HS 281640 Oxides, hydroxides and peroxides, of strontium or barium
Quick Answer: HS code 281640 covers inorganic chemical compounds specifically oxides, hydroxides, and peroxides of strontium or barium. These chemicals are used in various industrial applications, including ceramics, glass, pyrotechnics, and as precursors in other chemical manufacturing processes. Importers and customs brokers should note significant duty rate variations globally. For the UK, most products under this heading are duty-free (0.00%). The EU applies a 5.50% ad valorem duty. In the US, rates vary considerably, from 25% to 4.2% ad valorem, with many products eligible for duty-free treatment under various preferential trade agreements (e.g., A, AU, CL, KR). Accurate classification to the 8-digit or 10-digit level is crucial to determine the precise duty rate and leverage available trade preferences.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2816400010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2816400000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2816400090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2816400000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2816400010 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2816400090 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2816401000 | 4.2% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 281640 | — | — | — |
| 2816402000 | 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 2816.40?
Imports of Oxides, hydroxides and peroxides, of strontium or barium 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 281640 cover?
This subheading covers specific inorganic chemical compounds: oxides, hydroxides, and peroxides of strontium or barium. According to the Harmonized System Nomenclature, as interpreted by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and reflected in national tariffs like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC, this includes compounds such as strontium oxide (SrO), strontium hydroxide (Sr(OH)2), barium oxide (BaO), barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)2), and barium peroxide (BaO2). These are generally pure, chemically defined compounds, often used as raw materials in various industrial applications, including ceramics, glass, and specialty chemicals.
What falls outside HS 281640?
The following products are excluded from HS 281640: compounds of strontium or barium that are not oxides, hydroxides, or peroxides, such as strontium carbonate (classified under 2836.90.10) or barium sulfate (classified under 2833.27.00). Additionally, mixtures of these compounds with other substances, unless specifically provided for elsewhere or meeting the criteria for mixtures in Chapter 28, would generally be excluded. For instance, a prepared pigment containing barium oxide would likely be classified in Chapter 32, not under this subheading, as it has undergone further processing beyond a simple chemical compound.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 281640?
A common error is misclassifying mixtures containing strontium or barium oxides, hydroxides, or peroxides as pure compounds under 281640. Importers sometimes overlook General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(b), which dictates that mixtures are classified according to the material or component which gives them their essential character. Another frequent mistake involves confusing the pure chemical compounds of this subheading with their mineral forms or ores, such as strontianite (strontium carbonate ore) or barytes (barium sulfate ore), which are classified in Chapter 25, specifically under 2511.00.00 for natural barium sulfate.
How should importers classify products under HS 281640?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 281640 involves first confirming the chemical identity of the product. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a detailed Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to verify that the product is indeed an oxide, hydroxide, or peroxide of strontium or barium, and that it is a chemically defined compound. Subsequently, they must ensure the product is not a mixture or preparation that would be more appropriately classified under a different heading or chapter, applying GRI 1 and, if necessary, GRI 6 for subheading classification. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2816 is also crucial for precise interpretation.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for products classified under HS 2816.40 (Oxides, hydroxides and peroxides, of strontium or barium) in major markets?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS 2816.40 can vary significantly by importing country. For example, the United States generally applies a 'Free' (0.00%) MFN duty rate for this heading, as published by the US International Trade Commission (USITC). In contrast, some other jurisdictions might apply rates such as 4.2%, 5.5% ad valorem, or even higher, up to 25% in certain specific trade contexts or for non-MFN countries. Importers should always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) for the most accurate and current MFN rates applicable to their specific origin and destination.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for HS 2816.40, and which trade agreements commonly offer them?
Yes, preferential duty rates are frequently available for HS 2816.40 under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programs. For instance, the United States offers 'Free' (0.00%) preferential rates for goods originating from countries covered by agreements such as the USMCA (Mexico, Canada), CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic, Central American countries), and FTAs with 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). The specific preference indicator (e.g., 'A', 'AU', 'BH') must be correctly declared. Importers should verify their product's eligibility under the relevant rules of origin for the specific trade agreement to claim these preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing products under HS 2816.40 from other chemical compounds?
The primary classification criterion for HS 2816.40, as per the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSENs) published by the World Customs Organization (WCO), is that the product must specifically be an oxide, hydroxide, or peroxide of either strontium or barium. This heading is precise and does not include other salts or compounds of strontium or barium (e.g., carbonates, sulfates, nitrates), which would be classified elsewhere, typically in headings 2836 (carbonates), 2833 (sulfates), or 2834 (nitrates). Accurate chemical identification and purity are crucial for correct classification. Laboratory analysis or manufacturer's specifications detailing the exact chemical composition are often required to confirm classification.
What documentation is typically required by customs authorities when importing goods under HS 2816.40?
Importers of goods under HS 2816.40 generally need to provide standard customs documentation, which includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. To claim preferential duty rates, a valid Certificate of Origin or an origin declaration (depending on the specific FTA) is mandatory. For chemical products, additional documentation may be required, such as a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to confirm the chemical identity and ensure compliance with chemical control regulations (e.g., TSCA in the US, REACH in the EU). Customs brokers should ensure all documentation accurately reflects the product's description, quantity, value, and origin to avoid delays or penalties.