HS 282810 Commercial calcium hypochlorite and other calcium hypochlorites
Quick Answer: HS code 282810 covers commercial calcium hypochlorite and other calcium hypochlorites, primarily used as bleaching agents, disinfectants, and water treatment chemicals. Importers and exporters should be aware of varying duty rates across major jurisdictions. The UK applies a 4.00% ad valorem duty. The EU's TARIC system shows a 5.50% ad valorem rate. The US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) presents a more complex scenario, with a general duty rate of 25% for certain origins, 2.4% for others, and duty-free treatment under various preferential trade agreements (e.g., for goods from Australia, Chile, Korea, and Singapore). Careful origin determination and documentation are crucial to leverage applicable free trade agreements and avoid higher duties.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2828100010 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2828100000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2828100090 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2828100000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2828100010 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2828100090 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2828100000 | 2.4% | 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 2828.10?
Imports of Commercial calcium hypochlorite and other calcium hypochlorites 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 282810 cover?
This subheading covers commercial calcium hypochlorite and other calcium hypochlorites, which are inorganic chemical compounds primarily used as bleaching agents, disinfectants, and water treatment chemicals. Specifically, it encompasses the stable forms of calcium hypochlorite, often presented as granular or tablet preparations, designed for industrial, municipal, or household applications. The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2828 confirm that this subheading includes both the pure chemical and its commercial preparations, provided the essential character remains that of calcium hypochlorite. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC definitions align with this scope, focusing on the chemical identity and primary function as a hypochlorite.
What falls outside HS 282810?
The following products are excluded from HS 282810: sodium hypochlorite, which is classified under HS 2828.90 as "Other hypochlorites." Additionally, mixtures containing calcium hypochlorite that have been formulated to such an extent that they acquire the character of disinfectants, insecticides, fungicides, or similar preparations of Heading 3808 are excluded, as their primary function shifts beyond that of a simple chemical compound. For instance, a highly diluted calcium hypochlorite solution specifically marketed and packaged as a household disinfectant, ready for immediate use, would likely fall under Chapter 38, not Chapter 28, due to its prepared nature and specific application.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 282810?
A common error is misclassifying calcium hypochlorite preparations that are clearly formulated for specific end-uses, such as disinfectants or algicides, under HS 282810 instead of Chapter 38. This often occurs when importers fail to apply General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(b), which prioritizes goods consisting of different materials or made up of different components that cannot be classified by reference to GRI 3(a), by the material or component which gives them their essential character. If the calcium hypochlorite is merely an active ingredient within a more complex, prepared product, its classification shifts. Another mistake is confusing calcium hypochlorite with other hypochlorites, particularly sodium hypochlorite, leading to incorrect classification under 2828.10 instead of 2828.90.
How should importers classify products under HS 282810?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 282810 involves a thorough review of the product's chemical composition, primary function, and commercial presentation. Importers and customs brokers should first confirm that the product is indeed calcium hypochlorite, not another hypochlorite or a different chemical entirely. Next, they must assess whether the product is a simple chemical compound or a preparation. If it is a preparation, they need to determine if it has been formulated to such an extent that it acquires the essential character of a product of Chapter 38 (e.g., a disinfectant or pesticide). Always consult the WCO HS Explanatory Notes for Heading 2828, along with the specific national tariff schedules (e.g., USITC HTS or EU TARIC), and obtain a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or Certificate of Analysis to verify the chemical identity and purity.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the typical Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for HS code 2828.10 (Commercial calcium hypochlorite and other calcium hypochlorites) in major markets?
The MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rates for HS code 2828.10 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). The European Union's TARIC database indicates a common MFN duty rate of 5.5% ad valorem. The UK Global Tariff also lists a 5.5% ad valorem rate. Importers should always verify the specific 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 calcium hypochlorite under HS 2828.10, and how can importers claim them?
Yes, preferential duty rates, including 'Free' rates, are often available for HS 2828.10 under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes. For example, imports into the U.S. 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. To claim preferential rates, importers must ensure the goods meet the Rules of Origin criteria of the respective agreement and provide valid proof of origin, such as a certificate of origin (e.g., USMCA Certificate of Origin, EUR.1 movement certificate), to the customs authorities at the time of import. Failure to provide proper documentation will result in the application of the MFN rate.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing 'commercial calcium hypochlorite' under HS 2828.10 from other related chemical products?
The primary criterion for classification under HS 2828.10 is the chemical identity: it must be calcium hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)2). The 'commercial' aspect typically refers to the product's form and purity suitable for industrial or consumer applications, such as water treatment, bleaching, or sanitation. This heading specifically covers calcium hypochlorite, whether in anhydrous form, hydrated, or as a mixture, provided calcium hypochlorite is the essential character. It is distinct from other hypochlorites (e.g., sodium hypochlorite, classified under 2828.90) or other inorganic peroxides and persulfates (Chapter 28, subheadings like 2833). Importers should ensure their product's chemical composition and intended use align precisely with the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System for Chapter 28.
What specific documentation is typically required by customs authorities for the import of calcium hypochlorite under HS 2828.10?
In addition to standard import documentation such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill, importers of calcium hypochlorite under HS 2828.10 may need to provide specific chemical-related documents. These commonly include a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to inform customs and other regulatory agencies about the product's hazards and safe handling. A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) may also be requested to verify the product's purity and chemical composition, ensuring it matches the declared classification. If claiming preferential duty rates, a valid Certificate of Origin is mandatory. Depending on the importing country's regulations, permits from environmental or public health agencies might also be required due to the chemical's nature as an oxidizer and disinfectant.