HS 282110 Iron oxides and hydroxides

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS 2821.10 vary significantly by importing country. For instance, the United States generally applies an MFN duty rate of 3.7% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC database indicates an MFN duty rate of 4.60% ad valorem for many iron oxides under this heading. The UK Global Tariff also lists a 4.60% ad valorem rate. However, many preferential trade agreements offer duty-free entry. 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 qualify for duty-free treatment under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), provided the goods meet the specific Rules of Origin. Importers should consult the relevant trade agreement's origin criteria and ensure proper documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, is available to claim preferential tariffs.

HS 2821.10 specifically covers 'Iron oxides and hydroxides.' The primary classification criterion is the chemical composition: the product must be an oxide or hydroxide of iron. This heading generally includes various forms such as red iron oxide (hematite), yellow iron oxide (goethite), black iron oxide (magnetite), and synthetic or natural hydrated iron oxides. It's crucial to distinguish these from other iron compounds classified elsewhere, such as iron carbonates (HS 2836) or iron sulphates (HS 2833). Furthermore, while iron oxides are often used as pigments, this heading covers the chemical compound itself. If the iron oxide is prepared as a pigment and mixed with other substances, it might be classified under Chapter 32 (e.g., HS 3206 for other coloring matter), depending on its specific formulation and use. Pure, unmixed iron oxides and hydroxides, whether natural or synthetic, fall under 2821.10. Importers should have detailed chemical specifications and material safety data sheets (MSDS) to support classification.

Standard import documentation for HS 2821.10 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and potentially a customs value declaration. For claiming preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), specific origin documentation is mandatory. This typically involves a Certificate of Origin (e.g., a USMCA Certificate of Origin for trade between the US, Mexico, and Canada, or a EUR.1 certificate for certain EU agreements). This certificate attests that the goods meet the origin requirements of the respective trade agreement. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical data sheets, chemical analyses, or MSDS to customs authorities upon request, especially if there are questions regarding the exact chemical composition or purity, which can impact classification.

Yes, numerous trade agreements provide preferential treatment for HS 2821.10. For imports into the United States, duty-free entry (indicated by 'Free' or 'A' in the HTSUS) is available under agreements such as the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic-Central America FTA), and FTAs with countries like Australia, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Jordan, Korea, Morocco, Oman, Panama, Peru, and Singapore. Similarly, the European Union's extensive network of FTAs (e.g., with Canada, Japan, Korea, Mexico, UK) and preferential schemes (e.g., GSP) can offer reduced or zero duties, provided the goods originate in the partner country. The UK, post-Brexit, also has its own set of FTAs (e.g., with the EU, Japan, Australia) that can provide preferential rates. Importers must verify the specific agreement's Rules of Origin for HS 2821.10 and ensure compliance to benefit from these reduced rates.