HS 283410 Nitrites
Quick Answer: HS 2834.10 covers nitrites, which are chemical compounds containing the nitrite ion (NO2-). These salts are widely used in various industrial applications, including food preservation (e.g., sodium nitrite in cured meats), chemical synthesis, and as corrosion inhibitors. Importers and customs brokers 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, rates range from 5.5% to a high of 54% ad valorem, with many products eligible for duty-free treatment under various Free Trade Agreements (e.g., A, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). Accurate classification is crucial to leverage these preferential rates where applicable, requiring careful review of product specifications against specific tariff line descriptions.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2834100000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2834100000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2834101000 | 5.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 283410 | — | — | — |
| 2834105000 | 3.1% | 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 2834.10?
Imports of Nitrites 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?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 283410 cover?
This subheading covers nitrites, which are salts or esters of nitrous acid (HNO₂). Specifically, the Harmonized System Nomenclature, as interpreted by the World Customs Organization (WCO), defines nitrites as inorganic chemical compounds containing the nitrite ion (NO₂⁻). Common examples include sodium nitrite (NaNO₂) and potassium nitrite (KNO₂), which are widely used in various industrial applications such as food preservation, particularly for cured meats, and in the production of dyes and pharmaceuticals. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system both align with this definition, classifying these specific chemical compounds under 2834.10 without further subdivision, emphasizing their distinct chemical structure and properties.
What falls outside HS 283410?
The following products are excluded from HS 283410: nitrates, which are salts or esters of nitric acid (HNO₃) and are specifically classified under HS 2834.21 (Potassium nitrate) or 2834.29 (Other nitrates). Nitrous acid itself (HNO₂) is also excluded, as it is an inorganic acid and would typically fall under other headings within Chapter 28, depending on its specific chemical composition and concentration. Furthermore, complex inorganic nitrites, such as those forming part of coordination compounds or mixtures where the nitrite is not the predominant or characteristic component, may be classified elsewhere based on their overall composition and function, often falling into more specific chemical headings or even mixtures of chemicals.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 283410?
A common error is confusing nitrites with nitrates, leading to misclassification between HS 2834.10 and HS 2834.21 or 2834.29. Importers sometimes fail to distinguish between the nitrite ion (NO₂⁻) and the nitrate ion (NO₃⁻), which are chemically distinct and have different applications and regulatory controls. Another mistake involves classifying mixtures containing nitrites under this subheading when the nitrite is not the sole or principal component, violating General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(b) which prioritizes the component giving the goods their essential character. For example, a prepared food product containing sodium nitrite as a preservative would be classified as a food product, not as a pure nitrite under 2834.10.
How should importers classify products under HS 283410?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 283410 involves first verifying the precise chemical identity of the substance. Importers and customs brokers must ensure the product is indeed a nitrite, meaning it is a salt or ester of nitrous acid, and not a nitrate or another related chemical. This often requires reviewing the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided by the manufacturer, which clearly states the chemical name and CAS number. Once confirmed as a nitrite, the product falls directly under HS 2834.10. For mixtures, apply General Interpretative Rule 1 and, if necessary, GRI 3(b) to determine if the nitrite imparts the essential character. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2834 and relevant national customs rulings (e.g., US Customs Rulings, EU Binding Tariff Information) is also crucial for accurate and compliant classification.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for products classified under HS 2834.10 ('Nitrites') in major markets, and how can preferential rates apply?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS 2834.10 can vary significantly by importing country. For example, the United States generally applies an MFN duty rate of 3.7% ad valorem for nitrites. The European Union's TARIC database indicates an MFN duty rate of 5.5% ad valorem for nitrites. The United Kingdom Global Tariff (UKGT) also lists a 5.5% ad valorem MFN rate. However, many countries offer preferential duty treatment under various free trade agreements (FTAs) or generalized system of preferences (GSP) schemes. For instance, imports into the US 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 'Free' duty rates under specific trade agreements. Importers should verify the specific country of origin and applicable trade agreements to determine eligibility for reduced or zero duties, often requiring a Certificate of Origin.
What are the key classification criteria for ensuring a product is correctly assigned to HS 2834.10, rather than other related chemical classifications?
HS 2834.10 specifically covers 'Nitrites.' The primary classification criterion is the chemical identity of the substance. This heading includes salts of nitrous acid (HNO2), such as sodium nitrite (NaNO2) and potassium nitrite (KNO2). It is crucial to distinguish nitrites from nitrates (salts of nitric acid, HNO3), which are classified under HS 2834.20. While both are nitrogen-oxygen compounds, their chemical structures and applications differ. Importers should rely on chemical analysis, material safety data sheets (MSDS), and product specifications to confirm the presence of the nitrite ion (NO2-) as the defining characteristic. The Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Chapter 28 provide further guidance on the scope of inorganic chemicals.
What specific documentation is typically required by customs authorities for the importation of nitrites under HS 2834.10?
For the importation of nitrites under HS 2834.10, standard customs documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, due to the chemical nature of nitrites, customs authorities may require a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to assess any potential hazards and ensure compliance with chemical import regulations. If claiming preferential duty rates under a free trade agreement, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., a USMCA Certificate of Origin for imports into North America, or an EUR.1 movement certificate for EU trade) is mandatory. Depending on the end-use or specific type of nitrite, additional permits or licenses from regulatory bodies (e.g., environmental protection agencies or food and drug administrations, if used in food processing) might be necessary.
Are there any common trade agreements or special provisions that significantly impact the import of nitrites (HS 2834.10) into major markets?
Yes, numerous trade agreements significantly impact the import of nitrites under HS 2834.10. For instance, the United States has FTAs with many countries (e.g., USMCA, CAFTA-DR, agreements with Australia, Chile, Korea, Peru, Singapore) that often grant duty-free access for eligible nitrites originating from those partner countries. Similarly, the European Union's extensive network of FTAs (e.g., with Canada, Japan, South Korea, UK) can provide preferential tariff treatment. The UK also maintains its own independent trade agreements post-Brexit. Importers should consult the specific trade agreement text and rules of origin to ensure their product qualifies. For example, a product must meet the origin criteria, which often involve a change in tariff classification or a minimum regional value content, to benefit from preferential duties. Failure to meet these criteria means the MFN duty rate will apply.