HS 281112 Hydrogen cyanide (hydrocyanic acid)
Quick Answer: HS Code 2811.12 specifically covers Hydrogen Cyanide, also known as hydrocyanic acid. This chemical compound is a highly toxic, colorless, and volatile liquid or gas, primarily used in the production of various organic chemicals, plastics, and pharmaceuticals, and as a fumigant. Importers and exporters should be aware of its hazardous nature, which necessitates strict handling, storage, and transport regulations. Key duty rates vary significantly by jurisdiction. In the UK, the general duty rate is 4.00% ad valorem. The EU applies a general rate of 5.30% ad valorem. For the US, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 4.2% ad valorem, with some specific subheadings potentially at 25%. However, many countries benefit from duty-free treatment under various US trade preference programs (e.g., A, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). Customs brokers must verify the specific origin and applicable trade agreements to determine the correct duty rate.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2811120000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2811120000 | 5.30 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2811120000 | 4.2% | 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 2811.12?
Imports of Hydrogen cyanide (hydrocyanic acid) 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 14 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 281112 cover?
This subheading covers hydrogen cyanide, also known as hydrocyanic acid, a highly volatile and extremely poisonous liquid or gas. It is specifically defined within the Harmonized System (HS) Nomenclature under Chapter 28, which encompasses inorganic chemicals. The WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2811 clarify that this heading includes other inorganic acids and other inorganic oxygen compounds of non-metals, but 2811.12 specifically carves out hydrogen cyanide. Both the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system consistently apply this classification to pure hydrogen cyanide, regardless of its physical state (liquid or gaseous), provided it meets the chemical definition.
What falls outside HS 281112?
The following products are excluded from HS 281112: solutions of hydrogen cyanide in water or other solvents where the hydrogen cyanide is not the predominant characteristic or where it forms a chemical reaction product. For instance, salts of hydrocyanic acid, such as sodium cyanide (HS 2837.11) or potassium cyanide (HS 2837.19), are classified under Heading 2837 as cyanides, cyanide oxides, and complex cyanides. Similarly, organic compounds containing cyanide groups, such as acetonitrile (HS 2926.90), are classified in Chapter 29 as organic chemicals, even though they are derived from or contain a cyanide moiety, because their chemical structure and primary function are organic in nature.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 281112?
A common error is misclassifying hydrogen cyanide when it is part of a mixture or solution, especially if it reacts to form other compounds. Importers sometimes incorrectly apply this code to cyanide salts or organic nitriles, failing to recognize that HS 281112 is strictly for the inorganic acid itself. Another mistake involves overlooking General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification is determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. For hydrogen cyanide, this means ensuring it is indeed the unreacted, inorganic acid and not a derivative or a component of a more complex chemical mixture that would be classified elsewhere based on its predominant character or chemical identity.
How should importers classify products under HS 281112?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 281112 involves first confirming the chemical identity of the substance as pure hydrogen cyanide (hydrocyanic acid). Importers and customs brokers should review the product's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and chemical analysis reports to verify the exact chemical name and composition. It is crucial to ensure that the product is not a salt, an organic compound, or a solution where hydrogen cyanide is merely a minor component or has reacted. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2811 and cross-referencing with the USITC HTS or EU TARIC system for specific national interpretations will provide definitive guidance and help avoid misclassification penalties.
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for Hydrogen Cyanide (HS 2811.12) in key markets, and are there any significant preferential rates?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for Hydrogen Cyanide (HS 2811.12) varies by importing country. For instance, the general MFN duty rate in the United States is 4.2% ad valorem. In the European Union, the MFN duty rate is 5.30% ad valorem, as per the EU TARIC database. The UK Global Tariff also lists an MFN rate of 4.00% ad valorem. However, significant preferential duty rates apply under various free trade agreements. For example, imports into the US from 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) may be eligible for 'Free' duty under specific trade agreements, provided all rules of origin are met. Importers should consult the specific country's tariff schedule (e.g., USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) and the relevant trade agreement for precise eligibility and documentation requirements.
What are the primary classification criteria for Hydrogen Cyanide under HS 2811.12, and how is it distinguished from other inorganic acids?
Hydrogen Cyanide (hydrocyanic acid) is classified under HS 2811.12 based on its specific chemical identity as an acyclic hydrocyanic acid. Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System covers 'Inorganic chemicals; organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, of radio-active elements or of isotopes.' Heading 2811 specifically covers 'Other inorganic acids and other inorganic oxygen compounds of non-metals.' Subheading 2811.12 precisely identifies 'Hydrogen cyanide (hydrocyanic acid).' The key classification criterion is its distinct chemical formula (HCN) and its classification as an inorganic acid. It is distinguished from other inorganic acids by its specific chemical structure and properties, which are explicitly recognized by this subheading. Importers should ensure that the chemical composition and purity align with the description to avoid misclassification.
What specific documentation is required for the importation of Hydrogen Cyanide (HS 2811.12), considering its hazardous nature?
Due to its highly toxic and hazardous nature, the importation of Hydrogen Cyanide (HS 2811.12) typically requires extensive documentation beyond standard customs declarations. In addition to a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill, importers must often provide: 1. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) compliant with the importing country's regulations (e.g., OSHA in the US, REACH in the EU). 2. Permits or licenses from relevant regulatory bodies responsible for hazardous materials, chemicals, or controlled substances (e.g., EPA or DEA in the US, ECHA in the EU). 3. Proof of compliance with transportation regulations for dangerous goods (e.g., IMDG Code for sea, IATA DGR for air, ADR for road), including proper labeling, packaging, and placarding. 4. Certificates of analysis or purity. Customs brokers and importers must verify all national and international regulations pertaining to hazardous chemical imports prior to shipment to ensure compliance and avoid delays or penalties.
Which major free trade agreements (FTAs) specifically offer preferential duty treatment for HS 2811.12, and what are the general requirements to claim these benefits?
Several major free trade agreements (FTAs) offer preferential duty treatment for Hydrogen Cyanide (HS 2811.12), often resulting in 'Free' duty rates. Examples include the US-Australia FTA, US-Korea FTA (KORUS), US-Chile FTA, US-Colombia TPA, US-Panama TPA, and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) for participating countries. The general requirements to claim these benefits typically include: 1. Origin Criteria: The product must originate in a party to the FTA, meaning it must meet the specific rules of origin outlined in the agreement (e.g., wholly obtained, change in tariff classification, regional value content). 2. Documentation: A valid certificate of origin or origin declaration, as specified by the FTA, must be provided to the customs authorities of the importing country. 3. Direct Shipment: The goods must generally be shipped directly from the exporting FTA party to the importing FTA party, though some agreements allow for transshipment under specific conditions. Importers should consult the specific FTA's text and the importing country's customs regulations to understand the precise origin rules and documentation needed to successfully claim preferential duty rates.