HS 282540 Nickel oxides and hydroxides
Quick Answer: HS code 282540 specifically covers nickel oxides and hydroxides, which are inorganic chemical compounds of nickel and oxygen or hydroxyl groups. These products are crucial raw materials in various industries, including battery manufacturing (especially for electric vehicles), catalysts, pigments, and electroplating. For importers and exporters, the good news is that these products generally face a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate in the UK and EU, as per the UK Trade Tariff and EU TARIC, respectively. Similarly, the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule indicates "Free" duty for imports under this classification. This widespread duty-free status simplifies trade, reducing cost burdens and administrative complexities for businesses dealing with these essential nickel compounds globally.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2825400000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2825400000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2825400000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
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.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 282540 cover?
This subheading covers nickel oxides and hydroxides, which are inorganic chemical compounds of nickel and oxygen or nickel, oxygen, and hydrogen, respectively. Specifically, it encompasses nickel monoxide (NiO), nickel sesquioxide (Ni2O3), and nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2), among other stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric forms. These products are typically used in various industrial applications, including the production of nickel-cadmium batteries, catalysts, pigments, and ceramic glazes. The scope aligns with the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2825, which broadly covers hydrides, nitrides, azides, silicides, and borides, as well as other inorganic bases, metal oxides, hydroxides, and peroxides.
What falls outside HS 282540?
The following products are excluded from HS 282540: nickel carbonates (classified under 2836.99), nickel sulfates (classified under 2833.24), and nickel chlorides (classified under 2827.35). Additionally, nickel alloys, even if containing nickel oxides as impurities or surface layers, are classified in Chapter 75. Nickel ores and concentrates, which are naturally occurring minerals containing nickel in various forms, are classified under Chapter 26, specifically 2604.00. Products that are mixtures of nickel oxides and other substances, where the nickel oxide does not impart the essential character, would also be excluded, requiring classification based on the essential character of the mixture per General Interpretative Rule 3(b).
What are common classification mistakes for HS 282540?
A common error is misclassifying nickel compounds that are not oxides or hydroxides, such as nickel carbonates or sulfates, into 282540 due to their nickel content. Another frequent mistake involves classifying nickel-containing catalysts or pigments directly under 282540 when they are complex preparations or mixtures that derive their essential character from their catalytic or pigmentary properties, rather than simply being pure nickel oxides or hydroxides. Such prepared catalysts or pigments often fall under Chapter 38 or 32, respectively. Incorrectly applying General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification is determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, without considering the specific chemical nature, leads to these errors.
How should importers classify products under HS 282540?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 282540 involves first verifying the precise chemical composition of the product. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a detailed chemical analysis or Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from the manufacturer, confirming the product is indeed a nickel oxide or hydroxide and not a different nickel compound or a mixture. Then, consult the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2825 and the specific subheading 282540 to ensure alignment with the official scope. For the United States, reference the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and any relevant Chapter 28 notes. For the EU, consult the TARIC database. If there is any doubt, consider requesting a binding tariff information (BTI) ruling from the relevant customs authority to ensure legal certainty and avoid potential penalties.
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FAQ
What are the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for HS code 2825.40 (Nickel oxides and hydroxides) in major markets?
For HS code 2825.40, the MFN import duty rates are generally 0.00% ad valorem in several major economies. Specifically, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) indicates a 'Free' rate for general imports. Similarly, the EU TARIC system and the UK Global Tariff also list a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate for goods classified under 2825.40. Importers should always verify the current rates via the official USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff portals, as rates are subject to change.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for nickel oxides and hydroxides (HS 2825.40) under common free trade agreements?
Yes, due to the MFN rate already being 0.00% or 'Free' in many jurisdictions, preferential trade agreements typically also grant duty-free access for HS 2825.40. For example, under agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), EU-Japan EPA, or UK-Australia FTA, goods originating from partner countries would also enter duty-free. Importers must ensure they meet the specific Rules of Origin requirements of the applicable agreement and provide proper documentation (e.g., a Certificate of Origin) to claim preferential treatment, even if the MFN rate is already zero.
What are the key classification criteria for HS 2825.40, 'Nickel oxides and hydroxides'?
HS code 2825.40 specifically covers chemical compounds of nickel in the form of oxides and hydroxides. The primary classification criterion is the chemical composition: the product must be an oxide or hydroxide of nickel. This excludes other nickel compounds (e.g., nickel carbonates, sulfates) which are classified elsewhere in Chapter 28 or 29, and also excludes nickel metal or alloys. The physical form (powder, lumps, etc.) generally does not alter the classification within this subheading, provided the chemical identity as a nickel oxide or hydroxide is maintained. Reference to the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System by the WCO provides further guidance on the scope of this heading.
Are there any specific documentation requirements or import restrictions for nickel oxides and hydroxides (HS 2825.40)?
While nickel oxides and hydroxides themselves are generally not subject to specific import restrictions or licensing requirements under HS 2825.40 in most major markets, importers should be aware of broader chemical regulations. Depending on the end-use and specific type of nickel compound, regulations such as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) in the EU/UK, or TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) in the US, may require pre-market notification, registration, or specific labeling. Standard import documentation, including a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/air waybill, and potentially a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) to confirm chemical composition, will always be required by customs authorities. It is crucial for importers to consult the relevant national chemical regulatory bodies and customs authorities for any specific requirements related to their intended use or quantity.