HS 284910 Of calcium
Quick Answer: HS code 284910 covers calcium carbides, which are chemical compounds of calcium and carbon, primarily used in the production of acetylene gas and as a desulfurizing agent in the steel industry. For importers and customs brokers, understanding the varying duty rates is crucial. The UK applies a 4.00% ad valorem duty, while the EU's TARIC system shows a 5.50% ad valorem rate. In the United States, the general duty rate is 1.8% ad valorem, with numerous preferential programs offering duty-free treatment (e.g., under A*, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). Importers should verify eligibility for these programs to optimize landed costs. Exporters should be aware of these differing import duties when pricing products for international markets.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2849100000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2849100000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2849100000 | 1.8% | Free (17 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 2849.10?
Imports of Of calcium 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 284910 cover?
This subheading covers calcium carbides, which are chemical compounds of calcium and carbon. Specifically, it encompasses all forms of calcium carbide (CaC2), regardless of purity or physical state, provided they meet the general definition of carbides as compounds containing carbon and one or more metallic elements. The WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Heading 2849 explicitly include calcium carbide, distinguishing it from other carbides of metals or non-metals. Official tariff schedules, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC, align with this definition, classifying calcium carbide under this specific subheading.
What falls outside HS 284910?
The following products are excluded from HS 284910: carbides of other metals, such as silicon carbide (classified under 2849.20), tungsten carbide (2849.90), or boron carbide (2849.90). Furthermore, carbon compounds that are not true carbides, such as calcium carbonate (2836.50.00) or calcium cyanide (2837.19.00), are also excluded, as they do not possess the characteristic chemical structure of a carbide. Mixtures containing calcium carbide where another component imparts the essential character of the mixture would also be classified elsewhere, often under a more specific heading for the predominant component, following General Interpretative Rule 3(b).
What are common classification mistakes for HS 284910?
A common error is misclassifying other calcium compounds or carbides of different metals as calcium carbide. For instance, confusing calcium carbonate, a common mineral, with calcium carbide due to the shared "calcium" component is a frequent mistake. Another error involves classifying complex mixtures containing calcium carbide under this subheading when the essential character is provided by another constituent, violating General Interpretative Rule 3(b). Importers sometimes also fail to distinguish between calcium carbide and other carbides like silicon carbide, which falls under 2849.20, leading to incorrect duty rates and potential compliance issues. Accurate chemical identification is paramount to avoid these pitfalls.
How should importers classify products under HS 284910?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 284910 involves first confirming the chemical identity of the product as calcium carbide (CaC2). Importers and customs brokers should obtain a detailed chemical analysis or a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from the manufacturer to verify the compound. Next, consult the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for Chapter 28 and Heading 2849 to ensure the product aligns with the official definition. Finally, cross-reference with the specific national tariff schedule (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) to confirm the 8-digit or 10-digit subheading. If any doubt exists, consider requesting a binding tariff information (BTI) ruling from the relevant customs authority to ensure legal certainty and avoid penalties.
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for HS code 2849.10 ('Of calcium')?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates for products classified under HS 2849.10 ('Carbides; of calcium') can vary significantly by importing country. For instance, the United States Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) may list an MFN (General) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem. The European Union's TARIC database might show a Common Customs Tariff (CCT) duty rate of 5.5% ad valorem, while the UK Global Tariff could apply a rate of 4.0% ad valorem. Importers should always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the precise and current MFN duty rate, as these are subject to change.
Are there preferential duty rates available for calcium carbides (HS 2849.10) under common trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates, including 'Free' status, are often available for calcium carbides (HS 2849.10) when imported from countries that have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or other preferential trade programs with the importing nation. For example, in the United States, imports from countries like 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) may be eligible for duty-free treatment under their respective FTAs, provided all rules of origin requirements are met. Similarly, the EU and UK have various agreements (e.g., GSP, specific FTAs) that could offer reduced or zero duties. Importers must ensure they have valid Certificates of Origin or other required documentation to claim these preferential rates.
What are the key classification criteria for products under HS 2849.10 'Of calcium'?
HS 2849.10 specifically covers 'Carbides; of calcium,' commonly known as calcium carbide. The primary classification criterion is the chemical composition, confirming it is indeed calcium carbide (CaC2). This heading 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.' The product must be identifiable as calcium carbide, typically in solid form (e.g., lumps, granules, powder). Its intended use (e.g., for acetylene generation, desulfurization in steelmaking) does not alter its classification under this specific subheading, as the chemical identity is paramount. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes for heading 28.49 provide further guidance on the scope of carbides.
What documentation is typically required for importing calcium carbide (HS 2849.10)?
Standard import documentation for calcium carbide (HS 2849.10) includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Due to its chemical nature, a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is almost universally required by customs and regulatory agencies to ensure safe handling and transport. If claiming preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement, a Certificate of Origin (e.g., USMCA Certificate of Origin, EUR.1 movement certificate) is mandatory. Depending on the importing country's specific chemical regulations, additional permits, licenses, or declarations related to hazardous materials or chemical control laws (e.g., TSCA in the US, REACH in the EU) may also be necessary. Importers should verify all national and local requirements prior to shipment.