HS 280511 Alkali or alkaline-earth metals
Quick Answer: HS Code 2805.11 covers alkali metals, specifically sodium and potassium, which are highly reactive elements used in various industrial applications, including chemical synthesis, metallurgy, and as coolants. Importers and exporters should note the varying duty rates across major jurisdictions. In the UK, the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate is 4.00% ad valorem. The EU applies an MFN rate of 5.00% ad valorem. For the United States, the MFN rate is 5.3% ad valorem, but significant preferential duty treatment, including duty-free entry, is available under various free trade agreements (e.g., A+, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). Accurate classification is crucial to leverage these benefits and ensure compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2805110000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2805110000 | 5.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2805110000 | 5.3% | 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 2805.11?
Imports of Alkali or alkaline-earth metals 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, 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 280511 cover?
This subheading covers sodium, which is an alkali metal falling under Heading 2805, specifically "Alkali or alkaline-earth metals; rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed; mercury." As defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature and reflected in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC, HS 2805.11.00 applies exclusively to sodium in its elemental form. This includes sodium in various physical states, such as solid ingots, rods, pellets, or molten liquid, provided it remains unalloyed and unmixed with other substances that would alter its fundamental character as elemental sodium.
What falls outside HS 280511?
The following products are excluded from HS 280511: sodium alloys, which are typically classified under HS 2805.40 (e.g., sodium-potassium alloy). Furthermore, sodium compounds, such as sodium chloride (salt, HS 2501.00) or sodium hydroxide (caustic soda, HS 2815.11), are explicitly excluded as they are chemical compounds and not the elemental metal itself. Similarly, sodium contained within mixtures or preparations where it is not the predominant or characteristic component would be classified according to the nature of the mixture or preparation, often under other chapters of the HS, such as Chapter 38 for miscellaneous chemical products.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 280511?
A common error is misclassifying sodium compounds or alloys as elemental sodium under HS 280511. Importers sometimes overlook the distinction between the pure metal and its chemical derivatives or mixtures. For instance, a customs broker might mistakenly classify a sodium-potassium alloy as pure sodium, when it should correctly fall under HS 2805.40. Another frequent mistake involves not applying General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification should be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. This means carefully verifying that the product is indeed elemental sodium and not a compound or alloy before assigning it to this subheading.
How should importers classify products under HS 280511?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 280511 involves first confirming that the product is elemental sodium, unalloyed and unmixed, by reviewing its chemical composition and material safety data sheets (MSDS). Importers and customs brokers should consult the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2805, which provide detailed guidance on the scope of alkali and alkaline-earth metals. Subsequently, verify the specific subheading using the official tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff, to ensure the correct 10-digit code is applied. For the United States, the duty rate for HS 2805.11.00.00 is Free (0% ad valorem) under the General column. Always retain documentation proving the product's identity and composition to support the classification decision during customs clearance.
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FAQ
What are the typical Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for products classified under HS 2805.11, specifically 'Sodium'?
For products classified under HS 2805.11, which covers 'Sodium', the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates can vary by importing country. For instance, the United States generally applies a duty rate of 4.00% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC database indicates a common MFN duty rate of 5.3% ad valorem for this subheading. Importers should always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) or the EU TARIC, for the definitive and most current MFN duty rate.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for HS 2805.11 'Sodium' under common free trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates, including duty-free treatment, are available for HS 2805.11 'Sodium' under various free trade agreements (FTAs) and special programs, provided the rules of origin are met. For example, imports into the United States may qualify for duty-free entry (0% ad valorem) under agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), and Singapore (SG). Similar preferential rates may exist for imports into the EU or UK from their respective FTA partners. Importers must ensure they have the correct documentation, such as a certificate of origin, to claim these preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing 'Sodium' under HS 2805.11 from other alkali metals or related chemicals?
The primary classification criterion for HS 2805.11 is that the product must be 'Sodium' in its elemental form. This subheading specifically covers sodium, which is an alkali metal. It is crucial to distinguish it from other alkali metals (e.g., lithium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, classified under other subheadings within 2805.1X) and from sodium compounds (e.g., sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate), which fall under different chapters (e.g., Chapter 28 or 29 for inorganic or organic chemicals, respectively). The WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 28 provide guidance, emphasizing the elemental nature of the metal. Laboratory analysis may be required to confirm purity and elemental composition if there is any ambiguity.
What specific documentation is typically required for the importation of 'Sodium' (HS 2805.11), considering its nature as a reactive metal?
Given that sodium is a highly reactive alkali metal, importers should anticipate requirements beyond standard customs documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill). Specific documentation may include a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to comply with hazardous materials regulations for transport and handling. Depending on the quantity and end-use, permits or licenses from environmental or chemical control agencies might be necessary in some countries. For claiming preferential duty rates, a valid Certificate of Origin or origin declaration is mandatory. Importers should consult their customs broker and relevant national regulatory bodies (e.g., EPA or DOT in the US) to ensure full compliance with all import and safety regulations.