HS 283711 Cyanides and cyanide oxides
Quick Answer: HS Code 283711 covers sodium cyanide, a highly toxic inorganic compound primarily used in gold mining for extracting gold and silver from ore, and in chemical synthesis. It also finds applications in electroplating and as a precursor for other chemicals. Importers and exporters should note the varying duty rates: the UK Trade Tariff applies a 0.00% ad valorem duty, while the EU TARIC imposes a 5.50% ad valorem duty. In the United States, imports are generally "Free" of duty. Due to its hazardous nature, trade in sodium cyanide is subject to stringent international and national regulations concerning handling, storage, transport, and disposal, requiring careful compliance from all parties involved.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2837110000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2837110000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2837110000 | 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 283711 cover?
This subheading covers sodium cyanide, a specific chemical compound classified under Heading 2837, which encompasses cyanides, cyanide oxides, and complex cyanides. According to the Harmonized System Nomenclature Explanatory Notes (WCO), subheading 2837.11 is dedicated solely to sodium cyanide, distinguishing it from other inorganic cyanides. This classification is consistently applied across major customs territories, including the United States as per the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and the European Union's TARIC database, ensuring uniform global trade classification for this particular chemical compound, which is widely used in various industrial applications such as gold extraction and electroplating.
What falls outside HS 283711?
The following products are excluded from HS 283711: other inorganic cyanides, which are classified under HS 2837.19, such as potassium cyanide or calcium cyanide. Additionally, organic cyanides (nitriles) are classified in Chapter 29, specifically under headings like 2926, as they are organic chemical compounds. Complex cyanides, such as ferrocyanides and ferricyanides, are classified under HS 2837.20. For example, sodium ferrocyanide, despite containing cyanide, is a complex salt and therefore falls outside the scope of simple sodium cyanide, preventing misclassification of these chemically distinct substances.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 283711?
A common error is misclassifying other inorganic cyanides, such as potassium cyanide, under HS 283711 instead of the correct subheading 283719. This mistake often arises from a lack of precise chemical identification, overlooking the specific "sodium" component required for 283711. Another frequent error involves classifying complex cyanides, like sodium ferrocyanide, under 283711, when they properly belong in 283720. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial to avoid such inaccuracies, ensuring the correct chemical identity dictates the classification.
How should importers classify products under HS 283711?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 283711 involves first confirming the chemical identity of the substance as pure sodium cyanide. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a detailed Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer, explicitly stating the chemical name and purity. This documentation is essential to verify that the product is indeed sodium cyanide and not another inorganic cyanide (e.g., potassium cyanide) or a complex cyanide. Consult the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2837 and cross-reference with the USITC HTSUS or EU TARIC for any specific national or regional interpretative rulings, ensuring compliance with all applicable trade regulations and accurate duty assessment.
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for HS 2837.11 (Sodium Cyanide) in key markets?
The MFN import duty rate for HS 2837.11 (Sodium Cyanide) varies significantly by importing country. For example, as of the latest USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the MFN (General) duty rate for 2837.11.00.00 in the United States is 0.00% ad valorem. In contrast, the EU TARIC database indicates a MFN duty rate of 5.50% ad valorem for goods classified under CN code 2837 11 00. Importers should always verify the current MFN rate for their specific destination country using the official tariff schedule of that country (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff).
Are there any preferential duty rates available for HS 2837.11 under common trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates may apply to HS 2837.11 depending on the country of origin and the importing country's trade agreements. For instance, goods originating from countries that have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States (e.g., USMCA, CAFTA-DR, KORUS) may be eligible for a 'Free' duty rate, provided all rules of origin requirements are met. Similarly, the EU applies preferential rates under various agreements (e.g., GSP, FTAs). Importers must ensure they have the necessary documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, to claim preferential treatment. Always consult the specific trade agreement and the importing country's tariff schedule for eligibility criteria and documentation.
What are the key classification criteria for distinguishing HS 2837.11 (Sodium Cyanide) from other cyanides?
HS 2837.11 specifically covers 'Sodium cyanide'. The primary classification criterion is the chemical composition, identifying the compound as the sodium salt of hydrocyanic acid (HCN). This distinguishes it from other cyanides listed under HS 2837, such as 'Other cyanides and cyanide oxides' (2837.19) or 'Complex cyanides' (2837.20). Importers and customs brokers should rely on chemical analysis reports, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and product specifications to confirm the exact chemical identity and ensure accurate classification according to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Chapter 28.
What specific documentation is typically required for importing HS 2837.11 (Sodium Cyanide)?
Given that sodium cyanide is a highly regulated substance due to its toxicity, importers should expect stringent documentation requirements beyond standard customs entry paperwork. Essential documents typically include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, and a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) confirming the chemical composition and purity. Additionally, due to its hazardous nature, a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is mandatory. Depending on the importing country, specific permits or licenses from environmental, health, or chemical control authorities may be required (e.g., EPA or DEA in the US, REACH regulations in the EU). Importers should consult their customs broker and relevant national regulatory bodies well in advance of shipment.