HS 283525 Calcium hydrogenorthophosphate ('dicalcium phosphate')
Quick Answer: HS Code 283525 specifically covers Dicalcium Phosphate, also known as Calcium Hydrogenorthophosphate. This chemical compound is primarily used as a dietary supplement in animal feed, a food additive, and in some pharmaceutical applications due to its calcium and phosphorus content. For importers and exporters, understanding the varying duty rates is crucial. In the UK, the standard Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate is 4.00% ad valorem. The EU applies an MFN rate of 5.50% ad valorem. The United States presents a more varied landscape, with MFN rates ranging from Free to 25% ad valorem, depending on the specific country of origin and any applicable trade agreements or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) eligibility. Importers should verify the exact duty rate based on the country of origin to ensure accurate customs declarations and cost calculations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2835250000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2835250000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2835250000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
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.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 283525 cover?
This subheading covers calcium hydrogenorthophosphate, commonly known as dicalcium phosphate (DCP), which is a chemical compound with the formula CaHPO₄. This specific classification is derived from the Harmonized System (HS) Nomenclature, as interpreted by the World Customs Organization (WCO), and is consistently applied across national tariffs such as the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) under the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) and the EU TARIC system. Dicalcium phosphate is primarily used as a dietary supplement in animal feed, a food additive, and in some pharmaceutical applications due to its calcium and phosphorus content. Its chemical purity and form are key determinants for inclusion here, distinguishing it from other calcium phosphates.
What falls outside HS 283525?
The following products are excluded from HS 283525: tricalcium phosphate (Ca₃(PO₄)₂), which is classified under HS 283526; monocalcium phosphate (Ca(H₂PO₄)₂), found under HS 283529; and other calcium phosphates not specifically identified as dicalcium phosphate, which also fall into HS 283529. Furthermore, calcium phosphates that are presented in a form specifically prepared as medicaments or food preparations, even if containing dicalcium phosphate, would be classified under Chapter 30 or Chapter 21, respectively, according to their primary function and composition, rather than as a bulk chemical. Mixtures where dicalcium phosphate is not the predominant or essential character are also excluded.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 283525?
A common error is misclassifying other calcium phosphates, such as tricalcium phosphate or monocalcium phosphate, as dicalcium phosphate, or vice versa, due to similar names or uses. This often occurs without a precise chemical analysis of the product's exact stoichiometric composition. Importers sometimes fail to differentiate between the various calcium phosphates, leading to incorrect duty rates and potential compliance issues. Another mistake is classifying dicalcium phosphate that has been specifically formulated into a finished animal feed supplement or a human food preparation under this chemical subheading, rather than under the relevant Chapter 23 or Chapter 21 headings, respectively, which is a misapplication of General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(a) and 3(b) regarding mixtures and composite goods.
How should importers classify products under HS 283525?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 283525 involves first verifying the precise chemical identity of the calcium phosphate. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a detailed chemical analysis or specification sheet from the manufacturer, confirming the product is indeed calcium hydrogenorthophosphate (CaHPO₄). This documentation is crucial for demonstrating compliance with the WCO HS Nomenclature and national tariff schedules like the US HTS or EU TARIC. Furthermore, it is essential to consider the product's form and intended use; if it is a bulk chemical, it likely belongs here. However, if it is part of a prepared foodstuff, animal feed, or medicament, the classification will shift to a more specific heading in a different chapter, adhering to the General Interpretative Rules, particularly GRI 1 and GRI 3.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for HS 2835.25 (Dicalcium Phosphate) in key markets?
The MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rates for HS 2835.25 vary by importing country. For example, the United States imposes a duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for goods classified under 2835.25.00.00. The European Union's TARIC database indicates an MFN duty rate of 5.5% ad valorem for goods under CN code 2835 25 00. Importers should always verify the current rates through official sources like the USITC Tariff Database, EU TARIC, or the UK Trade Tariff.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for Dicalcium Phosphate (HS 2835.25) under common trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates, including 'Free' rates, are often available under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes, provided the product meets the respective Rules of Origin. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), imports of HS 2835.25 originating from Mexico or Canada are typically Free of duty into the U.S. Similarly, the EU has numerous FTAs (e.g., with South Korea, Japan) and GSP schemes that may offer reduced or zero duties. Importers should consult the specific trade agreement's text and origin rules to determine eligibility and ensure proper documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, is provided.
What are the key classification criteria for Dicalcium Phosphate under HS 2835.25, and how is it distinguished from other phosphates?
HS 2835.25 specifically covers 'Calcium hydrogenorthophosphate ('dicalcium phosphate')'. The primary classification criterion is the chemical composition: it must be a calcium salt of orthophosphoric acid where hydrogen is also present, specifically CaHPO4. This distinguishes it from tricalcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2), which falls under HS 2835.26, and monocalcium phosphate (Ca(H2PO4)2), which is classified under HS 2835.29. The WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 28 provide further guidance, emphasizing the precise chemical formula and common name. Laboratory analysis or a Certificate of Analysis from the manufacturer may be necessary to confirm the exact chemical identity for customs purposes.
What documentation is typically required for importing Dicalcium Phosphate (HS 2835.25)?
Standard import documentation for HS 2835.25 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a customs declaration. For preferential duty treatment, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., EUR.1, NAFTA/USMCA Certificate, GSP Form A) is essential. Depending on the end-use (e.g., animal feed, food additive, pharmaceutical), additional regulatory documentation may be required by agencies such as the FDA in the U.S. (e.g., prior notice for food products) or EFSA in the EU. Importers should verify specific national requirements, as these can vary significantly.