HS 282710 Ammonium chloride
Quick Answer: HS code 282710 specifically covers Ammonium Chloride, a white crystalline salt with various industrial applications. It is commonly used in fertilizers, as a flux in soldering, in dry cell batteries, and as an expectorant in medicine. Importers and exporters should note the varying duty rates across major jurisdictions. For instance, the UK applies a 4.00% ad valorem duty, while the EU TARIC system shows a 5.50% ad valorem rate. In the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 18%, but significant preferential duty rates, including "Free," are available under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) for eligible goods from countries such as Australia, Korea, and Mexico. Careful origin determination is crucial to leverage these preferential rates.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2827100000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2827100000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2827100000 | 2.9% | 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 2827.10?
Imports of Ammonium chloride 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 282710 cover?
This subheading covers ammonium chloride, a white crystalline salt with the chemical formula NH4Cl, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (HS) Nomenclature and further elaborated in national tariffs such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC. It encompasses ammonium chloride in its various forms, including powder, granular, and lump, provided it meets the chemical purity standards generally expected for a single inorganic chemical compound. This classification specifically targets the pure chemical substance, often used in fertilizers, dry cell batteries, and as a flux in soldering, ensuring consistent global trade categorization.
What falls outside HS 282710?
The following products are excluded from HS 282710: mixtures containing ammonium chloride that are not predominantly ammonium chloride, such as prepared fertilizers or soldering fluxes where other active ingredients contribute significantly to the product's character. For instance, a fertilizer blend containing ammonium chloride along with other nitrogenous compounds would likely be classified under Chapter 31, "Fertilizers." Similarly, prepared fluxes for soldering, brazing or welding, which might contain ammonium chloride, are typically classified under HS 3810. Solutions of ammonium chloride, if not merely aqueous solutions of the pure chemical but rather formulated preparations, would also fall outside this specific subheading.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 282710?
A common error is misclassifying mixtures or preparations containing ammonium chloride as the pure chemical compound under HS 282710. Importers often overlook the specific wording of Heading 2827, which covers "chlorides, chloride oxides and chloride hydroxides; bromides and bromide oxides; iodides and iodide oxides." If ammonium chloride is merely an ingredient in a multi-component product, such as a specialty chemical preparation or a formulated fertilizer, the classification must follow General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3, particularly GRI 3(b) for mixtures, to determine the essential character. Failing to apply GRI 3 correctly can lead to incorrect duty rates and potential penalties.
How should importers classify products under HS 282710?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 282710 involves first verifying that the product is indeed pure ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and not a mixture or preparation. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a detailed chemical analysis or specification sheet from the manufacturer confirming the chemical identity and purity. If the product is a mixture, assess its essential character according to GRI 3. For pure ammonium chloride, the classification is straightforward under HS 282710. Always consult the most current version of the national tariff (e.g., HTSUS for the US, TARIC for the EU, UK Trade Tariff for the UK) to confirm the exact duty rate and any applicable import regulations, as these can vary by country and trade agreement.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS 2827.10 (Ammonium chloride) in major markets, and are there any preferential tariffs available?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS 2827.10 (Ammonium chloride) can vary significantly by importing country. For example, the United States generally applies a duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem under HTSUS subheading 2827.10.00.00. The European Union's TARIC database indicates a common MFN duty rate of 5.5% ad valorem for this heading. The UK Global Tariff also lists a 5.5% ad valorem MFN duty. However, many countries offer preferential duty treatment under various free trade agreements (FTAs) or generalized system of preferences (GSP) programs. For instance, imports into the United States 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 be eligible for duty-free entry under specific trade agreements. Importers should consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) and verify the country of origin to determine eligibility for preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria for ammonium chloride under HS 2827.10, and what are common misclassification pitfalls?
Ammonium chloride is classified under HS 2827.10 as 'Chlorides, chloride oxides and chloride hydroxides; bromides and bromide oxides; iodides and iodide oxides: Ammonium chloride.' The primary criterion for classification is the chemical identity of the substance as ammonium chloride (NH4Cl). It is a straightforward classification for the pure chemical. Common misclassification pitfalls typically arise when ammonium chloride is part of a mixture or preparation. If ammonium chloride is mixed with other substances and forms a preparation for a specific use (e.g., a flux for soldering, a fertilizer blend, or a pharmaceutical preparation), it may be classified under a different heading according to the rules for mixtures and composite goods (GRI 3). For instance, if it's a pharmaceutical substance put up in measured doses or for retail sale, it might fall under Chapter 30. If it's a fertilizer mixture, it could fall under Chapter 31. Importers must ensure the product's composition and intended use are accurately declared to avoid misclassification.
What documentation is typically required for importing ammonium chloride (HS 2827.10), especially for claiming preferential duty rates?
Standard import documentation for HS 2827.10 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. To claim preferential duty rates under a free trade agreement (FTA) or GSP program, specific origin documentation is crucial. This typically involves a Certificate of Origin (e.g., a U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement Certificate of Origin, a EUR.1 certificate for certain EU agreements, or a GSP Form A). The certificate must accurately identify the goods, confirm their originating status according to the FTA's Rules of Origin, and be signed by the exporter or producer. Importers should also be prepared to provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for chemical products, which may be required by customs or other regulatory agencies for safety and environmental compliance. Depending on the end-use or specific national regulations, additional permits or licenses from chemical control authorities might be necessary.
Which major trade agreements frequently offer duty-free access or reduced rates for ammonium chloride (HS 2827.10) into the United States?
For imports of ammonium chloride (HS 2827.10) into the United States, several significant trade agreements frequently provide duty-free access or reduced rates. These include: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement, the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement, the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement, the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement, the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement, the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement, and the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement. Additionally, certain developing countries may qualify for duty-free treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, although the GSP program's status can vary. Importers must ensure that the ammonium chloride meets the specific Rules of Origin criteria outlined in each respective agreement to qualify for preferential tariff treatment.