HS 284443 Other radioactive elements and isotopes and compounds; other alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing these elements, isotopes or compounds
Quick Answer: HS code 284443 encompasses a specialized range of products: radioactive elements, isotopes, and their compounds, along with alloys, dispersions (like cermets), ceramic products, and mixtures containing these materials. Essentially, it covers various forms of radioactive substances and items incorporating them, excluding nuclear fuel elements. For importers and exporters, a notable trade consideration is the consistent application of a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate across major jurisdictions. The UK Trade Tariff, EU TARIC, and US Harmonized Tariff Schedule all list "Free" or 0.00% for the primary tariff lines under 284443. This indicates a general absence of direct customs duties. However, trade in these goods is subject to stringent regulatory controls, licensing, and safety requirements due to their radioactive nature, necessitating meticulous compliance beyond just tariff classification.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2844430000 | — | — | — |
| 2844432000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2844431000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2844438000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2844430000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2844431000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2844432000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2844438000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2844430021 | — | — | ["GBq"] |
| 2844430050 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 28444300 | Free | — | — |
| 2844430010 | — | — | ["GBq"] |
| 2844430028 | — | — | ["GBq"] |
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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 284443 cover?
This subheading covers radioactive elements, isotopes, and their compounds, specifically excluding those of uranium, thorium, or plutonium, which are classified elsewhere within Heading 2844. It also encompasses alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products, and mixtures that contain these "other" radioactive elements, isotopes, or compounds. According to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) for Heading 2844, this includes a broad range of radioactive materials used in medical, industrial, and research applications, such as Cobalt-60, Strontium-90, and Americium-241, provided they are not specifically excluded by other subheadings under 2844. The scope is defined by the WCO HS nomenclature and reflected in national tariffs like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC system.
What falls outside HS 284443?
The following products are excluded from HS 284443: natural uranium and its compounds, alloys, dispersions, and mixtures (classified under 2844.10); enriched uranium, depleted uranium, plutonium, and thorium, along with their respective compounds, alloys, dispersions, and mixtures (classified under 2844.20 and 2844.30). Furthermore, spent (irradiated) fuel elements of nuclear reactors are specifically excluded from Heading 2844 entirely and are classified under 8401.30. Certain radioactive waste materials, depending on their composition and form, might also fall outside this subheading if they are more specifically described elsewhere, for instance, as machinery or apparatus incorporating radioactive sources.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 284443?
A common error is misclassifying radioactive materials based solely on their radioactivity rather than their specific elemental composition or form. For instance, enriched uranium, even if in a compound form, must be classified under 2844.20, not 2844.43, as per the specific provisions of the subheadings. Another frequent mistake involves overlooking the "other alloys, dispersions..." clause, leading to the incorrect classification of composite materials containing these radioactive elements. Importers sometimes fail to apply General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, leading to misinterpretations when a more specific subheading exists for a particular radioactive element.
How should importers classify products under HS 284443?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 284443 involves a meticulous review of the product's exact chemical composition, specifically identifying the radioactive element or isotope present. Importers and customs brokers must first confirm that the radioactive material is *not* uranium, thorium, or plutonium, nor spent nuclear fuel. Subsequently, they should ascertain if the product is a pure element, isotope, compound, or one of the specified forms like an alloy, dispersion, ceramic product, or mixture. Consulting the WCO HS Explanatory Notes for Heading 2844 is crucial to understand the scope and exclusions. In cases of doubt, seeking a binding ruling from the relevant customs authority (e.g., CBP in the US, national customs in the EU) is highly recommended to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the import duty rate for products classified under HS 2844.43 in major markets?
For products classified under Harmonized System (HS) subheading 2844.43, which covers 'Other radioactive elements and isotopes and compounds; other alloys, dispersions (including cermets), ceramic products and mixtures containing these elements, isotopes or compounds,' the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates are generally 0.00% ad valorem in many major trading blocs. For instance, the United States (USITC HTSUS), the European Union (TARIC), and the United Kingdom (UK Trade Tariff) all apply a 0.00% ad valorem MFN duty rate to goods under this subheading. This effectively means these goods are 'Free' of ordinary customs duties upon import from countries enjoying MFN status.
What are the key classification criteria for HS 2844.43, and how does it differ from other subheadings within 2844?
HS 2844.43 specifically covers 'other' radioactive elements, isotopes, and their compounds, as well as alloys, dispersions, ceramic products, and mixtures containing these 'other' radioactive materials. The crucial distinction lies in the term 'other,' meaning it excludes fissile chemical elements and isotopes (like uranium-233, uranium-235, plutonium) and their compounds (classified under 2844.20), and radioactive elements and isotopes (like cobalt-60, radium, strontium-90) and their compounds (classified under 2844.30). Classification under 2844.43 requires that the radioactive material is not specifically enumerated in 2844.20 or 2844.30, and it must be in one of the forms described (elements, isotopes, compounds, alloys, dispersions, ceramic products, or mixtures). Importers must accurately identify the specific radioactive substance and its form to ensure correct classification, referencing the WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 28.
What specific documentation is required for importing goods under HS 2844.43, beyond standard customs declarations?
Due to the radioactive nature of goods under HS 2844.43, importers will require significant specialized documentation in addition to standard commercial invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading/air waybills. Key requirements often include: 1. Licenses/Permits: Import licenses issued by national nuclear regulatory authorities (e.g., Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in the US, Euratom in the EU) are almost always mandatory. 2. Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Detailing the radioactive properties, handling precautions, and emergency procedures. 3. Certificates of Analysis/Origin: Confirming the specific radioactive isotope, its activity, and origin. 4. Transport Documents: Compliance with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material (e.g., UN numbers, proper shipping names, package type certifications). 5. End-Use Certificates: In some cases, to ensure the material is used for its declared purpose (e.g., medical, industrial, research) and not diverted. Importers should consult the specific national regulatory bodies of the importing country well in advance of shipment.
Are there any common trade agreements that offer preferential duty rates for HS 2844.43, given the MFN rate is already 0.00%?
While the MFN duty rate for HS 2844.43 is already 0.00% ad valorem in many major economies, meaning there is no ordinary customs duty to reduce, trade agreements can still be relevant. Preferential trade agreements (FTAs) typically aim to reduce or eliminate duties. In this specific case, since the MFN rate is 'Free,' there is no further duty reduction benefit to be gained from an FTA regarding the ordinary customs duty. However, FTAs can still offer other non-tariff benefits, such as simplified customs procedures, reduced administrative burdens, or specific rules of origin that might be relevant for other aspects of trade. For goods under 2844.43, the primary focus for importers should remain on compliance with regulatory requirements (licenses, safety standards) rather than duty rate reductions through FTAs, as the duty is already zero.