HS 381010 Pickling preparations for metal surfaces; soldering, brazing or welding powders and pastes consisting of metal and other materials
Quick Answer: Pickling preparations for metal surfaces, and soldering, brazing, or welding powders and pastes consisting of metal and other materials, imported under HS 381010 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 6.50% ad valorem, and the US at a general rate of 5% ad valorem, with preferential rates available for certain Free Trade Agreement partners. This classification covers essential chemical treatments for preparing metal surfaces before further processing, as well as specialized mixtures used in joining metals. Importers and customs brokers should verify specific preferential duty rates for the US market. According to CustomTariffs data, careful attention to the specific composition of powders and pastes is crucial for accurate classification.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3810100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3810100000 | 6.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3810100000 | 5% | 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 3810.10?
Imports of Pickling preparations for metal surfaces; soldering, brazing or welding powders and pastes consisting of metal and other materials 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?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 381010 cover?
This subheading covers pickling preparations designed to remove oxides, scale, or other impurities from metal surfaces before further processing, as well as soldering, brazing, or welding powders and pastes. These preparations are typically composed of metal powders mixed with fluxes or other binding agents. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, these are chemical products used to facilitate metal joining or surface treatment, distinct from the base metals themselves.
What falls outside HS 381010?
The following products are excluded from HS 381010: pure metal powders not intended for pickling, soldering, brazing, or welding applications; fluxes that are not incorporated into powders or pastes with metal; and finished articles that have undergone soldering, brazing, or welding. For instance, a simple fluxing agent sold separately, or a pre-assembled metal component, would be classified under different headings based on its specific composition and function.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 381010?
A common error is misclassifying products based solely on their intended use without considering their composition. For example, a paste containing metal and a binder but not intended for soldering or brazing might be incorrectly classified here. General Interpretative Rule 1 (GIR 1) of the Harmonized System, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes, is crucial. If a product fits the description of a more specific heading, it should be classified there.
How should importers classify products under HS 381010?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 381010 involves a thorough examination of the product's composition and intended application. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU TARIC database, and review the explanatory notes for Heading 3810. Verification of the product's primary function – pickling, soldering, brazing, or welding – is paramount to ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 381010?
A 10 kg container of "Solder Paste Sn63Pb37" declared at a customs value of $200 USD would attract a US duty. Assuming a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 2.5% ad valorem for this specific solder paste under the USITC HTS, the duty would be $5.00 USD (2.5% × $200). This calculation is based on the declared value and the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for goods entering the United States.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 381010?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 381010, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, qualifying solder pastes originating from Mexico or Canada may enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid origin declaration or certificate of origin is typically required, depending on the specific requirements of US Customs and Border Protection for goods from these countries.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 381010?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 381010, covering pickling preparations for metal surfaces and soldering/brazing/welding powders and pastes, can vary. For example, under the US tariff schedule, the MFN rate is 6.5% ad valorem. However, preferential rates under various trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate these duties. For instance, goods originating from countries with agreements like the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) may benefit from a Free (0%) duty rate, subject to proper proof of origin.
How is the import duty for HS code 381010 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 381010 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the imported goods. For example, if a shipment of pickling preparation valued at $10,000 is imported into the US and subject to the 6.5% MFN duty rate, the calculated duty would be $10,000 (value) × 0.065 (duty rate) = $650. It is crucial to ensure the declared value is accurate and aligns with customs valuation rules.
What are the key classification criteria for goods under HS code 381010?
HS code 381010 covers two main categories: 1) Pickling preparations for metal surfaces, which are typically acidic solutions used to remove scale, rust, or oxides from metals before plating, galvanizing, or other treatments. 2) Soldering, brazing, or welding powders and pastes, which consist of a mixture of metal(s) and other materials (like fluxes) designed to facilitate joining metals through melting. The classification hinges on the product's primary function and composition, ensuring it meets the description of either a pickling preparation or a soldering/brazing/welding material.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 381010?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS code 381010. Examples include agreements where the United States is a party, such as the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), and Singapore (SG), which often grant Free (0%) duty rates. Importers must verify the specific agreement applicable to their country of origin and ensure compliance with all rules of origin and documentation requirements to claim these benefits.
What documentation is typically required for importing products under HS code 381010?
Standard import documentation for HS code 381010 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, if claiming preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a Certificate of Origin (COO) or a declaration of origin, compliant with the specific FTA's requirements, is mandatory. Depending on the product's composition and intended use, additional documentation such as a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or specific chemical declarations might be requested by customs authorities to verify compliance with safety and environmental regulations.