HS 283311 Sodium sulphates

The MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rates for HS code 2833.11 (Sodium sulphates) vary by importing country. For example, the United States generally applies an MFN duty rate of 3.6% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC database indicates an MFN duty rate of 5.50% ad valorem for this heading. The UK Global Tariff also lists a 5.50% ad valorem MFN rate. However, significant preferential duty rates, including 'Free' (0% ad valorem), are available under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and preferential programs. For instance, imports into the US from countries such as 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 qualify for duty-free entry, provided all rules of origin and other program requirements are met. Importers should consult the specific trade agreement and the customs tariff of the importing country (e.g., USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) to confirm eligibility and exact rates.

HS code 2833.11 specifically covers 'Sodium sulphates.' The primary classification criterion is the chemical composition: the product must be a sulphate (SO4^2-) where sodium (Na+) is the sole or principal cation. This heading includes anhydrous sodium sulphate (often referred to as salt cake) and decahydrate sodium sulphate (Glauber's salt). It is crucial to ensure the product is not a double sulphate, a complex sulphate, or a mixture where other sulphates or non-sulphate compounds impart the essential character, as these would likely fall under different subheadings within Chapter 28 or potentially Chapter 31 (for fertilizers) or 38 (for miscellaneous chemical products). Importers should rely on chemical analysis reports, safety data sheets (SDS), and precise product specifications to confirm the exact chemical identity and purity, aligning with the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System for Chapter 28.

For the importation of sodium sulphates under HS 2833.11, standard customs documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a customs declaration form. When claiming preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), additional documentation is critical. This typically involves a Certificate of Origin (e.g., a USMCA Certificate of Origin, EUR.1 movement certificate for EU agreements, or a statement on origin), which attests that the goods meet the specific rules of origin criteria of the respective agreement. Importers must ensure that the origin documentation is accurately completed, signed by the exporter, and available for presentation to customs authorities upon request. Failure to provide valid origin documentation will result in the application of the MFN duty rate. Additionally, depending on the end-use or specific national regulations, a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) may be requested for chemical products.

Yes, numerous trade agreements significantly impact the duty rates for sodium sulphates (HS 2833.11) when imported into major markets. For the United States, agreements such as the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), various FTAs with countries like Australia, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Korea, Panama, Peru, and Singapore, as well as preferential programs like the GSP (Generalized System of Preferences, though eligibility for specific products varies), can offer duty-free entry. For the European Union, its extensive network of FTAs (e.g., with Korea, Japan, Canada, UK, and many developing countries) often provides preferential or zero duty rates. Similarly, the UK, post-Brexit, has its own set of bilateral trade agreements (e.g., with the EU, Australia, Japan, Korea) that can grant preferential access. Importers should verify the specific agreement applicable to their trade lane and ensure compliance with the respective rules of origin to benefit from reduced or zero duties. Consulting the official tariff schedule of the importing country is essential for precise information.