HS 293190 Other

Quick Answer: HS code 293190, "Other," encompasses a diverse range of organo-inorganic compounds not specifically classified elsewhere within Chapter 29. These are complex chemical compounds containing at least one carbon atom and at least one bond between carbon and a non-metal or metal atom other than hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur. Given its residual nature, this heading covers a broad spectrum of specialized chemicals, often used as intermediates in pharmaceutical, agricultural, or industrial synthesis. Duty rates vary significantly by jurisdiction and specific product. In the UK, common rates are 6.00% ad valorem. The EU generally applies a 6.50% ad valorem rate. The US exhibits a wider range, from Free to complex compound rates like 15.4¢/kg + 68.5% ad valorem, or simpler 6.5% ad valorem. Importers and customs brokers must meticulously classify specific products under the correct 8- or 10-digit subheading to determine the precise duty and ensure compliance, as misclassification can lead to penalties.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2931900000
2931900023 6.00 %
2931900030 6.00 %
2931900040 6.00 %
2931900048 6.00 %

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2931900028 6.50 %
2931900000
2931900015 6.50 %
2931900023 6.50 %
2931900030 6.50 %

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
2931900500 Free ["kg"]
2931909010 ["kg"]
2931901000 6.5% Free (17 programs) ["kg"]
293190 []
29319090 3.7% Free (18 programs)

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 2931.90?

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, and 17 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

US$500.5M
ImportsExports

How to Classify This HS Code?

What products does HS 293190 cover?

This subheading covers other organo-inorganic compounds, which are chemical compounds containing at least one carbon atom and at least one atom of a non-metal other than hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur, directly bonded to a metal or metalloid element. Specifically, 2931.90 encompasses those organo-inorganic compounds not specifically provided for in subheading 2931.10 (which covers tetramethyltin and tetrabutyltin). This broad "other" category within Heading 2931, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature and reflected in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the EU TARIC, includes a diverse range of complex organic compounds containing elements such as silicon, phosphorus, arsenic, or selenium, where the organic radical is directly linked to the inorganic element.

What falls outside HS 293190?

The following products are excluded from HS 293190: organo-metallic compounds where the metal is directly bonded to carbon, which are classified under Heading 2931.10 if they are tetramethyltin or tetrabutyltin. Furthermore, simple inorganic compounds, even if they contain carbon (e.g., carbonates, carbides, carbon oxides), are excluded and typically fall under Chapter 28. Polymers and plastics, even if derived from organo-inorganic monomers, are generally classified in Chapter 39. Medicaments containing organo-inorganic compounds, put up in measured doses or for retail sale, are classified in Heading 3004. Similarly, pesticides and other agrochemical products containing these compounds, formulated for specific uses, are classified in Chapter 38, specifically Heading 3808, rather than as bulk chemicals in Chapter 29.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 293190?

A common error is misclassifying organo-metallic compounds that are specifically enumerated elsewhere within Heading 2931, such as tetramethyltin and tetrabutyltin, which belong in 2931.10, into the residual 2931.90. Another frequent mistake involves confusing organo-inorganic compounds with simple inorganic compounds containing carbon, or with complex organic compounds that do not feature a direct carbon-to-non-metal (other than H, O, N, S) or carbon-to-metal/metalloid bond. Importers sometimes overlook the specific functional group or elemental composition, leading to incorrect placement. Applying General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial to avoid these errors, ensuring the precise chemical structure is thoroughly analyzed against the nomenclature.

How should importers classify products under HS 293190?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 293190 involves a meticulous review of the chemical structure and composition. Importers and customs brokers should first ascertain if the compound is an organo-inorganic compound, meaning it contains at least one carbon atom directly bonded to a non-metal other than hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur, or to a metal/metalloid. Next, confirm that the compound is not specifically provided for in subheading 2931.10 (tetramethyltin or tetrabutyltin). Finally, verify that the product is not excluded by Chapter 29 notes or by more specific headings elsewhere in the HTSUS/TARIC, such as medicaments (Chapter 30) or agrochemicals (Chapter 38). Consulting a qualified chemical expert and referencing official WCO Explanatory Notes for Heading 2931 is highly recommended to ensure accurate classification and compliance.

Which HS Codes Are Related?

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What is the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS 2931.90 in key markets, and are there common preferential rates?

The MFN duty rate for HS 2931.90 ('Other' organo-inorganic compounds) varies significantly by importing country. For instance, the United States (under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, HTSUS) generally applies an MFN (General) duty rate of 6.5% ad valorem. The European Union (EU TARIC) typically applies an MFN duty rate of 6.5% ad valorem for this subheading. The United Kingdom Global Tariff (UKGT) also lists a 6.5% ad valorem MFN rate. However, preferential duty rates are widely available under various free trade agreements (FTAs) or Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes. For example, under certain FTAs, the duty rate could be 'Free'. Importers should consult the specific trade agreement and country of origin rules to determine eligibility for reduced or zero duties. For example, goods originating from countries with which the US has an FTA (e.g., USMCA, CAFTA-DR) or that qualify under GSP may enter duty-free or at a reduced rate, provided all rules of origin are met and proper documentation is submitted.

What are the key classification criteria for products under HS 2931.90, especially considering its 'Other' designation?

HS 2931.90 is the residual subheading for 'Other' organo-inorganic compounds within heading 29.31. This means that products are classified here if they are organo-inorganic compounds (i.e., compounds whose molecules contain at least one carbon atom and at least one atom of silicon, phosphorus, tin, or other non-metals or metals other than carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, directly linked to carbon), but are not specifically provided for in subheadings 2931.10 through 2931.49 (e.g., specific organo-phosphorus, organo-tin, or organo-silicon compounds). The primary classification criteria involve a detailed chemical analysis of the compound's structure to confirm the presence of the required organo-inorganic bond and to ensure it does not fall under a more specific subheading within 29.31 or another chapter of the Harmonized System. Importers should have detailed chemical names, CAS numbers, and structural formulas readily available to support classification.

What specific documentation is required for importing products classified under HS 2931.90, beyond standard customs documents?

Beyond standard import documentation such as the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill, importers of products under HS 2931.90 may face additional requirements due to the chemical nature of these goods. Depending on the specific compound and the importing country, this could include:

  1. Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Essential for hazardous materials, providing information on properties, hazards, and handling.
  2. Certificates of Analysis (CoA): Verifying the chemical composition, purity, and specifications of the imported compound.
  3. Chemical Registration/Notification: Compliance with chemical control laws (e.g., TSCA in the US, REACH in the EU, K-REACH in Korea) may require pre-market notification or registration, especially for new chemical substances or those imported in significant quantities.
  4. End-Use Certificates: If the product is subject to specific controls or preferential duties based on its intended use, an end-use certificate may be required.
  5. Licensing/Permits: Certain restricted chemicals or dual-use goods might require specific import licenses or permits from regulatory authorities. Importers should verify national chemical regulations applicable to their specific product.
Are there any common trade agreement provisions or regulations that frequently impact the import of goods under HS 2931.90?

Yes, several trade agreement provisions and regulations commonly impact the import of goods under HS 2931.90.

  1. Rules of Origin: To claim preferential duty rates under FTAs (e.g., USMCA, EU-Japan EPA, ASEAN FTAs), goods must satisfy the specific rules of origin for HS 2931.90, which often involve a change in tariff classification (CTC) or a regional value content (RVC) requirement. For chemical products, CTC rules often require that non-originating materials used in production undergo a change to a different chapter, heading, or subheading.
  2. Chemical Control Regulations: Major regulations like the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in the United States, Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) in the European Union, and similar frameworks in other jurisdictions (e.g., K-REACH, AICIS) are highly relevant. These regulations govern the manufacture, import, and use of chemical substances, requiring registration, notification, or specific data submissions, which can significantly impact import feasibility and cost.
  3. Export Control Regulations: Some organo-inorganic compounds, particularly those with potential dual-use applications (civilian and military), may be subject to export controls in the country of origin and import controls in the destination country, requiring specific licenses or declarations. Importers should verify if their specific compound falls under such controls (e.g., Wassenaar Arrangement lists).