HS 281530 Peroxides of sodium or potassium
Quick Answer: HS Code 281530 covers peroxides of sodium or potassium, which are inorganic chemical compounds primarily used as oxidizing agents, bleaching agents, and in various industrial applications such as textiles, paper, and water treatment. Importers and exporters should note the varying duty rates across major jurisdictions. For instance, the UK applies a 4.00% ad valorem duty, while the EU TARIC system shows a 5.50% ad valorem rate. In the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 3.7% ad valorem, but certain preferential programs offer duty-free entry (e.g., under Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for eligible developing countries, or Free Trade Agreements with countries like Australia, Chile, Korea, and Singapore). Customs brokers should verify specific country-of-origin eligibility for preferential rates to optimize landed costs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2815300000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2815300000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2815300000 | 3.7% | 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 2815.30?
Imports of Peroxides of sodium or potassium 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 281530 cover?
This subheading covers peroxides of sodium or potassium, which are inorganic chemical compounds characterized by the presence of a peroxide ion (O2^2-). Specifically, it includes sodium peroxide (Na2O2) and potassium peroxide (K2O2). These compounds are typically strong oxidizing agents and are used in various industrial applications, such as bleaching agents, oxygen generators, and chemical synthesis. The scope aligns with the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature and is consistently reflected in national tariffs like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC system, ensuring uniform application globally for these specific chemical peroxides.
What falls outside HS 281530?
The following products are excluded from HS 281530: peroxides of other metals, such as barium peroxide (HS 2816.40) or magnesium peroxide (HS 2816.40), which are classified under their respective metal oxides and peroxides. Also excluded are organic peroxides, which fall under Chapter 29, specifically heading 2909 for ethers, ether-alcohols, ether-phenols, ether-alcohol-phenols, alcohol peroxides, ether peroxides, ketone peroxides (whether or not chemically defined), and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives. For instance, di-tert-butyl peroxide would be classified under HS 2909.60. Furthermore, mixtures containing these peroxides but not predominantly consisting of them, or prepared for specific uses like medicaments, would be classified elsewhere based on their composition or intended use.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 281530?
A common error is misclassifying other metal peroxides, such as calcium peroxide, under HS 281530 due to a general understanding of "peroxides" without strict adherence to the specific chemical elements mentioned in the subheading. Calcium peroxide, for example, correctly falls under HS 2816.40 as a peroxide of magnesium, strontium, or barium, or other rare-earth metals. Another mistake involves confusing inorganic peroxides with organic peroxides, which are distinctly classified in Chapter 29. Proper application of General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial to avoid these errors, ensuring the product precisely matches the description "Peroxides of sodium or potassium."
How should importers classify products under HS 281530?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 281530 involves first verifying the precise chemical composition of the peroxide. Importers and customs brokers must confirm through chemical analysis or manufacturer's specifications that the product is exclusively sodium peroxide (Na2O2) or potassium peroxide (K2O2). Reference to the WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 28, specifically Heading 2815, provides detailed guidance. Subsequently, cross-referencing with the national tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTSUS or EU TARIC, ensures the specific 8-digit or 10-digit subheading is correctly applied. If there is any doubt regarding the chemical identity, obtaining a binding tariff information (BTI) ruling from the relevant customs authority is highly recommended to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties or delays.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for HS code 2815.30 (Peroxides of sodium or potassium) in major markets?
The MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rates for HS 2815.30 vary significantly by importing country. For example, the United States generally applies a 3.7% ad valorem duty rate under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The European Union's TARIC database indicates a common customs tariff of 5.50% ad valorem. The United Kingdom Global Tariff (UKGT) also lists a 5.50% ad valorem duty. Importers should always verify the specific duty rate applicable to their destination country using the official tariff schedules (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) as rates are subject to change and can differ based on product-specific nuances or trade policy updates.
Are there any preferential duty rates or free trade agreements (FTAs) that offer reduced or zero duties for peroxides of sodium or potassium (HS 2815.30)?
Yes, numerous free trade agreements and preferential trade programs offer reduced or zero duty rates for products classified under HS 2815.30, provided the goods meet the respective rules of origin. For imports into the United States, examples of countries whose goods may enter duty-free under specific agreements include 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 arrangements exist for the EU and UK with their respective FTA partners. Importers must ensure they have the correct documentation, such as a certificate of origin, to claim these preferential rates. Always consult the specific FTA text and the importing country's customs regulations for origin criteria and documentation requirements.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing peroxides of sodium or potassium under HS 2815.30 from other chemical compounds?
HS 2815.30 specifically covers 'Peroxides of sodium or potassium'. The primary classification criterion is the chemical composition: the substance must be a compound of sodium and oxygen (Na2O2) or potassium and oxygen (K2O2) where the oxygen is in the peroxide form (-O-O-). This distinguishes them from simple oxides (e.g., sodium oxide, K2O) or hydroxides (e.g., sodium hydroxide, NaOH) which fall under different headings (e.g., HS 2817 for sodium hydroxide). The WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 28 provide guidance, emphasizing that these are true peroxides. Laboratory analysis may be required to confirm the exact chemical structure and purity if there is any ambiguity, especially for mixtures or less common forms.
What specific documentation is typically required by customs authorities for the import of peroxides of sodium or potassium (HS 2815.30)?
For the import of peroxides of sodium or potassium (HS 2815.30), standard customs documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, due to the chemical nature of these products, a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is often required or highly recommended by customs and other regulatory agencies (e.g., environmental or health authorities) to ensure safe handling and compliance with chemical regulations. If claiming preferential duty rates under an FTA, a valid Certificate of Origin or equivalent declaration is mandatory. Depending on the country and intended use, import licenses or permits from specific regulatory bodies might also be necessary. Importers should verify all requirements with the customs authority of the destination country prior to shipment.