HS 282530 Vanadium oxides and hydroxides
Quick Answer: HS code 282530 covers vanadium oxides and hydroxides, which are inorganic chemical compounds of vanadium and oxygen or hydroxyl groups. These are primarily used in metallurgy as alloying agents to strengthen steel, in catalysts for chemical processes, and in ceramics and pigments. For importers and customs brokers, understanding the varying duty rates is crucial. In the UK, the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate is 4.00% ad valorem. The EU applies an MFN rate of 5.50% ad valorem. The US tariff schedule shows more variation, with MFN rates including 4.0% and 5.5% ad valorem, and some specific subheadings being Free for eligible goods under various Free Trade Agreements (e.g., A, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). Importers should verify the specific subheading and origin to leverage potential duty exemptions.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2825300000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2825300000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28253000 | 5.5% | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 2825300010 | — | — | ["kg","V kg"] |
| 2825300050 | — | — | ["kg","V 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 2825.30?
Imports of Vanadium oxides and hydroxides 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 282530 cover?
This subheading covers vanadium oxides and hydroxides, which are inorganic chemical compounds of vanadium with oxygen or hydroxyl groups. Specifically, it includes various oxidation states such as vanadium pentoxide (V2O5), vanadium dioxide (VO2), and vanadium trioxide (V2O3), as well as their corresponding hydrated forms or hydroxides. According to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) for Heading 2825, this subheading encompasses these specific chemical compounds in their pure or commercially pure forms, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and reflected in national tariffs like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system.
What falls outside HS 282530?
The following products are excluded from HS 282530: vanadium ores, which are classified in Chapter 26, specifically under heading 2611 if they are vanadium ores and concentrates. Additionally, certain vanadium compounds that are not oxides or hydroxides, such as vanadium carbides (Heading 2849) or vanadium nitrides (Heading 2850), are classified elsewhere. Furthermore, mixtures containing vanadium oxides or hydroxides that are prepared for specific uses, such as catalysts or pigments, might be classified under other headings if they constitute preparations rather than pure chemical compounds, depending on their composition and intended function.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 282530?
A common error is misclassifying vanadium ores or concentrates as vanadium oxides under HS 282530. Ores are naturally occurring mineral aggregates from which vanadium can be extracted, and they belong to Chapter 26, specifically Heading 2611. Another frequent mistake involves classifying prepared catalysts or pigments containing vanadium oxides here, when their primary function and composition dictate classification under headings like 3815 (catalysts) or 3206 (pigments), based on General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(b) which prioritizes the essential character. Importers sometimes overlook the distinction between a pure chemical compound and a functional preparation, leading to incorrect duty rates and compliance issues.
How should importers classify products under HS 282530?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 282530 involves first confirming that the product is indeed a vanadium oxide or hydroxide, and not an ore, a different vanadium compound, or a prepared mixture. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a detailed chemical analysis or Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from the manufacturer, specifying the exact chemical name, formula, and purity. This documentation is crucial for demonstrating that the product aligns with the scope of "vanadium oxides and hydroxides" as defined by the WCO HS Explanatory Notes. Consulting official tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, and potentially seeking a binding ruling, will ensure accurate and compliant classification.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 282530 (Vanadium oxides and hydroxides) in major markets?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS 282530 can vary significantly by importing country. For instance, the general MFN duty rate in the United States is 3.7% ad valorem, as per the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). In the European Union's TARIC, the MFN duty rate is 5.5% ad valorem. The UK Global Tariff also lists a 5.5% ad valorem MFN duty rate. It is crucial for importers to verify the specific duty rate applicable to their destination country using official tariff databases like the USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, or the UK Trade Tariff.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for 'Vanadium oxides and hydroxides' under HS 282530, and which trade agreements apply?
Yes, preferential duty rates, including 'Free' status, are available for HS 282530 under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes, provided the goods meet the respective Rules of Origin. For imports into the United States, 'Vanadium oxides and hydroxides' can often enter duty-free from countries party to agreements such as the USMCA (Canada, Mexico), CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua), and FTAs with Australia, Bahrain, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Jordan, Korea, Morocco, Oman, Panama, Peru, and Singapore. Importers should consult the specific FTA text and provide a valid Certificate of Origin to claim preferential treatment.
What are the key classification criteria for 'Vanadium oxides and hydroxides' under HS 282530, and what are common misclassification risks?
HS 282530 specifically covers 'Vanadium oxides and hydroxides'. The primary classification criteria revolve around the chemical composition and purity of the product. This heading includes various oxidation states of vanadium, such as vanadium pentoxide (V2O5), vanadium trioxide (V2O3), and vanadium dioxide (VO2), as well as their corresponding hydroxides. Common misclassification risks arise when vanadium compounds are mixed with other elements or are in a form that might suggest classification under a different heading, such as vanadium ores (Chapter 26) if not processed, or certain inorganic chemicals of other metals (e.g., if it's a salt rather than an oxide/hydroxide). Importers should ensure their product's chemical analysis clearly identifies it as a vanadium oxide or hydroxide to avoid classification disputes.
What specific documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 282530?
For imports under HS 282530, standard customs documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the goods, value, and terms of sale; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill; and potentially a Certificate of Origin if preferential duty rates are being claimed. Given that vanadium oxides can be used in various industrial applications, including some sensitive ones, importers should also be prepared for potential requests for a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to confirm the product's chemical identity and safety information, although this is not always a mandatory customs requirement. For certain high-purity or specific grades, end-use statements might occasionally be requested by customs authorities in some jurisdictions, particularly if there are dual-use concerns.