HS 284610 Cerium compounds
Quick Answer: HS code 284610 covers cerium compounds, which are inorganic chemical compounds containing cerium. These include cerium oxides, chlorides, sulfates, and other salts, used in diverse applications such as catalysts, polishing agents, and in the manufacture of ceramics and glass. Importers and customs brokers should note the varying duty rates across major jurisdictions. In the UK, most cerium compounds under this heading are subject to a 0.00% ad valorem duty. The EU applies a 3.20% ad valorem duty. For the US, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 5.5% ad valorem, though many products from specific preferential trade agreement countries (e.g., Australia, Korea, Mexico) may enter duty-free. Products from non-market economy countries or those subject to specific trade remedies could face a 35% ad valorem rate. Careful classification and origin determination are crucial to leverage preferential tariffs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2846100010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2846100030 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2846100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2846100020 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 2846100090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2846100000 | 3.20 % | — | — |
| 2846100010 | 3.20 % | — | — |
| 2846100020 | 3.20 % | — | — |
| 2846100030 | 3.20 % | — | — |
| 2846100090 | 3.20 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28461000 | 5.5% | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 2846100050 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 2846100010 | — | — | ["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 2846.10?
Imports of Cerium compounds 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?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 284610 cover?
This subheading covers compounds of cerium, which is a rare-earth metal. Specifically, it encompasses various chemical compounds where cerium is a principal constituent, such as cerium oxides (e.g., cerium(IV) oxide, CeO2), cerium carbonates, cerium chlorides, and cerium nitrates. The scope is defined by the Harmonized System Nomenclature, which places specific rare-earth metal compounds, yttrium compounds, or scandium compounds, or mixtures of these metals, under Heading 2846. USITC HTSUS and EU TARIC classifications align with the WCO Explanatory Notes, confirming that this subheading is for pure or mixed cerium compounds, provided they are not otherwise specified in a more specific heading.
What falls outside HS 284610?
The following products are excluded from HS 284610: cerium metals in unworked or semi-worked forms, which are classified under Chapter 28, specifically Heading 2805, as rare-earth metals. Additionally, mixtures of cerium compounds with other rare-earth compounds are generally covered under Heading 2846, but if they form a specific chemical mixture with a distinct function or are prepared as medicaments, they would be classified elsewhere, for example, in Chapter 30 for pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, radioactive isotopes of cerium, such as Cerium-144, are excluded and fall under Heading 2844, which covers radioactive chemical elements and isotopes.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 284610?
A common error is misclassifying cerium metal as a cerium compound, or vice versa. Importers sometimes confuse pure cerium metal (HS 2805) with cerium oxide (HS 284610), which are distinct chemical forms. Another frequent mistake involves classifying complex mixtures containing cerium compounds under 284610 when a more specific heading exists based on the primary function or composition of the mixture, as per General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 3(a) or 3(b). For instance, a cerium compound formulated as a polishing agent might be more appropriately classified under Chapter 38 if it meets the criteria for prepared polishing preparations.
How should importers classify products under HS 284610?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 284610 involves first identifying the precise chemical nature of the product. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the product is indeed a chemical compound of cerium and not the elemental metal or an alloy. This requires reviewing chemical analysis reports, material safety data sheets (MSDS), and product specifications. Subsequently, confirm that no other more specific heading in the Harmonized System applies, particularly by consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2846 and cross-referencing with the USITC HTSUS or EU TARIC for any specific national rulings or interpretations. If the product is a pure cerium compound, 284610 is generally appropriate, subject to GRI 1.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 2846.10 (Cerium compounds) in major markets?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS 2846.10 can vary significantly by importing country. For instance, the United States generally applies a 'Free' (0.00% ad valorem) MFN duty rate for cerium compounds under HTSUS subheading 2846.10.00. The European Union's TARIC database also indicates a 0.00% ad valorem duty rate for imports of cerium compounds. However, other countries may apply different rates; for example, some jurisdictions might have MFN rates around 3.20% or even 5.5%. It is crucial for importers to verify the specific duty rate applicable in the destination country using their official customs tariff database (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff).
Are there any preferential duty rates available for cerium compounds under HS 2846.10 through free trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates are frequently available for cerium compounds (HS 2846.10) when imported under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes. For example, imports into the United States from countries party to agreements such as CAFTA-DR, USMCA, or FTAs with 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) often qualify for 'Free' (0.00%) duty rates, provided the goods meet the respective rules of origin. Importers should consult the specific FTA text and their customs broker to ensure compliance with origin requirements and proper documentation (e.g., a certificate of origin) to claim preferential treatment.
What are the key classification criteria for cerium compounds under HS 2846.10?
HS code 2846.10 specifically covers 'Cerium compounds.' The primary classification criterion is the chemical composition, meaning the product must be a compound where cerium is a constituent element. This subheading falls under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System, which covers 'Inorganic chemicals; organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare-earth metals, of radioactive elements or of isotopes.' Importers must ensure that the product is indeed a chemical compound of cerium, rather than a mixture containing cerium, a cerium alloy, or uncompounded cerium metal, which would classify elsewhere. For complex or mixed products, a chemical analysis report or a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) can be vital documentation to support the classification.
What documentation is typically required for importing cerium compounds (HS 2846.10)?
Standard import documentation for HS 2846.10 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. To claim preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement, a valid certificate of origin or origin declaration is essential. Depending on the specific cerium compound and its end-use, additional regulatory documentation might be required. For instance, if the compound is considered hazardous, a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is often mandatory. Furthermore, some rare-earth compounds might be subject to specific chemical control regulations (e.g., TSCA in the US, REACH in the EU) requiring pre-market notification or registration. Importers should consult with their customs broker and relevant regulatory agencies to ensure all necessary permits and declarations are in place.
Are there any anti-dumping or countervailing duties (AD/CVD) that could apply to cerium compounds under HS 2846.10?
While HS 2846.10 (Cerium compounds) itself is not universally subject to AD/CVD measures, these duties can be country-specific and product-specific. For example, certain rare-earth compounds or products containing them, originating from specific countries, have historically been subject to AD/CVD investigations or orders in various markets (e.g., the US, EU). Importers must regularly check the official trade remedy databases of the importing country (e.g., US Department of Commerce, EU Commission's DG Trade) to determine if any active AD/CVD orders apply to cerium compounds from their specific country of origin. Failure to account for applicable AD/CVD can result in significant penalties and retroactive duty assessments.