HS 283691 Other
Quick Answer: HS code 283691, "Other," primarily covers disodium carbonate (soda ash), a crucial industrial chemical. This subheading encompasses both light and dense soda ash, used extensively in glass manufacturing, detergents, and chemical production. Importers and exporters should note the varying duty rates across major jurisdictions. For example, the UK applies a 4.00% ad valorem duty, while the EU imposes 5.50% ad valorem. The US tariff landscape is more complex, with rates ranging from 3.7% ad valorem to 25% ad valorem, though many developing countries and free trade agreement partners benefit from duty-free entry under specific preference programs (e.g., A, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). Accurate classification is vital to leverage preferential trade agreements and ensure compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2836910000 | — | — | — |
| 2836910090 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2836910020 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2836910000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2836910020 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2836910090 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28369100 | 3.7% | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 2836910050 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 2836910010 | — | — | ["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 2836.91?
Imports of Other 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 283691 cover?
This subheading covers other carbonates, specifically lithium carbonates, as defined by the Harmonized System Nomenclature. Heading 2836 encompasses carbonates; peroxocarbonates (percarbonates); commercial ammonium carbonate containing ammonium carbamate. Subheading 2836.91 specifically isolates lithium carbonates from the broader category of "other" carbonates within Heading 2836, distinguishing them from sodium carbonates (2836.20), bicarbonates of sodium (2836.30), and potassium carbonates (2836.40). The official USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and EU TARIC classifications confirm this precise scope for lithium carbonate, a key chemical compound used in various industrial applications.
What falls outside HS 283691?
The following products are excluded from HS 283691: sodium carbonates (washing soda, soda ash) which are classified under HS 2836.20, sodium bicarbonates (baking soda) under HS 2836.30, and potassium carbonates under HS 2836.40. Additionally, commercial ammonium carbonate containing ammonium carbamate is specifically provided for under HS 2836.99. Any other carbonates not specifically enumerated in subheadings 2836.20 through 2836.40, and not being lithium carbonate, would also fall under HS 2836.99 as "Other carbonates; peroxocarbonates (percarbonates); commercial ammonium carbonate containing ammonium carbamate: Other." This distinction is crucial for accurate classification.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 283691?
A common error is misclassifying other carbonates, such as magnesium carbonate or calcium carbonate, under HS 283691 instead of the residual subheading HS 283699. Importers sometimes overlook the specificity of "lithium carbonates" in 283691 and incorrectly assume it covers all "other" carbonates not explicitly listed in prior subheadings of 2836. This mistake often arises from a failure to apply General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. The precise wording "lithium carbonates" in 283691 is paramount, and any other carbonate must be directed to 283699.
How should importers classify products under HS 283691?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 283691 involves first confirming the chemical identity of the product as lithium carbonate. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a Certificate of Analysis or a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer to verify the chemical composition. Once confirmed as lithium carbonate, the product falls squarely within HS 283691, adhering to GRI 1. If the product is any other carbonate not specifically named in 2836.20 through 2836.40, it must be classified under HS 283699. Always cross-reference with the latest official tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, to ensure compliance with current regulations and duty rates.
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FAQ
What are the typical Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates for products classified under HS 2836.91?
For products classified under HS 2836.91 ('Other' carbonates and peroxocarbonates; commercial ammonium carbonate containing ammonium carbamate), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rates commonly range from 3.7% to 5.5% ad valorem in many jurisdictions. For instance, the United States Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) may list a rate of 3.7% ad valorem, while the European Union's TARIC system might specify 5.5% ad valorem. Some countries could apply rates such as 4.00% or 25% depending on their specific national tariff schedule. Importers should always consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country for the precise and current MFN rate.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for HS 2836.91 under common Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or special programs?
Yes, preferential duty rates, including 'Free' (0% ad valorem), are frequently available for products classified under HS 2836.91 when originating from countries with which the importing nation has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or other preferential trade program. For example, under the U.S. HTSUS, goods 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), and Singapore (SG) may be eligible for duty-free treatment (indicated by 'Free' or specific program indicators like 'A', 'D', 'E', 'P', 'S'). Importers must ensure they meet the specific Rules of Origin criteria for the applicable agreement and provide proper documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, to claim these preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria for determining if a product falls under HS 2836.91?
HS 2836.91 is a residual subheading under heading 28.36, which covers 'Carbonates; peroxocarbonates (percarbonates); commercial ammonium carbonate containing ammonium carbamate.' The 'Other' designation in 2836.91 means it covers carbonates and peroxocarbonates that are not specifically provided for in the preceding subheadings of 28.36 (e.g., disodium carbonate, sodium hydrogencarbonate (sodium bicarbonate), potassium carbonates, barium carbonate, lead carbonate, lithium carbonate, strontium carbonate). Classification hinges on the chemical composition and specific identity of the carbonate or peroxocarbonate. If a product is a carbonate or peroxocarbonate and does not match the description of the more specific subheadings within 28.36, it would generally fall into 2836.91. WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 28 provide detailed guidance on the chemical nomenclature and scope of these compounds.
What specific documentation is typically required by customs authorities for imports under HS 2836.91?
Standard import documentation is required for HS 2836.91, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. For chemical products, additional documentation may be necessary: a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or product specification sheet to verify the chemical identity and purity, especially if there's any ambiguity in classification. If claiming preferential duty rates under an FTA, a valid Certificate of Origin (e.g., NAFTA/USMCA Certificate, EUR.1 movement certificate, or a free trade agreement declaration) is mandatory. Depending on the specific chemical and its end-use, importers may also need to comply with national chemical control regulations, which could require safety data sheets (SDS) or import permits from agencies like the EPA (in the US) or ECHA (in the EU).