HS 284170 Molybdates
Quick Answer: HS 284170 covers molybdates, which are chemical compounds containing the molybdate anion, primarily used in catalysts, pigments, and corrosion inhibitors. For importers and customs brokers, understanding the specific type of molybdate is crucial due to varying tariff classifications. The UK Trade Tariff generally applies a 4.00% ad valorem duty rate. The EU TARIC system typically levies a 5.50% ad valorem duty. In the United States, duty rates vary significantly, ranging from 4.3% to 29% ad valorem, with many preferential programs offering duty-free entry (e.g., under A, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). Importers should verify the exact chemical composition and country of origin to determine the precise duty rate and eligibility for trade preference programs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2841700000 | — | — | — |
| 2841700090 | 4.00 % | — | — |
| 2841700030 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2841700000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2841700030 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2841700090 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2841701000 | 4.3% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg","Mo kg"] |
| 284170 | — | — | — |
| 2841705000 | 3.7% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg","Mo 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 2841.70?
Imports of Molybdates 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 284170 cover?
This subheading covers molybdates, which are salts of molybdic acid. Specifically, it encompasses chemical compounds where molybdenum is present as the molybdate anion (MoO4^2-). According to the Harmonized System Nomenclature, as interpreted by the World Customs Organization (WCO), and reflected in national tariffs such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC, this includes various forms of molybdates, such as ammonium dimolybdate, ammonium heptamolybdate (also known as ammonium paramolybdate), sodium molybdate, and calcium molybdate, provided they meet the purity requirements for Chapter 28 inorganic chemicals.
What falls outside HS 284170?
The following products are excluded from HS 284170: molybdenum oxides and hydroxides, which are classified under HS 2825.70, as they are not salts of molybdic acid. Additionally, molybdates that are specifically prepared as pigments, such as molybdenum orange (a lead chromate-molybdate pigment), are excluded and typically fall under Chapter 32 (e.g., HS 3206.49). Furthermore, mixtures containing molybdates that are prepared for specific uses, such as catalysts or fertilizers, where the molybdate is not the sole or principal component, would generally be classified under their respective functional headings in other chapters, based on their primary function or composition.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 284170?
A common error is misclassifying molybdenum oxides or hydroxides as molybdates, or vice versa. Importers sometimes confuse molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) with ammonium dimolybdate, leading to incorrect classification. Another mistake is failing to consider the specific use or formulation of a molybdate-containing product. For instance, a molybdate prepared as a pigment, even if chemically a molybdate, is specifically excluded from Chapter 28 by Chapter Note 1(a) and would be classified as a pigment under Chapter 32, often under HS 3206.49. Proper application of General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1 and 3 is crucial to avoid these errors, ensuring the product's chemical identity and primary function are accurately assessed.
How should importers classify products under HS 284170?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 284170 involves first verifying the chemical identity of the substance. Importers and customs brokers should obtain a detailed chemical analysis or Certificate of Analysis (CoA) confirming the presence of the molybdate anion (MoO4^2-) and its specific cation (e.g., ammonium, sodium, calcium). Next, confirm that the product is not specifically excluded by Chapter 28 notes or by explicit exclusion from Heading 2841, such as being a pigment or a specifically formulated mixture for another use. Finally, cross-reference the product description with the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2841 and Subheading 284170, along with national tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, to ensure precise alignment and compliance with all applicable classification rules.
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for molybdates (HS 284170) in key markets?
The MFN duty rates for molybdates (HS 284170) vary by importing country. For example, the United States applies a duty rate of 4.3% ad valorem, as per the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The European Union's TARIC database indicates a common customs tariff duty of 5.50% ad valorem. The UK Global Tariff also lists a duty rate of 5.50% ad valorem. Importers should always verify the current rates with the specific customs authority of the destination country or through official tariff databases like the USITC, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for molybdates (HS 284170) under free trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates, including 'Free' status, are available for molybdates (HS 284170) when imported from countries with which the importing nation has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or other preferential trade programs. For instance, in the United States, molybdates from 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 enter duty-free under various FTAs. Similarly, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) or other schemes might offer reduced or zero duties for eligible developing countries. Importers should consult the specific trade agreement rules of origin and provide the necessary documentation (e.g., certificate of origin) to claim preferential treatment.
What are the key classification criteria for molybdates under HS 284170?
HS 284170 specifically covers 'Molybdates.' This heading falls under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System, which deals with 'Inorganic chemicals; organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, of radioactive elements or of isotopes.' For a substance to be classified under 284170, it must be a salt of molybdic acid (H2MoO4). This includes various forms such as ammonium molybdate, sodium molybdate, and calcium molybdate. The classification hinges on the chemical composition confirming it as a molybdate, distinguishing it from other molybdenum compounds or unreacted molybdenum. Reference to the Explanatory Notes of the Harmonized System, particularly for Chapter 28 and heading 28.41, can provide further detailed guidance on the scope and interpretation.
What documentation is typically required for importing molybdates (HS 284170)?
Standard import documentation for molybdates (HS 284170) generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a customs declaration form. To claim preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement, a valid Certificate of Origin or equivalent declaration is essential. Depending on the specific application or end-use of the molybdate, additional documentation such as a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) may be required for hazard communication or regulatory compliance. For certain chemical imports, a chemical analysis report might also be requested by customs authorities to verify the product's identity and purity. Importers should confirm specific requirements with their customs broker or the customs authority in the country of importation.