HS 283620 Disodium carbonate

Quick Answer: HS code 283620 specifically covers disodium carbonate, commonly known as soda ash. This chemical compound is a crucial industrial commodity used in glass manufacturing, detergents, chemicals, and water treatment. Importers and exporters should note the varying duty rates across major jurisdictions. For instance, the UK applies a 4.00% ad valorem duty, while the EU TARIC system lists a 5.50% ad valorem rate. In the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 8.5%, but significant preferential duty treatment allows for duty-free import from numerous countries under various free trade agreements (e.g., A, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). Verifying origin and applicable trade agreements is essential for optimizing customs duties.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2836200000 4.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2836200000 5.50 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2836200000 1.2% 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 2836.20?

Imports of Disodium carbonate 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

US$6.8M
ImportsExports

How to Classify This HS Code?

What products does HS 283620 cover?

This subheading covers disodium carbonate, commonly known as soda ash, which is a sodium salt of carbonic acid. It encompasses both anhydrous and hydrated forms of disodium carbonate, provided they meet the chemical composition for this specific compound. The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2836 explicitly include disodium carbonate, and this is consistently reflected in national tariffs such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC system, which both designate 2836.20 for this chemical. This classification applies regardless of the grade or purity, as long as the primary chemical identity is disodium carbonate.

What falls outside HS 283620?

The following products are excluded from HS 283620: sodium bicarbonate (sodium hydrogen carbonate), which is classified under HS 2836.30, despite also being a sodium carbonate derivative. Similarly, sodium sesquicarbonate, a double salt of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, falls outside this specific subheading and is typically classified under other subheadings within 2836, often 2836.99. Preparations containing disodium carbonate but mixed with other substances to the extent that they no longer represent a simple chemical compound of disodium carbonate, such as cleaning preparations, would be classified under their respective functional headings, for instance, in Chapter 34 for soaps and detergents.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 283620?

A common error is confusing disodium carbonate with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or sodium sesquicarbonate, leading to misclassification under HS 2836.30 or 2836.99, respectively. Importers sometimes fail to distinguish between the distinct chemical compounds, relying solely on common names rather than precise chemical nomenclature. Another mistake involves classifying mixtures containing disodium carbonate as pure disodium carbonate, when the addition of other components means the product should be classified as a preparation under a different heading, often governed by General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for mixtures. Accurate chemical analysis and understanding of the product's primary function are crucial to avoid these errors.

How should importers classify products under HS 283620?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 283620 involves first verifying the precise chemical identity of the product as disodium carbonate, whether anhydrous or hydrated. Importers and customs brokers should consult the product's chemical specifications, Safety Data Sheet (SDS), or Certificate of Analysis (CoA) to confirm it is indeed disodium carbonate and not a related compound like sodium bicarbonate. Next, confirm that the product is not a mixture or preparation that would alter its essential character, which would necessitate classification under a different heading according to the General Rules of Interpretation, particularly GRI 1 and GRI 3. Finally, reference the current national tariff schedule (e.g., HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) to ensure the 8-digit or 10-digit subheading aligns with the WCO's 6-digit classification for disodium carbonate.

Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 283630 HS 283660 HS 283640 HS 283650 HS 283692 HS 283110

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 2836.20 (Disodium carbonate) in major markets, and are there any preferential tariffs available?

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS 2836.20 (Disodium carbonate) vary by importing country. For example, the general MFN duty rate might be 4.00% ad valorem in some jurisdictions, 5.50% ad valorem in others, or even 8.5% ad valorem in certain markets. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS), EU TARIC, or UK Global Tariff) for the precise applicable rate.

Preferential duty rates are frequently available under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programs. For instance, imports into the United States under HS 2836.20 may qualify for 'Free' duty rates if originating 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), Singapore (SG), among others, provided all rules of origin requirements are met. Importers should verify the specific trade agreement and its origin criteria to claim preferential treatment, often indicated by special program indicators (e.g., 'A', 'AU', 'BH', etc.) in the tariff schedule.

What are the key classification criteria for 'Disodium carbonate' under HS 2836.20, and what distinguishes it from other carbonates?

HS code 2836.20 specifically covers 'Disodium carbonate (soda ash)'. The primary classification criterion is the chemical composition: it must be the disodium salt of carbonic acid. This heading includes both anhydrous soda ash and hydrated forms. It is distinguished from other carbonates within heading 28.36 by its specific cation (sodium) and its disodium stoichiometry. For example, sodium bicarbonate (sodium hydrogen carbonate) falls under HS 2836.30, and other carbonates of sodium (e.g., trona) would be classified elsewhere if they do not fit the 'disodium carbonate' description. WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 28 provide guidance, emphasizing the chemical identity of the compound.

What documentation is typically required for the import clearance of Disodium carbonate (HS 2836.20)?

For the import clearance of Disodium carbonate under HS 2836.20, standard customs documentation is generally required. This typically includes:

  1. Commercial Invoice: Detailing the goods, value, buyer, and seller.
  2. Packing List: Providing details of the contents of each package.
  3. Bill of Lading or Air Waybill: The transport document.
  4. Certificate of Origin: Essential for claiming preferential duty rates under FTAs. This document must accurately reflect the country of origin and often requires specific declarations or formats (e.g., a Free Trade Agreement Certificate of Origin).
  5. Safety Data Sheet (SDS): While not always a customs requirement for classification, an SDS is crucial for demonstrating compliance with chemical safety regulations and may be requested by port authorities or regulatory bodies for hazardous material assessment, even if Disodium Carbonate is generally considered non-hazardous for transport.
  6. Import Licenses/Permits: While Disodium Carbonate is not typically subject to extensive import licensing in most major markets, it is prudent to verify if any specific national regulations or end-use controls apply in the importing country.
Are there any specific trade agreements that significantly impact the duty rates for Disodium carbonate (HS 2836.20)?

Yes, numerous trade agreements significantly impact the duty rates for Disodium carbonate (HS 2836.20) by offering preferential 'Free' duty treatment. For U.S. imports, key agreements include:

  • USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement): For goods originating in Mexico or Canada.
  • US-Chile FTA, US-Colombia TPA, US-Korea FTA, US-Peru TPA, US-Singapore FTA: For goods originating from these respective countries.
  • Other FTAs: Such as those with Australia, Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, and Panama.

For imports into the European Union, agreements like the EU-Korea FTA, EU-Japan EPA, or GSP schemes for developing countries can provide duty reductions or eliminations. Similarly, the UK Global Tariff incorporates preferential agreements post-Brexit. Importers must ensure that the Disodium Carbonate meets the specific Rules of Origin criteria stipulated in the relevant trade agreement to qualify for these preferential duty rates. Failure to meet these criteria or provide proper documentation will result in the application of the higher MFN duty rate.