HS 380290 Other
Quick Answer: Activated carbon and other adsorbents imported under HS 380290 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 5.70% ad valorem, and the US with rates varying from Free to 20% ad valorem depending on origin. This residual code encompasses activated carbon and other activated substances not specifically classified elsewhere, often used for purification and filtration. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate disparities across major trading blocs, necessitating careful consideration of origin and preferential trade agreements. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of accurate classification for compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3802900000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3802900019 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3802900011 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3802900090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3802900011 | 5.70 % | — | — |
| 3802900019 | 5.70 % | — | — |
| 3802900090 | 5.70 % | — | — |
| 3802900000 | 5.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3802901000 | 5.8% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 380290 | — | — | — |
| 3802902000 | 2.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 3802905000 | 4.8% | 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 3802.90?
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 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?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 380290 cover?
This subheading covers activated carbon and other activated natural mineral products, as well as animal black, including bone black, when they are not specifically covered by other headings. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this category includes activated carbon derived from various sources like coal, lignite, peat, coconut shells, or wood, used for purification and decolorization. It also encompasses activated clays and other activated natural mineral products, provided they meet the criteria for activation and are not classified elsewhere. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm this broad scope for activated materials not otherwise specified.
What falls outside HS 380290?
The following products are excluded from HS 380290: activated carbon or other activated materials that are impregnated or coated with specific chemicals for particular applications, which may be classified under more specific headings based on their function or added components. For instance, activated carbon used as a catalyst support might fall under heading 3815. Also excluded are natural mineral products that have not undergone an activation process, such as raw clays or zeolites, which are classified according to their specific mineral type. Unactivated bone char is also not included here.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 380290?
A common error is misclassifying activated materials that have undergone further processing or impregnation. For example, activated carbon that has been specifically treated to remove mercury might be classified under a more specific heading if one exists for such specialized applications, rather than the general "other" category. Importers may also incorrectly classify natural mineral products that are not truly "activated" according to the definition in Chapter 38, failing to meet the criteria of significantly increased surface area and porosity. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 3 is crucial when distinguishing between mixtures and single products.
How should importers classify products under HS 380290?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 380290 involves a thorough examination of the product's composition, manufacturing process, and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must first determine if the product is indeed an activated carbon or an activated natural mineral product. If it is, they should then check if it fits any more specific subheadings within heading 3802 or other headings in the Harmonized System. Consulting official tariff databases like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, and reviewing the WCO Explanatory Notes for heading 3802, is essential to confirm the correct classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 380290?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of activated coconut shell charcoal, declared at a customs value of $2,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $125.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value. The calculation is: 5.0% × $2,500 USD = $125.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) under subheading 3802.90.0000 for activated carbon and other activated natural mineral products.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 380290?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 380290, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating activated carbon from Canada or Mexico may enter the United States duty-free. Documentation required to claim this preference typically includes a self-certified origin statement provided by the exporter. While not universally applicable to all countries, specific preferential rates might also be available for certain developing nations under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), often requiring a GSP Form A.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 380290, and how do preferential rates apply?
HS code 380290 covers 'Other activated carbon and prepared animal charcoal'. The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate in the US is 0.00%. However, preferential rates under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) can also apply. For example, goods originating from Australia (AU), Chile (CL), or Singapore (SG) may enter duty-free under specific agreements. Importers should always verify the specific origin of the goods and consult the relevant FTA provisions to determine eligibility for preferential treatment. Always check the latest USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for definitive rates.
How is activated carbon classified under HS code 380290, and what distinguishes it from other activated carbon products?
HS code 380290 is a residual category for activated carbon and prepared animal charcoal not specifically classified elsewhere within heading 3802. Heading 3802 generally covers activated carbon, whether or not impregnated or further prepared. Classification under 380290 typically applies to activated carbon derived from various sources (e.g., coal, lignite, peat, wood, coconut shells) that does not meet the criteria for more specific subheadings, if any exist in a particular tariff schedule. The key is that the product exhibits adsorptive properties due to its porous structure, achieved through activation processes. Importers must ensure the product's technical specifications confirm its activated nature.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 380290?
For HS code 380290, standard import documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the origin and end-use, additional documents may be required. For instance, if claiming preferential duty rates under an FTA, a Certificate of Origin or a declaration of origin on the invoice is mandatory. For certain types of activated carbon used in specific applications (e.g., water purification), compliance with relevant health or environmental regulations might necessitate additional certifications or permits. Always consult the importing country's customs authority for a comprehensive list of required documents.
Can you provide a concrete example of how import duty is calculated for HS code 380290, assuming a specific duty rate and value?
Let's assume an importer brings 1,000 kilograms of activated carbon classified under HS code 380290 into a country with a specific duty rate of 5.70% ad valorem and an additional specific duty of $0.10 per kilogram. If the declared value of the shipment is $5,000 USD, the duty calculation would be as follows:
- Ad Valorem Duty: $5,000 (value) × 5.70% (rate) = $285.00 USD.
- Specific Duty: 1,000 kg (quantity) × $0.10/kg (rate) = $100.00 USD. Total Duty = $285.00 + $100.00 = $385.00 USD. Note: This example uses hypothetical rates. Actual duty calculations depend on the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and the exact classification of the product.
Which common trade agreements significantly impact the duty rates for HS code 380290, and where can I find this information?
Several trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for HS code 380290. For imports into the United States, agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) often provide preferential duty rates, potentially reducing them to 0.00%. The European Union's TARIC system and the UK Trade Tariff also list preferential rates under agreements such as the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The World Customs Organization (WCO) provides the foundational HS nomenclature, but specific duty rates and preferential treatments are detailed in national tariff schedules and the texts of individual trade agreements. For the US, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) is the authoritative source for both MFN and preferential duty rates.