HS 281610 Hydroxide and peroxide of magnesium

Quick Answer: HS code 281610 specifically covers magnesium hydroxide and magnesium peroxide. Magnesium hydroxide, often known as milk of magnesia, is widely used in pharmaceuticals as an antacid and laxative, and in industrial applications as a flame retardant and smoke suppressant. Magnesium peroxide is primarily used as an oxidizing agent and disinfectant. Importers and customs brokers should note the varying duty rates: the UK applies a 0.00% ad valorem duty, while the EU imposes a 4.10% ad valorem duty. In the US, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 3.1% ad valorem, but certain preferential programs offer duty-free entry (e.g., under GSP, CAFTA-DR, USMCA, and various FTAs). Always verify the specific origin and applicable trade agreements to leverage potential duty savings.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2816100000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2816100000 4.10 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2816100000 3.1% 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 2816.10?

Imports of Hydroxide and peroxide of magnesium 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 281610 cover?

This subheading covers magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) and magnesium peroxide (MgO2), which are inorganic chemical compounds of magnesium. Specifically, it encompasses these compounds in their chemically defined forms, as outlined by the Harmonized System Nomenclature, Chapter 28, Heading 2816. The scope includes these substances whether in powder, granular, or other primary forms, provided they meet the chemical definition. Official sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system consistently apply this classification to pure or commercially pure forms of these specific magnesium compounds, essential for various industrial and pharmaceutical applications.

What falls outside HS 281610?

The following products are excluded from HS 281610: natural magnesium carbonate (magnesite), which is classified under Chapter 25, specifically 2519. Also excluded are magnesium oxides (MgO), which fall under HS 2816.90. Furthermore, mixtures containing magnesium hydroxide or peroxide but formulated as medicaments or pharmaceutical preparations are classified in Chapter 30, for example, antacids. Similarly, cosmetic preparations containing these compounds are classified in Chapter 33. Products like magnesium alloys or articles made primarily of magnesium metal are also excluded, as they belong to Chapter 81 or other relevant chapters depending on their composition and form.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 281610?

A common error is misclassifying magnesium oxide (MgO) under 2816.10 instead of its correct subheading, 2816.90. Importers sometimes confuse the hydroxide and peroxide with the oxide due to similar names or uses, but chemically they are distinct. Another frequent mistake involves composite goods: if magnesium hydroxide or peroxide is merely an ingredient in a preparation that has a primary function other than being a pure chemical, such as a medicament or a cosmetic, it should be classified according to that primary function, often under Chapters 30 or 33, in accordance with General Interpretative Rule 3(b) and 3(c).

How should importers classify products under HS 281610?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 281610 involves first verifying the precise chemical identity of the substance. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a Certificate of Analysis or a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to confirm the product is indeed magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) or magnesium peroxide (MgO2) and not magnesium oxide or a mixture. If the product is a chemically defined pure or commercially pure form of these compounds, then classification under 2816.10 is appropriate. If it is part of a mixture or preparation, the primary function and composition of the final product must be evaluated against General Interpretative Rules (GIRs) 1, 3(b), and 3(c) to determine the correct heading and subheading, potentially leading to classification outside Chapter 28.

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 281640 HS 282110 HS 281530 HS 281830 HS 282520 HS 282550

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for HS code 2816.10 (Hydroxide and peroxide of magnesium) in the United States, and are there any common preferential rates?

For imports into the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for Harmonized System (HS) code 2816.10.00.00, covering 'Hydroxide and peroxide of magnesium,' is 3.1% ad valorem, as per the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). However, many countries benefit from preferential duty treatment. For example, imports from countries designated under trade agreements such as Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), Singapore (SG), and others may be eligible for a 'Free' (0.00%) duty rate, provided all rules of origin requirements are met. Importers should verify the specific program indicator (e.g., 'A', 'AU', 'BH') applicable to their country of origin and ensure proper documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, is available to claim preferential treatment.

What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing between magnesium hydroxide and magnesium peroxide under HS 2816.10, and what if the product is a mixture?

HS code 2816.10 specifically covers both 'Hydroxide and peroxide of magnesium.' The primary classification criterion is the chemical identity of the compound. Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) is a basic inorganic compound, while magnesium peroxide (MgO2) is a peroxide. Both fall squarely within this subheading. If the product is a mixture containing both magnesium hydroxide and magnesium peroxide, it would still be classified under 2816.10, as the subheading explicitly includes both. If the product contains other substances, the classification would depend on the principal function or essential character of the mixture, guided by General Interpretative Rules (GIR) 3(b) or 3(c) of the Harmonized System. For instance, if the mixture is prepared as a medicament, it might be classified under Chapter 30, or if it's a specific chemical preparation for a particular use, it might fall under Chapter 38. However, pure or simple mixtures of these two compounds remain in 2816.10.

What documentation is typically required for importing magnesium hydroxide or peroxide under HS 2816.10, especially when claiming preferential duty rates?

For imports under HS 2816.10, standard import documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. When claiming preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or other trade preference program (e.g., GSP), a valid Certificate of Origin or an equivalent declaration from the producer/exporter is crucial. This document certifies that the goods meet the specific rules of origin requirements of the respective agreement (e.g., USMCA, KORUS FTA). Importers should also be prepared to provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for chemical products, which may be required by regulatory agencies for hazard communication purposes. Customs authorities may request additional information to verify the product's composition or end-use, especially if there's ambiguity in its description or potential dual-use applications.

Are there any specific trade agreements that commonly offer duty-free access for 'Hydroxide and peroxide of magnesium' (HS 2816.10) into major markets like the EU or UK?

Yes, numerous trade agreements offer duty-free access for HS 2816.10 into major markets. For the European Union (EU), imports from countries with which the EU has Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) – such as South Korea, Japan, Canada, and many others – are often eligible for a 0.00% duty rate, provided the goods meet the respective rules of origin. The EU's TARIC database provides specific duty rates and preferential regimes. Similarly, for the United Kingdom (UK), following Brexit, the UK Global Tariff (UKGT) applies. However, goods originating from countries with which the UK has continuity FTAs or new trade agreements (e.g., EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, UK-Japan CEPA, UK-Korea FTA) can also benefit from 0.00% preferential duty rates. Importers must ensure compliance with the origin rules and proper documentation (e.g., EUR.1 movement certificate or origin declaration) to claim these benefits.