HS 285290 Other
Quick Answer: HS code 285290, "Other," serves as a residual classification within Chapter 28 for inorganic compounds of mercury, excluding amalgams. This code covers various mercury compounds not specifically enumerated in other subheadings under 2852. For importers and exporters, understanding the specific chemical composition is crucial for accurate classification. Duty rates vary significantly by jurisdiction: the UK applies a 0.00% ad valorem rate, while the EU levies 5.50%. In the US, rates range from Free to 25% or 3% ad valorem, depending on the specific product and applicable trade agreements or exclusions. Given mercury's hazardous nature, trade in these products is subject to stringent environmental and health regulations, including potential import/export licensing and restrictions under international conventions like the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Importers and customs brokers must verify compliance with all national and international chemical control laws.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2852900000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2852900000 | 5.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2852900500 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 285290 | — | — | — |
| 2852909000 | 3% | 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 2852.90?
Imports of Other 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?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 285290 cover?
This subheading covers all inorganic and organic compounds of mercury, other than those specifically provided for in subheading 2852.10. It acts as a residual category for mercury compounds not falling under the "chemically defined" provision of 2852.10, encompassing a broad range of mercury derivatives. This includes, but is not limited to, mercury salts, organomercury compounds, and other complex mercury-containing substances that are not pure, isolated, or specifically enumerated elsewhere in the Harmonized System. The WCO HS Explanatory Notes for Heading 2852 clarify that this heading covers all compounds of mercury, whether inorganic or organic, provided they are not specifically excluded by other headings.
What falls outside HS 285290?
The following products are excluded from HS 285290: chemically defined mercury compounds presented in pure form, which are specifically classified under HS 2852.10. For example, pure mercuric chloride (calomel) or pure methylmercury chloride, if chemically defined and isolated, would fall under 2852.10. Additionally, amalgams, which are alloys of mercury with other metals, are classified under Heading 2853, specifically 2853.90. Mercury metal itself, in its elemental form, is classified under Heading 2805. Products containing mercury as an incidental component within a mixture or preparation, where the mercury compound is not the primary constituent or focus, would be classified according to the nature of the mixture or preparation, often in other chapters.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 285290?
A common error is misclassifying chemically defined mercury compounds under 285290 when they should be under 2852.10. Importers often overlook the distinction between "chemically defined" and "other" compounds, leading to incorrect assignments. Another frequent mistake involves classifying mercury-containing mixtures or preparations, where the mercury compound is not the principal component, directly into 285290 instead of classifying the mixture according to its essential character (GRI 3(b)). For instance, a pharmaceutical preparation containing a mercury compound as an active ingredient would typically fall under Chapter 30, not 285290, unless the mercury compound is being imported in bulk as a raw material.
How should importers classify products under HS 285290?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 285290 involves first determining if the mercury compound is chemically defined and presented in pure form. If it is, it belongs in 2852.10. If it is a mercury compound that is not chemically defined, or is a mixture where the mercury compound is the primary constituent but not pure, then 285290 is appropriate. Importers and customs brokers should meticulously review product specifications, chemical analyses, and safety data sheets (SDS) to ascertain the exact chemical identity and purity. Consulting the WCO HS Explanatory Notes for Heading 2852 is crucial, along with official guidance from the USITC (Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States) or EU TARIC, to ensure accurate classification based on the General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs).
Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) import duty rate for HS 2852.90 in the United States, and are there any common preferential rates?
For imports into the United States, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for Harmonized System (HS) subheading 2852.90.00, covering 'Other' inorganic or organic compounds of mercury, is 3.7% ad valorem under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). This rate applies to goods from countries with which the U.S. has normal trade relations. Preferential rates may apply under various free trade agreements. For example, goods originating from countries party to agreements like USMCA (Canada and Mexico), CAFTA-DR, or certain Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) beneficiary countries may be eligible for a Free duty rate, provided all rules of origin and other program requirements are met. Importers should consult the latest HTSUS and relevant trade agreement texts to confirm eligibility and specific requirements.
How is 'Other' (HS 2852.90) distinguished from other mercury compounds within heading 2852, and what are key classification considerations?
HS subheading 2852.90, 'Other,' serves as a residual category for mercury compounds that are not specifically provided for in HS subheading 2852.10 (mercury compounds of a chemical defined in note 2 to chapter 28) or 2852.50 (other mercury compounds). The primary classification consideration is the specific chemical identity of the mercury compound. If the compound is not explicitly listed or described in the more specific subheadings of 2852, and it is indeed an inorganic or organic compound of mercury, it would fall under 2852.90. Importers must ensure they have precise chemical descriptions, CAS numbers, and potentially Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to accurately determine if a mercury compound fits this 'Other' category or a more specific one. The WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 28 provide further guidance on the scope of chemical classifications.
What specific documentation is required for importing goods classified under HS 2852.90, especially concerning safety and environmental regulations?
Given that HS 2852.90 covers mercury compounds, which are often hazardous, importers must be prepared for stringent documentation requirements beyond standard customs entry paperwork (e.g., commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/air waybill). Key additional documentation may include: Safety Data Sheets (SDS) detailing chemical properties, hazards, and safe handling; Certificates of Analysis (CoA) confirming the chemical composition and purity; and compliance with specific environmental and health regulations. In the U.S., this may involve compliance with the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) administered by the EPA, requiring specific import certifications or notifications. Depending on the end-use, permits or licenses from agencies like the FDA or DEA might also be necessary. Importers should consult with a licensed customs broker and relevant regulatory agencies well in advance of shipment.
Which major trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty treatment for products under HS 2852.90, and what are the implications for origin rules?
Several major trade agreements can offer preferential duty treatment for goods classified under HS 2852.90. For U.S. imports, significant agreements include the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), which typically provides for a Free duty rate for qualifying goods. Similar 'Free' rates are often available under agreements such as CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement), KORUS (U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement), and various other bilateral FTAs. The critical implication for importers is the strict adherence to the Rules of Origin specified within each agreement. For chemical products like those in 2852.90, rules often involve a change in tariff classification (e.g., a change from a non-originating material to the finished good's HS heading) or a regional value content (RVC) requirement, specifying a minimum percentage of originating materials or processing. Importers must maintain meticulous records to substantiate origin claims and be prepared to provide a Certificate of Origin or similar declaration.