HS 284441 Radioactive elements and isotopes and compounds other than those of subheading 2844 10, 2844 20 or 2844 30; alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing these elements, isotopes or compounds; radioactive residues
Quick Answer: HS code 2844.41 encompasses a broad range of radioactive materials, specifically excluding those covered by subheadings 2844.10, 2844.20, or 2844.30. This includes radioactive elements, isotopes, and their compounds, as well as alloys, dispersions (like cermets), ceramic products, and mixtures containing these substances. Radioactive residues also fall under this classification. For importers and exporters, the primary duty rates across major jurisdictions are generally favorable. The UK and EU tariffs show a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate for all listed sub-classifications, while the US applies a "Free" duty rate. Despite the zero duty rates, trade in these products is highly regulated due to their radioactive nature. Importers and customs brokers must ensure strict compliance with national and international safety, security, and licensing requirements, including those from atomic energy agencies and environmental protection bodies. Proper documentation, permits, and specialized handling are critical for lawful movement across borders.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2844410000 | — | — | — |
| 2844419000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2844411000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2844410000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2844411000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2844419000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2844410000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
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.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 284441 cover?
This subheading covers radioactive elements, isotopes, and their compounds, specifically excluding those classified under subheadings 2844.10 (natural uranium and its compounds), 2844.20 (enriched uranium and its compounds; plutonium and its compounds), or 2844.30 (depleted uranium and its compounds; thorium and its compounds; alloys, dispersions, ceramic products, and mixtures containing these). It also encompasses alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products, and mixtures that contain these specified radioactive elements, isotopes, or compounds. Furthermore, radioactive residues, which are by-products of processes involving radioactive materials, are also classified here, as per the Explanatory Notes to Heading 2844 of the WCO Harmonized System Nomenclature and consistent with definitions found in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and EU TARIC.
What falls outside HS 284441?
The following products are excluded from HS 284441: natural uranium and its compounds (2844.10), enriched uranium and its compounds, and plutonium and its compounds (2844.20), as well as depleted uranium and its compounds, and thorium and its compounds, along with their associated alloys, dispersions, ceramic products, and mixtures (2844.30). For example, a ceramic fuel pellet containing enriched uranium would be classified under 2844.20, not 2844.41. Similarly, spent nuclear fuel containing primarily depleted uranium and thorium would fall under 2844.30. It is crucial to distinguish between the specific radioactive materials listed in the preceding subheadings and the broader "other" category of 2844.41.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 284441?
A common error is misclassifying radioactive materials that are specifically enumerated in subheadings 2844.10, 2844.20, or 2844.30 into 2844.41. Importers sometimes overlook the precise scope of these earlier subheadings, leading to incorrect placement of products like enriched uranium compounds or thorium alloys. Another mistake involves failing to correctly identify whether a product is a "dispersion (including cermets)," "ceramic product," or "mixture" containing radioactive elements, which are explicitly covered. Proper application of General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates classification according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is essential to avoid these errors and ensure accuracy.
How should importers classify products under HS 284441?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 284441 involves a systematic review of the product's composition and nature. Importers and customs brokers must first confirm that the radioactive element, isotope, or compound is *not* natural uranium, enriched uranium, plutonium, depleted uranium, or thorium, nor any of their specified compounds, alloys, dispersions, ceramic products, or mixtures. If the material is a radioactive element or isotope (e.g., Cobalt-60, Strontium-90) or a compound thereof, and it doesn't fall into the earlier subheadings, then 2844.41 is appropriate. Furthermore, any alloys, dispersions, ceramic products, mixtures, or radioactive residues containing these "other" radioactive materials should also be classified here. Always consult the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2844 and cross-reference with the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule or EU TARIC for definitive guidance.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for products classified under HS 2844.41 in major markets?
For products classified under HS 2844.41, which covers 'Radioactive elements and isotopes and compounds other than those of subheading 2844.10, 2844.20 or 2844.30; alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing these elements, isotopes or compounds; radioactive residues,' the MFN duty rate is generally 0.00% ad valorem in many major trading blocs. For instance, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) indicates a 'Free' rate for general column 1. Similarly, the EU TARIC and UK Global Tariff also typically show a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate for this specific subheading. Importers should always verify the current rate via the official tariff databases of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) as rates can be subject to change.
Are there any preferential duty rates available for HS 2844.41 under common trade agreements?
Yes, due to the generally 0.00% MFN duty rate for HS 2844.41 in many jurisdictions, preferential trade agreements typically also assign a 0.00% duty rate. For example, under agreements like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the EU's various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), or the UK's FTAs, goods originating from partner countries would also enter duty-free. While the duty rate may already be zero, proper documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, is still crucial to substantiate the claim of origin and ensure compliance with the agreement's rules of origin, even if no duty savings are realized.
What are the key classification criteria for products under HS 2844.41, distinguishing it from other subheadings within 2844?
HS 2844.41 specifically covers radioactive elements, isotopes, compounds, alloys, dispersions, ceramic products, and mixtures containing these, other than those specified in subheadings 2844.10 (natural uranium and its compounds, alloys, etc.), 2844.20 (enriched uranium and its compounds, alloys, etc.), or 2844.30 (depleted uranium and its compounds, thorium and its compounds, alloys, etc.). The primary classification criterion is the type of radioactive material and its form. If the material is not natural, enriched, or depleted uranium, or thorium, and it is radioactive, it will likely fall under 2844.41. This subheading acts as a residual category for other radioactive elements, isotopes, and their derivatives not elsewhere specified in the preceding subheadings of heading 2844. Accurate classification requires precise identification of the radioactive nuclide(s) present and their concentration.
What specific documentation and regulatory requirements are typically necessary for importing goods classified under HS 2844.41?
Importing goods under HS 2844.41 involves stringent regulatory oversight due to their radioactive nature. Beyond standard customs documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/air waybill), importers must comply with national and international regulations governing radioactive materials. This typically includes: 1) Licenses/Permits: Issued by national nuclear regulatory bodies (e.g., U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Euratom in the EU, UK Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR)). 2) Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Providing detailed information on the material's properties, hazards, and safe handling. 3) Certificates of Analysis: Confirming the composition and radioactivity levels. 4) Transport Documentation: Adhering to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material (SSR-6), which includes specific labeling, packaging (e.g., Type A, Type B packages), and declarations (e.g., Dangerous Goods Declaration). Importers should engage with relevant national authorities and specialized logistics providers well in advance of shipment.