HS 282760 Iodides and iodide oxides

What products does HS 282760 cover?

This subheading covers iodides and iodide oxides, which are inorganic chemical compounds. Specifically, it encompasses salts of hydriodic acid (HI), known as iodides, and compounds containing both iodine and oxygen bonded to another element, referred to as iodide oxides. Examples include potassium iodide (KI), sodium iodide (NaI), and various other metallic and non-metallic iodides and their corresponding iodide oxides. The scope is defined by the Harmonized System Nomenclature, as interpreted by the World Customs Organization (WCO), and reflected in national tariffs such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system, ensuring consistent global application for these specific inorganic chemicals.

What falls outside HS 282760?

The following products are excluded from HS 282760: organic compounds containing iodine, such as iodoform (CHI3) or iodinated hormones, which are classified in Chapter 29 or other relevant chapters based on their chemical structure and function. Also excluded are radioactive isotopes of iodine (e.g., Iodine-131), which fall under Chapter 28, specifically subheading 2844. Furthermore, mixtures or preparations containing iodides or iodide oxides but formulated for specific uses, such as medicaments (Chapter 30) or photographic chemicals (Chapter 37), are generally excluded if they constitute more than simple chemical substances and are prepared for retail sale or specific applications, requiring classification based on their primary function or composition.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 282760?

A common error is misclassifying organic iodine compounds as inorganic iodides, or vice versa. For instance, classifying iodoform (an organic compound) under 282760 instead of Chapter 29 is a frequent mistake. Another error involves failing to distinguish between pure chemical substances and prepared formulations; a medicament containing potassium iodide, for example, should be classified in Chapter 30, not as a pure iodide in 282760, in accordance with General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(a) or 3(b) if it constitutes a mixture or composite good. Importers sometimes overlook the specific definitions of "iodides" and "iodide oxides," leading to incorrect placement of related but distinct iodine compounds.

How should importers classify products under HS 282760?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 282760 involves first confirming the chemical identity of the substance. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the product is indeed an inorganic iodide or iodide oxide, and not an organic iodine compound or a radioactive isotope. This requires reviewing the chemical name, CAS number, and chemical formula. Next, ensure the product is not a prepared formulation for a specific use (e.g., medicament, diagnostic reagent) that would lead to classification in a different chapter. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2827 and specific national tariff guidance (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC) is crucial. If uncertainty persists, seeking a binding ruling from the relevant customs authority is the most reliable approach to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.