HS 284310 Colloidal precious metals
Quick Answer: HS code 284310 covers "Colloidal precious metals," which are fine dispersions of precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum in a liquid medium. These are distinct from bulk metals and are often used in specialized applications such as catalysts, electronics, medical diagnostics, and photography. Importers and customs brokers should note significant duty rate variations. In the UK, rates typically range from 2.00% to 4.00% ad valorem. The EU applies rates from 3.70% to 5.30% ad valorem. For the US, the general Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 6.5% ad valorem, but many products under this code are eligible for duty-free treatment under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and preference programs (e.g., A+, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). Accurate classification and origin determination are crucial to leverage these preferential rates.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2843100000 | — | — | — |
| 2843109000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 2843101000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2843100000 | — | — | — |
| 2843109000 | 3.70 % | — | — |
| 2843101000 | 5.30 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2843100000 | 5.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["g"] |
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 2843.10?
Imports of Colloidal precious metals 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 15 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 284310 cover?
This subheading covers colloidal precious metals, specifically referring to preparations where precious metals (such as gold, silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium, and ruthenium) are dispersed in a liquid or semi-liquid medium, typically water, in a finely divided state. These particles are usually between 1 and 1000 nanometers in size and remain suspended without settling due to Brownian motion and electrostatic repulsion. The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2843 clarify that this includes true colloidal solutions as well as suspensions of precious metals, provided they retain their colloidal characteristics. Examples include colloidal gold used in diagnostics and colloidal silver for various applications, as defined by the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC classifications.
What falls outside HS 284310?
The following products are excluded from HS 284310: amalgams of precious metals, which are classified under HS 284390, as they are alloys with mercury rather than colloidal dispersions. Furthermore, precious metals in other forms, such as powders, ingots, or articles of jewelry, are classified elsewhere in Chapter 71. For instance, unwrought gold is classified under HS 7108, and articles of jewelry under HS 7113. Preparations containing precious metals that are not in a colloidal state, or where the precious metal is not the primary constituent providing the essential character, would also be excluded, requiring careful consideration of the product's composition and function.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 284310?
A common error is misclassifying preparations containing precious metals that are not truly colloidal, or where the precious metal is present but not in a dispersed, suspended state. Importers sometimes incorrectly apply this subheading to solutions of precious metal salts (e.g., silver nitrate), which are chemical compounds and not elemental metals in colloidal form, and would typically fall under other subheadings within Chapter 28 or Chapter 29 depending on their chemical structure. Another mistake involves overlooking the specific particle size requirements for colloidal systems, leading to misclassification of simple suspensions or precipitates. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates classification by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial here.
How should importers classify products under HS 284310?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 284310 involves a thorough review of the product's chemical composition, physical state, and intended use. Importers and customs brokers should first confirm that the precious metal is indeed in a colloidal dispersion, typically requiring laboratory analysis or manufacturer's specifications detailing particle size and suspension characteristics. Consult the WCO HS Explanatory Notes for Heading 2843 for precise definitions and scope. Cross-reference with the USITC HTS and EU TARIC for any specific national or regional interpretative rulings. If there is any ambiguity, consider requesting a binding ruling from the relevant customs authority (e.g., CBP in the US) to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties or delays, providing detailed technical documentation.
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for HS 2843.10, 'Colloidal precious metals,' in key markets?
The MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rate for HS 2843.10 varies by importing country. For example, the United States generally applies a 3.7% ad valorem duty rate under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The European Union's TARIC database indicates a common customs tariff of 5.5% ad valorem. The UK Global Tariff also lists a 5.5% ad valorem duty. Importers should always verify the current rate with the official tariff schedule of the destination country, such as the USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff.
Which preferential trade agreements offer duty-free entry for 'Colloidal precious metals' under HS 2843.10?
Many preferential trade agreements provide duty-free entry for products classified under HS 2843.10, 'Colloidal precious metals,' provided the rules of origin are met. Examples of agreements offering 'Free' duty rates (often denoted as A+, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG in various tariff schedules) include: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Free Trade Agreements with Australia (AUFTA), Bahrain (BFTA), Chile (CLFTA), Colombia (COLFTA), Israel (ILFTA), Jordan (JOFTA), Korea (KORUS), Morocco (MAFTA), Oman (OMFTA), Panama (PAFTA), Peru (PETPA), and Singapore (SGFTA). Importers must ensure their goods meet the specific rules of origin criteria for the respective agreement to qualify for preferential treatment and provide the necessary certification of origin.
What are the key classification criteria for 'Colloidal precious metals' under HS 2843.10?
HS 2843.10 specifically covers 'Colloidal precious metals.' The primary classification criterion is that the precious metal (e.g., gold, silver, platinum, palladium) must be in a colloidal state. This means the metal particles are dispersed uniformly throughout another substance, typically a liquid, and are generally between 1 and 1000 nanometers in size, remaining suspended rather than settling out. This distinguishes them from solutions (where the metal is dissolved at an atomic/ionic level) or suspensions of larger particles. The WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 28 provide further guidance, emphasizing the physical state of the precious metal as the determining factor for this subheading.
What documentation is typically required for importing 'Colloidal precious metals' (HS 2843.10)?
Standard import documentation for HS 2843.10, 'Colloidal precious metals,' generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin. If claiming preferential duty rates under a free trade agreement, a valid certificate of origin or declaration of origin (e.g., a USMCA certification) is mandatory. Depending on the specific precious metal and its intended use, additional documentation such as a safety data sheet (SDS) may be required for hazard communication, or specific permits if the substance is subject to chemical control regulations (though less common for simple colloidal forms). Importers should consult the importing country's customs regulations for any specific chemical or environmental compliance documentation.