HS 283720 Complex cyanides
Quick Answer: HS code 283720 covers "Complex cyanides," which are chemical compounds containing the cyanide group (CN) bonded to a metal ion, forming a complex. Common examples include potassium ferrocyanide and sodium nitroprusside, used in various industrial applications such as electroplating, photography, and as analytical reagents. Duty rates vary significantly by jurisdiction. In the UK, most complex cyanides under this code are subject to a 0.00% ad valorem duty. The EU applies a 5.50% ad valorem duty. For imports into the US, rates range from 1.7% to 8.5% ad valorem, with many products eligible for duty-free treatment under various Free Trade Agreements (e.g., A, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). Importers should verify specific product classification and applicable preferential tariffs. Due to their chemical nature, these products may also be subject to specific import/export licensing or regulatory controls related to hazardous materials.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2837200010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2837200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2837200090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2837200090 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2837200000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2837200010 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 283720 | — | — | — |
| 2837205100 | 1.7% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 2837201000 | 1.1% | 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 2837.20?
Imports of Complex cyanides 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 283720 cover?
This subheading covers complex cyanides, which are inorganic compounds containing the cyano group (CN) bonded to a metal ion, forming a complex anion. Specifically, it encompasses salts of complex hydrocyanic acids, such as ferrocyanides, ferricyanides, and nitroprussides. The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2837 clarify that this includes compounds like potassium ferrocyanide (potassium hexacyanoferrate(II)) and potassium ferricyanide (potassium hexacyanoferrate(III)), which are widely used in various industrial applications. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC system align with this definition, classifying these specific chemical compounds under 2837.20.
What falls outside HS 283720?
The following products are excluded from HS 283720: simple cyanides, which are classified under HS 2837.11 (e.g., sodium cyanide) or 2837.19 (e.g., potassium cyanide), as they do not form a complex anion with a metal. Additionally, cyanates (HS 2837.11 or 2837.19), thiocyanates (HS 2837.11 or 2837.19), and fulminates (HS 2837.11 or 2837.19) are also excluded, as they possess distinct chemical structures and functionalities. Organic cyanides, such as nitriles, are classified in Chapter 29, specifically under headings like 2926, due to their organic nature and different chemical bonding characteristics, despite containing the cyano group.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 283720?
A common error is misclassifying simple cyanides as complex cyanides, or vice versa, leading to incorrect duty rates and potential compliance issues. Importers sometimes confuse potassium cyanide (a simple cyanide, HS 2837.19) with potassium ferrocyanide (a complex cyanide, HS 2837.20) due to similar names. Another mistake involves classifying organic compounds containing the cyano group, such as acetonitrile, under Heading 2837 instead of Chapter 29. Proper application of 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 these errors, ensuring the chemical structure dictates the correct subheading.
How should importers classify products under HS 283720?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 283720 involves a thorough chemical analysis to confirm the presence of a complex cyanide structure. Importers and customs brokers should first consult the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2837 to understand the precise scope of "complex cyanides." Next, verify the chemical name and CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number against official tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC to confirm alignment with subheading 2837.20. If uncertainty remains, obtaining a binding ruling from the relevant customs authority (e.g., CBP in the US, HMRC in the UK) is highly recommended to ensure accurate and legally compliant classification, mitigating risks of penalties or delays.
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for goods classified under HS 2837.20 (Complex cyanides) into the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom?
For imports into the United States, the MFN (Normal Trade Relations - NTR) duty rate for HS 2837.20 is 5.5% ad valorem, as per the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) 2024. For the European Union (EU), the MFN duty rate for HS 2837.20.00.00 is 5.5% ad valorem, as per the EU TARIC database 2024. Similarly, for the United Kingdom (UK), the MFN duty rate for HS 2837.20.00.00 is 5.5% ad valorem, according to the UK Global Tariff 2024. These rates apply to goods originating from countries that do not have a specific preferential trade agreement with the importing region.
Which preferential trade agreements offer duty-free entry for 'Complex cyanides' (HS 2837.20) into the United States?
For imports into the United States under HS 2837.20, duty-free entry is available under several preferential trade agreements. Key agreements include: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, 'CA' program), the Australia Free Trade Agreement (AU), Bahrain Free Trade Agreement (BH), Chile Free Trade Agreement (CL), Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CO), Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA, 'D' program for specific countries), Israel Free Trade Agreement (IL), Jordan Free Trade Agreement (JO), Korea Free Trade Agreement (KR), Morocco Free Trade Agreement (MA), Oman Free Trade Agreement (OM), Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (PA), Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PE), Singapore Free Trade Agreement (SG). Importers must ensure compliance with the respective Rules of Origin for each agreement to claim preferential duty treatment.
What are the key classification criteria for 'Complex cyanides' under HS 2837.20, and how does it differ from other cyanide classifications?
HS 2837.20 specifically covers 'Complex cyanides'. The primary classification criterion is the chemical structure, distinguishing complex cyanides (e.g., ferrocyanides, ferricyanides, nitroprussides) from simple cyanides and oxycyanides of heading 2837.10. Complex cyanides are characterized by a central metal atom bonded to cyanide ligands, forming a complex ion. This sub-heading requires the substance to be a distinct chemical compound falling under the definition of a complex cyanide. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes to Chapter 28 provide guidance, emphasizing the chemical identity and structure. Importers should have a detailed chemical analysis or specification sheet for the product to ensure accurate classification.
Are there any specific documentation requirements or regulatory considerations for importing 'Complex cyanides' (HS 2837.20) due to their hazardous nature?
Yes, due to the inherent toxicity and hazardous nature of cyanides, including complex cyanides, importers of HS 2837.20 must comply with stringent documentation and regulatory requirements beyond standard customs declarations. In the United States, this may involve compliance with regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), and potentially the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is mandatory for all hazardous chemical imports, providing critical information on hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures. For preferential duty claims, a Certificate of Origin or equivalent declaration is required. Importers should also verify any specific import permits or licenses required by national chemical control authorities in the destination country.