult the product's chemical analysis certificate or safety data sheet (SDS) to confirm its chemical identity and purity. If the product is a compound containing fluorine or bromine, it must be classified under the appropriate heading for that specific compound, often found later in Chapter 28 (e.g., 2826 for fluorides, 2827 for bromides). Always reference the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2801, the USITC HTSUS, or the EU TARIC system to ensure precise and compliant classification, paying close attention to the chemical name and CAS number.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for HS code 2801.30 (Fluorine; Bromine) in major markets?
The MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rates for HS 2801.30 can vary significantly by importing country. For instance, the United States generally applies a 'Free' duty rate for MFN imports under HTSUS subheading 2801.30.00. In contrast, some other customs territories might apply rates such as 3.7% ad valorem, 5.00% ad valorem, or even 5.50% ad valorem. Importers should always consult the specific national tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) to ascertain the precise MFN duty rate applicable at the time of importation.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for HS 2801.30 under common free trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates, often 'Free', are frequently available for HS 2801.30 when imported from countries with which the importing nation has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or other preferential trade programs. For example, in the United States, imports of Fluorine and Bromine under HTSUS 2801.30.00 may qualify for 'Free' duty rates when originating from countries party to agreements such as the USMCA (Canada, Mexico), CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica), KORUS (Korea), or various other FTAs (e.g., Australia, Bahrain, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, Panama, Peru, Singapore). Importers must ensure they meet the specific Rules of Origin criteria for the applicable trade agreement and provide proper documentation, such as a certificate of origin, to claim preferential treatment.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing Fluorine and Bromine under HS 2801.30?
HS 2801.30 specifically covers 'Fluorine; bromine'. The classification hinges on the chemical identity of the substance. Fluorine (F) and Bromine (Br) are distinct chemical elements. Fluorine typically presents as a pale yellow gas, while Bromine is a reddish-brown volatile liquid at room temperature. The classification is straightforward as long as the product is unmixed fluorine or bromine, or mixtures of these two elements, provided they do not form a new chemical compound classifiable elsewhere. If the product is a compound containing fluorine or bromine (e.g., fluorides, bromides), it would be classified under a different heading within Chapter 28 or 29, depending on its chemical structure and function. The WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 28 provide further guidance on the classification of chemical elements.
What specific documentation is typically required for importing Fluorine or Bromine under HS 2801.30?
Beyond standard import documentation such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill, importers of Fluorine and Bromine under HS 2801.30 may face additional requirements due to the hazardous nature of these chemicals. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is almost universally required to provide information on hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures. Depending on the importing country and specific end-use, permits or licenses from environmental, health, or chemical control agencies may be necessary. For instance, certain uses or quantities might fall under national chemical weapons conventions or other regulatory oversight. If claiming preferential duty rates, a valid Certificate of Origin or equivalent declaration is mandatory. Customs brokers should verify all national and international regulations pertinent to hazardous chemical imports.