HS 290361 Brominated or iodinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons

The MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty rates for products classified under HS 2903.61, 'Brominated or iodinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons,' vary by importing country. For example, the United States generally applies a 4.0% ad valorem duty rate, as per the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) 2024. The European Union's TARIC database indicates a 5.5% ad valorem duty rate for most third countries. The UK Global Tariff (UKGT) also lists a 5.5% ad valorem duty rate. Importers should always verify the current rates through the official customs tariff publications of the specific importing country (e.g., USITC HTSUS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff).

Yes, preferential duty rates may be available for HS 2903.61 depending on the country of origin and the trade agreements in force with the importing country. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), goods originating from Mexico or Canada and meeting the rules of origin criteria are typically eligible for a 'Free' duty rate when imported into the US. Similarly, goods originating from certain developing countries may qualify for duty-free treatment under Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programs, although specific product exclusions and country eligibility apply. Importers should consult the relevant trade agreement's rules of origin and the importing country's tariff schedule for specific preferential programs and their requirements.

HS 2903.61 specifically covers 'Brominated or iodinated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons.' The primary classification criteria are: 1) The chemical must be an organic compound. 2) It must be a derivative of an acyclic hydrocarbon, meaning its carbon skeleton does not form a ring structure. 3) The derivative must contain at least one bromine or iodine atom. This excludes fluorinated or chlorinated derivatives (which fall under other subheadings in 2903) and cyclic compounds. For example, 1,2-Dibromoethane would classify here, but Bromobenzene (a cyclic compound) would not. The World Customs Organization's Explanatory Notes to Chapter 29 provide further guidance on the precise chemical definitions and scope of these derivatives.

Standard import documentation for HS 2903.61 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. For chemical products, additional documentation is often required due to regulatory controls. This may include a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to provide information on potential hazards and safe handling, a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) to confirm the chemical composition and purity, and potentially a Certificate of Origin if preferential duty rates are claimed. Depending on the specific chemical and its end-use, permits or licenses from environmental or health agencies (e.g., EPA in the US, ECHA in the EU) might also be necessary. Importers should verify all specific requirements with their customs broker and the relevant regulatory bodies in the importing country.

While HS 2903.61 covers a broad category of chemical compounds, specific products within this subheading could potentially be subject to anti-dumping (AD) or countervailing duties (CVD) if investigations determine that they are being dumped or unfairly subsidized by exporting countries. These duties are product- and country-specific and are not inherent to the HS code itself. Importers must regularly check the official trade remedy databases of the importing country (e.g., US Department of Commerce, EU Commission's DG Trade) for any active AD/CVD orders that might apply to their specific chemical product and country of origin. Failure to account for these duties can result in significant penalties.