HS 284210 Double or complex silicates, including aluminosilicates whether or not chemically defined
Quick Answer: HS Code 2842.10 covers double or complex silicates, including aluminosilicates, whether or not chemically defined. This broad category encompasses various inorganic chemical compounds used in diverse industries, such as ceramics, catalysts, and water treatment. For importers and exporters, understanding the specific sub-classification is crucial due to significant duty rate variations. The UK Trade Tariff generally applies a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate for most entries under this heading. Conversely, the EU TARIC system typically levies a 5.50% ad valorem duty. The US Harmonized Tariff Schedule shows a 3.7% ad valorem Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate, but also lists a 25% rate for certain countries and offers duty-free treatment under various Free Trade Agreements (e.g., A+, AU, BH, CL, CO, KR). Importers should verify the exact product composition and origin to leverage preferential tariffs and ensure compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2842100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2842100020 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2842100060 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2842100010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2842100050 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2842100000 | — | — | — |
| 2842100010 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2842100020 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2842100050 | 5.50 % | — | — |
| 2842100060 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2842100000 | 3.7% | Free (18 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 2842.10?
Imports of Double or complex silicates, including aluminosilicates whether or not chemically defined 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, and 16 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?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 284210 cover?
This subheading covers double or complex silicates, including aluminosilicates, whether or not they are chemically defined. This specifically refers to salts where silicic acid forms a complex anion with another metal, or where two different metal cations are present in the silicate structure. The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2842 clarify that this includes a wide range of inorganic chemical compounds, such as certain zeolites (natural or synthetic), feldspars, and other complex mineral silicates, provided they meet the chemical definition of a double or complex silicate. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC system align with this interpretation, encompassing various industrial and laboratory chemicals.
What falls outside HS 284210?
The following products are excluded from HS 284210: simple silicates, which are classified under other specific subheadings within Chapter 28, such as sodium silicates (2839.11) or potassium silicates (2839.90). Furthermore, natural mineral products that are not chemically defined complex silicates, even if they contain silicates, are generally classified in Chapter 25 or 26, depending on their form and use (e.g., clays of heading 2508, or certain ores). Ceramic products, glass, and articles made from silicates are classified in Chapters 69 and 70, respectively, as they are manufactured articles rather than the raw chemical compounds themselves, falling outside the scope of inorganic chemicals.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 284210?
A common error is misclassifying simple silicates as complex silicates, or vice versa, due to an incomplete understanding of their chemical structure. For instance, a simple sodium silicate solution, while containing silicon and oxygen, lacks the "double or complex" cation or anionic structure required for 284210 and would correctly fall under 2839.11. Another frequent mistake involves classifying natural mineral mixtures containing aluminosilicates, but not being pure or chemically defined complex silicates, under this subheading when they should be classified as natural minerals in Chapter 25. Proper application of General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates classification by the terms of the headings and section or chapter notes, is crucial to avoid such errors.
How should importers classify products under HS 284210?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 284210 involves a thorough chemical analysis and understanding of the product's precise composition and structure. Importers and customs brokers should first verify if the product is indeed a double or complex silicate, or an aluminosilicate, and whether it is chemically defined. Consulting the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2842 is essential for detailed guidance. If uncertainty persists, obtaining a binding ruling from the relevant customs authority (e.g., CBP in the US, HMRC in the UK, or national customs administrations in the EU) is highly recommended. This proactive approach ensures compliance and mitigates the risk of penalties or delays due to misclassification, providing legal certainty for trade operations.
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FAQ
What are the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS code 2842.10 in major markets?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS code 2842.10, covering 'Double or complex silicates, including aluminosilicates whether or not chemically defined,' vary by importing country. For example, the United States generally applies a duty rate of 3.7% ad valorem under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The European Union's TARIC database indicates a common customs tariff duty rate of 5.50% ad valorem. The UK Global Tariff also lists a duty rate of 5.50% ad valorem. Importers should always consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the most current and accurate MFN rate, as these can be subject to change.
Which preferential trade agreements offer duty-free treatment for products classified under HS 2842.10?
Many preferential trade agreements provide duty-free access for products classified under HS 2842.10. For imports into the United States, duty-free treatment (0.00% ad valorem) is available under various agreements and preference programs, including but not limited to: Australia Free Trade Agreement (AU), Bahrain Free Trade Agreement (BH), Chile Free Trade Agreement (CL), Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CO), Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA, D), Israel Free Trade Agreement (IL), Jordan Free Trade Agreement (JO), Korea Free Trade Agreement (K, KR), Morocco Free Trade Agreement (MA), Oman Free Trade Agreement (OM), Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (P, PA), Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PE), Singapore Free Trade Agreement (SG), and others designated with 'A+' status. Importers must ensure they meet the rules of origin and provide proper documentation (e.g., a certificate of origin) to claim these preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria for 'Double or complex silicates, including aluminosilicates' under HS 2842.10?
The classification under HS 2842.10 specifically covers 'Double or complex silicates, including aluminosilicates whether or not chemically defined.' The primary criterion is the chemical composition, focusing on silicates that contain two or more different cations (e.g., sodium and aluminum in sodium aluminosilicate) or complex structures. This heading includes natural and synthetic aluminosilicates, such as zeolites, which are widely used as molecular sieves, catalysts, and ion-exchangers. The 'whether or not chemically defined' aspect means that both pure, stoichiometric compounds and mixtures or ill-defined compounds falling within this chemical family are included. Importers should provide detailed chemical analysis, material safety data sheets (MSDS), and product specifications to customs authorities to support accurate classification, especially to differentiate from simpler silicates (e.g., in Chapter 28, heading 2839 for silicates) or other inorganic compounds.
Are there any specific documentation requirements or regulatory considerations for importing aluminosilicates under HS 2842.10?
Beyond standard import documentation such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading/air waybills, importers of products under HS 2842.10 should be prepared to provide detailed chemical specifications or technical data sheets. For certain applications, particularly if the aluminosilicates are intended for use in food contact materials, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetics, additional regulatory compliance documentation may be required by agencies like the FDA in the U.S. or REACH regulations in the EU/UK. While HS 2842.10 itself doesn't typically trigger extensive specific permits unless the material has hazardous properties (which would be covered by broader chemical regulations), proving the exact chemical identity and intended use can be crucial for classification and demonstrating compliance with other national product safety or environmental regulations. Always verify with the relevant national regulatory bodies for specific end-use requirements.