HS 281111 Other inorganic acids
Quick Answer: HS code 2811.11 covers hydrogen fluoride, also known as hydrofluoric acid. This inorganic acid is a highly corrosive and toxic chemical, primarily used in the production of fluorocarbons, aluminum, and uranium, as well as in etching glass and silicon. For importers and exporters, understanding its specific classification is crucial due to its hazardous nature and regulatory controls. Duty rates vary significantly by jurisdiction: the UK applies a 4.00% ad valorem duty, the EU imposes a 5.50% ad valorem duty, while the United States generally offers duty-free treatment. Given its dual-use potential and environmental impact, trade in hydrofluoric acid is subject to strict international and national regulations, including licensing requirements and specific handling protocols.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2811110000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2811110000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2811110000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
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.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 281111 cover?
This subheading covers hydrogen fluoride, also known as hydrofluoric acid, which is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula HF. As per the Harmonized System Nomenclature, specifically Chapter 28, Heading 2811 encompasses "Other inorganic acids and other inorganic oxygen compounds of non-metals (excluding water)." Subheading 2811.11 is explicitly reserved for "Hydrogen fluoride (Hydrofluoric acid)." This classification is consistently applied across major customs territories, including the United States as per the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and the European Union's TARIC system, ensuring uniform treatment for this specific chemical compound.
What falls outside HS 281111?
The following products are excluded from HS 281111: other inorganic acids, even if they are also strong acids. For instance, hydrochloric acid (HCl) is classified under HS 2806.10, and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) falls under HS 2807.00. Similarly, nitric acid (HNO3) is found in HS 2808.00. This subheading is strictly limited to hydrogen fluoride. Mixtures containing hydrogen fluoride, where the hydrogen fluoride is not the predominant component or where the mixture constitutes a distinct chemical preparation, might also be classified elsewhere, potentially under a different heading in Chapter 28 or even Chapter 38 if it forms a specific chemical preparation not elsewhere specified or included.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 281111?
A common error is misclassifying other strong inorganic acids as hydrogen fluoride due to a general understanding of "inorganic acids." Importers sometimes incorrectly assume that any "other inorganic acid" not specifically enumerated in earlier subheadings of Chapter 28 might default to 2811.11. However, this subheading is highly specific. Another mistake involves classifying aqueous solutions of hydrogen fluoride under a different heading if the concentration is low, rather than recognizing that even dilute hydrofluoric acid solutions remain classified here, provided they retain the essential character of hydrofluoric acid, in accordance with General Interpretative Rule 1 and 6.
How should importers classify products under HS 281111?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 281111 involves first confirming the chemical identity of the product as hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid). Importers and customs brokers should obtain a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer, which clearly states the chemical name and CAS number (7664-39-3 for hydrogen fluoride). This documentation is crucial for verifying that the product is indeed HF. Once confirmed, and ensuring it is not part of a complex mixture that alters its essential character, the product should be assigned to HS 2811.11. Always cross-reference with the latest official tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, to ensure compliance with current regulations and duty rates, which for the US is 3.7% ad valorem and for the EU is 0% ad valorem.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for goods classified under HS 2811.11, specifically 'Hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid)'?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS 2811.11, covering Hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid), can vary significantly by importing country. For example, the United States generally applies a 'Free' duty rate under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for this subheading. The European Union's TARIC database also indicates a 'Free' duty rate for imports from most third countries. However, other countries may apply ad valorem rates, such as 4.00% or 5.50%. Importers should always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) to determine the exact applicable duty rate and any additional duties or taxes.
What are the key classification criteria for determining if a product falls under HS 2811.11, 'Hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid)'?
Classification under HS 2811.11 is primarily based on the chemical identity of the product. This subheading specifically covers 'Hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid)'. The key criterion is that the product must be hydrogen fluoride (HF) in its various concentrations. This includes aqueous solutions of hydrogen fluoride. It is crucial to distinguish this specific inorganic acid from other inorganic acids classified elsewhere in Chapter 28 (e.g., sulfuric acid, nitric acid). Importers should ensure that chemical analysis reports or safety data sheets (SDS) clearly identify the product as hydrogen fluoride to support this classification.
Are there any common preferential trade agreements that offer reduced or duty-free treatment for HS 2811.11?
Yes, many preferential trade agreements can offer reduced or duty-free treatment for products classified under HS 2811.11, 'Hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid)'. For instance, imports into the United States from countries party to agreements like USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement), or various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) often qualify for duty-free entry, provided the Rules of Origin are met. Similarly, the EU has numerous preferential agreements (e.g., with the UK, South Korea, Japan) that may grant duty-free access. Importers must verify the specific agreement, ensure the product meets the origin requirements, and provide the necessary documentation (e.g., certificate of origin) to claim preferential tariff treatment.
What specific documentation is typically required by customs authorities for the import of goods under HS 2811.11?
For the import of goods under HS 2811.11, 'Hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid)', customs authorities typically require standard import documentation, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Due to the hazardous nature of hydrofluoric acid, additional documentation is often mandatory. This may include a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to confirm the chemical composition and hazard classifications, as well as any permits or licenses required by environmental or chemical control agencies in the importing country. Compliance with transport regulations for dangerous goods (e.g., IMDG Code for sea, IATA DGR for air) is also critical, requiring proper labeling, packaging, and documentation (e.g., Dangerous Goods Declaration).