HS 283650 Calcium carbonate
Quick Answer: HS Code 283650 specifically covers "Calcium carbonate," a widely used chemical compound. This includes various forms such as precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), ground calcium carbonate (GCC), and natural chalk, provided they meet the chemical purity requirements for this heading and are not classified elsewhere (e.g., as mineral products under Chapter 25 if unworked). Importers and exporters should note the varying duty rates: the UK applies a 4.0% ad valorem duty, the EU a 5.0% ad valorem duty, while the US offers a "Free" duty rate for most favored nation (MFN) treatment, though specific trade programs or origin rules could alter this. Due to its broad industrial applications (e.g., in plastics, paper, paints, and pharmaceuticals), accurate classification is crucial to avoid customs delays and ensure correct duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2836500000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2836500000 | 5.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2836500000 | 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 Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 283650 cover?
This subheading covers chemically defined calcium carbonate (CaCO3), whether natural or synthetic. This includes precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) and ground calcium carbonate (GCC), provided they meet the purity requirements for Chapter 28, which generally covers inorganic chemicals of defined chemical composition. The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2836 specifically list calcium carbonate as an example of a carbonate covered by this heading, further clarified by national tariffs like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC system, which both explicitly enumerate "Calcium carbonate" under 2836.50. This classification applies to the pure chemical compound, irrespective of its physical form (powder, granules, etc.), as long as it maintains its chemical identity.
What falls outside HS 283650?
The following products are excluded from HS 283650: natural calcium carbonates that are not chemically defined or are in their natural mineral form, such as limestone, marble, or chalk, which are typically classified in Chapter 25 (e.g., 2521.00 for limestone flux, 2517.41 for marble granules). Furthermore, calcium carbonate preparations or mixtures containing other substances that alter their character from a simple chemical compound are excluded and would be classified elsewhere, often in Chapter 38 if they are chemical preparations not elsewhere specified or included. For instance, calcium carbonate mixed with binders for use as a filler in paints or plastics, or as a component in certain building materials, would not fall under this subheading.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 283650?
A common error is misclassifying natural calcium carbonate minerals, such as ground limestone or chalk, under 2836.50. While these are chemically calcium carbonate, their classification depends on whether they are considered "chemically defined" inorganic chemicals of Chapter 28 or natural mineral substances of Chapter 25. Generally, if the product is merely crushed or ground natural rock without further chemical purification to meet a specific chemical definition, it belongs in Chapter 25. Importers often overlook General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification is determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, leading to confusion between the pure chemical and its natural mineral forms.
How should importers classify products under HS 283650?
The correct procedure for classifying calcium carbonate involves first determining if the product is a chemically defined inorganic chemical, meeting the purity standards of Chapter 28. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer, clearly indicating the chemical composition and purity level of the calcium carbonate. If it is a pure, chemically defined calcium carbonate, whether precipitated or ground from a purified source, then 2836.50 is appropriate. If it is a natural mineral product like limestone or chalk, even if ground, without further chemical processing to achieve a specific chemical definition, it should be classified in Chapter 25. Always consult the WCO Explanatory Notes and relevant national tariff interpretations for definitive guidance.
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for HS code 2836.50 (Calcium carbonate) in key markets?
The MFN import duty rate for HS 2836.50 varies significantly by importing country. For example, under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), the MFN (General) duty rate for calcium carbonate (2836.50.00.00) is 3.5% ad valorem. In the European Union's TARIC, the MFN duty rate for 2836 50 00 00 is 5.0% ad valorem. For the United Kingdom Trade Tariff, the MFN duty rate for 2836 50 00 00 is also 5.0% ad valorem. Importers should always verify the current rates with the official tariff schedule of the destination country (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff).
Are there any preferential duty rates available for calcium carbonate (HS 2836.50) under common trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates may apply to calcium carbonate (HS 2836.50) depending on the country of origin and the trade agreements in force. For instance, imports into the United States from countries party to agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) or certain Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) may be eligible for a 'Free' duty rate, provided all rules of origin are met. Similarly, the EU and UK have various preferential arrangements (e.g., GSP, FTAs) that could reduce or eliminate duties. Importers should consult the specific trade agreement's rules of origin and the relevant tariff schedule to determine eligibility and ensure proper documentation (e.g., certificate of origin) is prepared.
What are the key classification criteria for ensuring calcium carbonate falls under HS 2836.50?
HS code 2836.50 specifically covers 'Calcium carbonate'. The primary classification criterion is the chemical identity of the substance. This heading includes both natural calcium carbonate (e.g., ground limestone, chalk, marble) and precipitated calcium carbonate, provided it is chemically pure or commercially pure. It's crucial that the product is predominantly calcium carbonate (CaCO3). If the product is a mixture containing calcium carbonate but has other principal components or is prepared for specific uses (e.g., as a medicament, cosmetic, or abrasive preparation), it might be classified elsewhere. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes for Chapter 28 provide further guidance, emphasizing that this heading covers chemically defined calcium carbonate, even if it contains impurities that do not alter its essential character.
What documentation is typically required for importing calcium carbonate (HS 2836.50)?
Standard import documentation for calcium carbonate (HS 2836.50) generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a customs declaration form. For preferential duty treatment, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., USMCA Certificate of Origin, EUR.1 movement certificate, or GSP Form A) is essential. Depending on the end-use or specific national regulations, additional documentation such as a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) might be requested to verify the product's composition and purity, especially if it's intended for sensitive applications like food, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetics. Importers should always confirm specific requirements with their customs broker and the importing country's customs authority.