HS 283327 Of barium
Quick Answer: HS code 2833.27 covers barium sulfate, a chemical compound primarily used as a filler in plastics, a pigment in paints, and a contrast agent in medical imaging. This classification falls under the broader category of sulfates, alums, and peroxosulfates. Importers and exporters should note the varying duty rates: the UK applies a 4.00% ad valorem duty, while the EU imposes 5.50%. In the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 4.2%, but significant preferential duty rates exist, including 0.6% or duty-free status under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and special programs (e.g., A, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). Customs brokers should verify specific origin criteria for preferential treatment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2833270000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2833270000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2833270000 | 0.6% | 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 2833.27?
Imports of Of barium 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 283327 cover?
This subheading covers barium sulfates, specifically those falling under the broader scope of sulfates, alums, and peroxosulfates (persulfates) as defined by Heading 2833 of the Harmonized System Nomenclature. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes and consistent with the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and EU TARIC, this particular subheading is dedicated to barium sulfate, a chemical compound primarily used as a white pigment, a filler in plastics, and as a radiocontrast agent in medical imaging. Its classification here is determined by its chemical composition as a sulfate of barium.
What falls outside HS 283327?
The following products are excluded from HS 283327: barium compounds that are not sulfates, such as barium carbonate (HS 2836.60.00) or barium oxide (HS 2816.40.00), which are classified under their respective chemical families. Additionally, natural barium sulfate mineral, known as barite, even if ground or micronized, is typically classified under Chapter 25, specifically HS 2511.00.00, as a mineral substance, not as a chemically defined sulfate of Chapter 28. Products containing barium sulfate as a component but formulated into finished goods, such as paints or pharmaceuticals, are generally classified under their respective Chapters based on their primary function and composition.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 283327?
A common error is misclassifying natural barite (barium sulfate mineral) under HS 283327 instead of HS 2511.00.00. Importers often confuse chemically pure barium sulfate with its naturally occurring mineral form, even after processing like grinding or beneficiation, which does not alter its fundamental character as a mineral. Another mistake involves classifying complex mixtures or preparations containing barium sulfate, where the barium sulfate is not the sole or principal constituent, under this subheading. Such products should be classified according to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3, based on their essential character or function, often leading to classification in other chapters.
How should importers classify products under HS 283327?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 283327 involves first confirming that the product is indeed chemically defined barium sulfate, not a natural mineral or a complex mixture. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer to verify the chemical purity and composition. If the product is chemically pure barium sulfate, it falls under Heading 2833 as a sulfate, and specifically under subheading 283327 as "Of barium." Always cross-reference with the WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 28 and consult the latest HTSUS or EU TARIC for any specific national or regional interpretative rulings to ensure accurate classification and duty rate application.
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FAQ
What are the typical Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for HS code 2833.27 ('Of barium') and are there any significant preferential rates available?
The MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rates for HS 2833.27, which covers barium sulfates, can vary by importing country. For example, the United States Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) may list a general MFN duty rate such as 4.2% ad valorem. The EU TARIC database might show a common customs tariff rate of 5.50% ad valorem, while the UK Global Tariff could specify 4.00% ad valorem. Importers should always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country. Preferential duty rates are frequently available under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For instance, 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), Singapore (SG), and others may be eligible for 'Free' duty, provided all rules of origin requirements are met. Similar preferential treatments exist under EU and UK trade agreements. It is crucial to verify the specific trade agreement and its origin criteria to claim preferential duty.
What are the key classification criteria for products under HS 2833.27, specifically 'Of barium'?
HS 2833.27 specifically covers 'Sulfates; alums; peroxosulfates (persulfates) of barium'. The primary classification criterion is the chemical composition: the product must be a sulfate and contain barium as a principal constituent. This typically includes barium sulfate (BaSO4), which is widely used in various industries. Classification relies on Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System, which covers inorganic chemicals. Importers must ensure that the product's chemical name, CAS number (if applicable), and purity align with the description for barium sulfates. If the product is a mixture, the predominant chemical component and its function will determine classification, often guided by General Interpretative Rule (GIR) 3(b) if it's a mixture of different substances.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 2833.27, and are there any specific regulatory considerations?
Standard import documentation for HS 2833.27 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin (especially if claiming preferential duty rates). For chemical products like barium sulfates, additional documentation may be required depending on the end-use and regulatory framework of the importing country. This could include a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to comply with hazard communication standards (e.g., OSHA in the US, REACH in the EU), a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) to confirm purity and composition, and potentially permits if the substance is subject to specific environmental or health regulations. Barium compounds can have toxicity concerns, so compliance with chemical control laws (e.g., TSCA in the US, REACH in the EU) is essential. Importers should consult their customs broker and relevant national chemical regulatory authorities to ensure full compliance.
Which major trade agreements commonly offer duty benefits for products under HS 2833.27, and what are the implications for importers?
Numerous major trade agreements offer duty benefits for products under HS 2833.27. For U.S. importers, agreements such as the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), KORUS FTA (U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement), CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement), and various bilateral FTAs (e.g., with Australia, Chile, Singapore, Peru, Colombia, Panama, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Bahrain, Oman) frequently provide 'Free' duty rates. For EU importers, agreements like the EU-Japan EPA, EU-Canada CETA, and various Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes can offer reduced or zero duties. Similarly, the UK benefits from its own network of FTAs. The implication for importers is the potential for significant cost savings on customs duties. However, to claim these benefits, goods must strictly comply with the specific Rules of Origin (ROO) stipulated in each agreement. This often requires detailed documentation proving that the product was wholly obtained or underwent sufficient processing in the exporting preferential country. Importers must be prepared to provide origin certifications and supporting manufacturing records upon request from customs authorities.