HS 283911 Of sodium
Quick Answer: HS code 2839.11 specifically covers sodium silicates, which are inorganic chemical compounds used in various industrial applications, including detergents, adhesives, catalysts, and water treatment. These are typically encountered as white powders or clear, viscous liquids. Importers and customs brokers should note the varying duty rates across major jurisdictions. In the UK, the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate is 0.00%. The EU applies an MFN duty rate of 5.00% ad valorem. For the United States, the MFN duty rate is 3.0% ad valorem, with potential reductions to 1.1% or duty-free status under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) for eligible goods from countries such as Australia, Chile, Korea, and Singapore. Always verify origin and specific FTA requirements for preferential treatment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2839110000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2839110000 | 5.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2839110000 | 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 2839.11?
Imports of Of sodium 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 283911 cover?
This subheading covers sodium silicates, specifically disodium metasilicate, as defined within Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System (HS) Nomenclature, which encompasses inorganic chemicals. HS 283911 is a sub-classification of Heading 2839, which broadly covers silicates; commercial alkali metal silicates. The WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2839 clarify that this includes various forms of sodium silicates, often referred to as water glass, which are chemical compounds containing sodium, silicon, and oxygen. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system both align with this definition, classifying sodium metasilicate under this specific eight-digit code, distinguishing it from other silicates based on its sodium content.
What falls outside HS 283911?
The following products are excluded from HS 283911: silicates of other alkali metals, such as potassium silicates (classified under HS 283919), and silicates of non-alkali metals. Furthermore, complex silicates that are not simple alkali metal silicates, or those that have been further processed into articles or preparations, would also fall outside this subheading. For example, zeolites, which are complex aluminosilicates, are generally classified under HS 2842. Similarly, preparations containing sodium silicates, but where the sodium silicate is not the sole or principal component, would be classified according to their essential character under other headings, potentially in Chapter 38 if they are miscellaneous chemical products.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 283911?
A common error is misclassifying other alkali metal silicates, particularly potassium silicates, under HS 283911 due to a general understanding of "alkali metal silicates" without precise attention to the "Of sodium" specificity. Another frequent mistake involves classifying complex silicate preparations or mixtures where sodium silicate is present but not the defining component, rather than applying General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(b) to determine the essential character of the mixture. Importers might also incorrectly classify sodium silicate solutions or gels that have been further processed or mixed with other substances, failing to recognize that the chemical identity as a simple sodium silicate might have been altered or superseded by the preparation's function.
How should importers classify products under HS 283911?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 283911 involves first confirming the chemical identity as a sodium silicate, specifically disodium metasilicate, through chemical analysis or supplier documentation such as a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Importers and customs brokers should verify that the product is a pure or unmixed sodium silicate and not a preparation or mixture where other components define its character. Reference to the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2839 is crucial to understand the scope. Finally, cross-referencing with the specific national tariff schedule (e.g., USITC HTS or EU TARIC) for HS 283911 will ensure alignment with national interpretations and duty rates, which for the United States is 3.7% ad valorem for products from most favored nations (MFN).
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for HS code 2839.11 ('Of sodium') in the United States, and what preferential rates are available?
For imports into the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for Harmonized System (HS) code 2839.11, covering 'Silicates; commercial alkali metal silicates; of sodium', is 3.7% ad valorem, as per the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) 2024. However, significant preferential duty treatment is available under various free trade agreements and preference programs. For eligible goods, the duty rate can be 'Free' (0.00% ad valorem) when originating from countries party to agreements such as the USMCA (Mexico, Canada), CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica), and others. Importers should consult the HTSUS General Notes and specific trade agreement rules of origin to determine eligibility for these preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria for products under HS 2839.11, specifically 'Of sodium'?
HS code 2839.11 specifically covers 'Silicates; commercial alkali metal silicates; of sodium'. The primary classification criterion is the chemical composition: the product must be a silicate and contain sodium as its predominant alkali metal component. This typically includes various forms of sodium silicate, such as water glass. It's crucial to distinguish these from silicates of other alkali metals (e.g., potassium silicate, classified under 2839.19) or from more complex silicates that might fall under different chapters if they are, for example, mineral preparations or specific chemical compounds with other primary uses. The 'commercial' aspect implies that the silicates are generally in forms used in industrial applications, such as detergents, adhesives, or catalysts, rather than highly purified laboratory reagents, though the latter may still fall here if they meet the chemical definition.
What documentation is typically required to claim preferential duty rates for HS 2839.11 under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) when importing into the EU?
To claim preferential duty rates for HS 2839.11 ('Of sodium') when importing into the European Union, importers typically need to provide a valid proof of origin. This commonly takes the form of an EUR.1 movement certificate or an origin declaration (invoice declaration) made out by an approved exporter or for consignments below a certain value. The specific requirements depend on the FTA between the EU and the exporting country. For example, under the EU-Japan EPA, an origin declaration by the exporter is generally sufficient. It is essential that the goods meet the specific rules of origin outlined in the respective trade agreement, which often involve criteria related to the percentage of non-originating materials or specific manufacturing processes. Importers should consult the EU TARIC database and the specific FTA text for precise documentation and origin requirements.
What is the import duty rate for HS 2839.11 ('Of sodium') in the United Kingdom, and how does it compare to the EU's Common Customs Tariff?
As per the UK Global Tariff (UKGT) 2024, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for HS code 2839.11, covering 'Silicates; commercial alkali metal silicates; of sodium', is 0.00% ad valorem. This means that, for goods originating from countries without a specific trade agreement with the UK, no customs duty is applied. This contrasts with the EU's Common Customs Tariff (CCT), where the MFN duty rate for the same HS code is 3.7% ad valorem. This difference highlights the divergence in tariff schedules post-Brexit. Importers into the UK should always verify the current UKGT rates and any applicable preferential rates under UK's independent free trade agreements (e.g., with Australia, New Zealand, or existing continuity agreements) for eligible goods.
Are there any specific import restrictions or non-tariff barriers commonly associated with HS 2839.11 ('Of sodium')?
While HS 2839.11 ('Silicates; commercial alkali metal silicates; of sodium') generally does not face extensive import restrictions compared to certain hazardous chemicals, importers should be aware of potential non-tariff barriers or regulatory requirements. These can include compliance with chemical registration schemes (e.g., REACH in the EU and UK, TSCA in the US), safety data sheet (SDS) requirements, and proper labeling according to national or regional chemical safety regulations. Although sodium silicates are generally considered low-hazard, specific grades or concentrations might have handling or storage requirements. Furthermore, if the product is intended for use in specific regulated industries (e.g., food contact materials, pharmaceuticals), additional certifications or compliance with industry-specific standards may be necessary. It is advisable to consult the importing country's chemical regulatory authorities.