HS 282731 Other chlorides
Quick Answer: HS code 2827.31 covers "Other chlorides," specifically referring to magnesium chloride. This subheading encompasses various forms of magnesium chloride, a chemical compound widely used in industries such as construction (for cement and concrete), agriculture (as a fertilizer), and de-icing agents. Importers and exporters should note the varying duty rates. In the UK, the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate is 4.00% ad valorem. The EU applies an MFN rate of 4.60% ad valorem. For the US, the MFN rate is 5% ad valorem, though significant preferential duty treatment exists, including "Free" rates under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) for imports from countries like Australia, Canada, Chile, South Korea, and Mexico, among others. Customs brokers should verify specific country-of-origin eligibility for these preferential rates to optimize duty costs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2827310000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2827310000 | 4.60 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2827310000 | 1.5% | 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 2827.31?
Imports of Other chlorides 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?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 282731 cover?
This subheading covers magnesium chloride, specifically anhydrous or containing water of crystallization, as defined by the Harmonized System Nomenclature (HSN) under Heading 2827, which encompasses chlorides, chloride oxides, and bromides. The scope is precise, focusing solely on magnesium chloride, distinguishing it from other metallic chlorides. According to the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system, this classification is consistently applied to pure magnesium chloride in various forms, including flakes, pellets, or solutions, provided the chemical composition is predominantly MgCl2, whether in its anhydrous state or as a hydrate, such as magnesium chloride hexahydrate.
What falls outside HS 282731?
The following products are excluded from HS 282731: chlorides other than magnesium chloride, which are classified elsewhere within Heading 2827 or other relevant chapters. For instance, sodium chloride (common salt) is classified under HS 2501. Calcium chloride, another common chloride, falls under HS 282720. Furthermore, mixtures where magnesium chloride is not the predominant or essential character, or preparations containing magnesium chloride but formulated for specific uses (e.g., pharmaceutical preparations, fertilizers), would be classified according to their function or essential character under different headings, often in Chapters 30 or 31, respectively, as per General Interpretative Rule 3(b).
What are common classification mistakes for HS 282731?
A common error is misclassifying other metallic chlorides as magnesium chloride, or vice versa, due to a lack of precise chemical identification. Importers sometimes incorrectly assume that any "chloride" falls under a general chloride category without verifying the specific cation. Another frequent mistake involves products that are mixtures or preparations containing magnesium chloride but are not pure magnesium chloride. For example, a de-icing salt blend primarily composed of sodium chloride but containing some magnesium chloride would not be classified under 282731; its classification would be determined by the predominant component or its intended use, often leading to classification under HS 382499 or HS 250100, applying General Interpretative Rule 3(b).
How should importers classify products under HS 282731?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 282731 involves first confirming the precise chemical identity of the substance as magnesium chloride, whether anhydrous or hydrated. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer, clearly stating the chemical name and purity. This documentation is crucial to verify that the product is indeed magnesium chloride and not another chloride or a mixture. Subsequently, apply General Interpretative Rule 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If the product is pure magnesium chloride, 282731 is the correct classification. If it's a mixture, further analysis using GRI 3(b) or 3(c) may be necessary to determine the essential character or the last in numerical order among those equally meriting consideration.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for HS 2827.31 'Other chlorides' in the United States, and are there any significant preferential rates?
For imports into the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for Harmonized System (HS) subheading 2827.31.00.00, covering 'Other chlorides,' is 3.7% ad valorem, as per the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) General Note 3(b). However, significant preferential duty rates apply under various free trade agreements and preference programs. For example, imports from countries designated as A, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG are eligible for a 'Free' duty rate. Importers should consult the latest HTSUS and specific trade agreement rules of origin to determine eligibility for these preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria for products under HS 2827.31, particularly distinguishing 'Other chlorides' from more specific chloride subheadings?
HS 2827.31 specifically covers 'Other chlorides,' meaning it acts as a residual subheading for chlorides not more specifically provided for elsewhere within HS 2827. The primary classification criterion is the chemical composition: the product must be a chloride. Classification hinges on identifying the cation (the positively charged ion) combined with the chloride anion (Cl-). For instance, ammonium chloride (2827.10), calcium chloride (2827.20), and magnesium chloride (2827.39) have their own specific subheadings. If a chloride compound does not fit into one of these more specific categories, nor into other specific chloride entries within 2827 (e.g., chlorides of aluminum, iron, nickel, copper, zinc, tin, lead, chromium, manganese, cobalt, titanium, zirconium, antimony, mercury, bismuth, etc., which might fall under 2827.39 or other 2827 subheadings depending on the specific metal), then it would be classified under 2827.31. Importers must provide precise chemical names and CAS numbers to ensure accurate classification.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 2827.31, and are there any specific regulatory considerations for 'Other chlorides'?
Standard import documentation for HS 2827.31 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a customs declaration. For preferential duty treatment, a valid Certificate of Origin (or equivalent declaration) is mandatory, demonstrating that the goods meet the rules of origin criteria of the respective free trade agreement (e.g., USMCA, KORUS, etc.). As 'Other chlorides' are chemical products, importers should be aware of potential regulatory oversight by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in the US, or REACH regulations in the EU. Depending on the specific chemical, additional documentation like Safety Data Sheets (SDS) or import permits might be required to ensure compliance with chemical control regulations. It is crucial to verify the specific chemical identity and its regulatory status prior to import.
Which major trade agreements offer duty-free access or reduced rates for HS 2827.31, and what are the implications for sourcing strategies?
Several major trade agreements and preference programs offer duty-free access or reduced rates for HS 2827.31. In the context of the United States, this includes agreements 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), all of which grant 'Free' duty rates for qualifying goods. Additionally, Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programs (indicated by 'A' for certain developing countries) can also offer duty-free treatment. For importers, this means that sourcing 'Other chlorides' from these partner countries can significantly reduce landed costs compared to sourcing from MFN-rate countries. Importers should factor these preferential rates into their global sourcing strategies, ensuring that suppliers can provide the necessary origin documentation to claim these benefits.