HS 381800 Doped silicon
Quick Answer: Doped silicon imported under HS 381800 enters the UK and EU duty-free, while the US imposes a 25% ad valorem duty under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. This HS code specifically covers chemical elements doped for use in electronics, such as silicon treated with impurities to alter its electrical conductivity. These are crucial materials for semiconductor manufacturing. Importers should be aware of the significant duty differential between major trading blocs. CustomTariffs aggregates this information, highlighting the importance of verifying specific rates based on the country of import.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3818001900 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3818001100 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3818009000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3818001100 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3818001900 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3818009000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38180000 | Free | — | — |
| 3818000010 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 3818000020 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 3818000030 | — | — | ["kg"] |
| 3818000095 | — | — | ["kg"] |
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.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 381800 cover?
This subheading covers "Doped silicon," which refers to semiconductor-grade silicon that has been intentionally modified by the addition of impurities (dopants) to alter its electrical conductivity. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category includes silicon in any form, such as wafers, ingots, or polycrystalline material, that has undergone a doping process for use in electronic components. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on silicon whose electrical properties have been precisely controlled for semiconductor applications.
What falls outside HS 381800?
The following products are excluded from HS 381800: undoped silicon, which is classified under HS 2804.69; silicones and other silicon compounds not primarily for semiconductor use (e.g., silicon carbide, HS 2849.20); and finished or semi-finished semiconductor devices like transistors or integrated circuits (which fall under Chapter 85). Also excluded are silicon in forms not intended for semiconductor manufacturing, such as silicon metal used in alloys or chemical industries, typically classified under HS 7204.49 or 2804.61.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 381800?
A common error is misclassifying undoped silicon as doped silicon, or vice versa, failing to recognize the critical distinction of intentional impurity addition for electrical conductivity. Another mistake involves classifying silicon materials intended for non-semiconductor uses, such as metallurgical grade silicon, under this subheading. Importers must carefully review the product's intended application and the specific doping process to ensure adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes.
How should importers classify products under HS 381800?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 381800 involves a thorough examination of the product's composition and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must obtain detailed technical specifications from the manufacturer, confirming the presence and type of dopants and their purpose in altering electrical conductivity. Cross-referencing these specifications with the official HS Explanatory Notes and national tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, is crucial to confirm that the product meets the definition of "doped silicon" for semiconductor applications.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 381800?
A batch of 100 kilograms of doped silicon wafers, declared at a customs value of $50,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $2,500 USD. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($50,000 USD × 0.05 = $2,500 USD). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 3818.00.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 381800?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 381800, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may also offer preferential rates, potentially Free, for eligible goods from developing countries. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries is typically required, depending on the specific origin country and the importing jurisdiction's regulations.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 381800 (Doped silicon)?
The import duty rates for HS code 381800, covering 'Doped silicon', vary significantly by country. For example, under the United States Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is Free. However, other countries may have different rates. For instance, the EU's TARIC system and the UK's Trade Tariff often list specific rates, which can be subject to various trade agreements. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the accurate and applicable duty rate.
What defines 'doped silicon' for HS classification purposes under code 381800?
For HS classification under code 381800, 'doped silicon' refers to semiconductor-grade silicon that has been intentionally modified by the addition of impurities (dopants) to alter its electrical conductivity. These dopants, such as phosphorus or boron, are introduced during the manufacturing process to create n-type or p-type silicon. The key criterion is that the silicon is in a form suitable for use in semiconductor devices, such as wafers, ingots, or polycrystalline material specifically prepared for semiconductor applications. The World Customs Organization (WCO) and national customs authorities provide Explanatory Notes that clarify the scope of this heading.
What documentation is typically required for importing 'doped silicon' under HS code 381800?
When importing 'doped silicon' (HS 381800), importers and customs brokers should be prepared to provide a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, a certificate of origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Depending on the importing country's regulations and the specific nature of the doped silicon (e.g., its purity, form, and intended use), additional documentation such as a technical data sheet, a manufacturer's declaration confirming its semiconductor grade, or specific import licenses might be necessary. Always verify the exact requirements with the customs authority of the destination country.
How are import duties calculated for doped silicon, and can you provide an example?
Import duties for doped silicon are typically calculated based on either an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the value of the goods) or a specific rate (a fixed amount per unit of quantity). For HS code 381800, many countries, including the US, offer a Free MFN rate, meaning no duty is applied. However, if a duty were applicable, for example, a hypothetical 5% ad valorem rate on a shipment valued at $10,000, the duty would be calculated as: 5% of $10,000 = $500. If a specific duty applied, such as $10 per kilogram for 100 kg of doped silicon, the duty would be 100 kg * $10/kg = $1,000. Always confirm the applicable duty calculation method and rate with the importing country's customs tariff.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for doped silicon (HS 381800)?
The applicability of preferential duty rates for HS code 381800 depends heavily on the specific trade agreement between the exporting and importing countries. For example, if doped silicon is exported from a country that is part of the European Union to another EU member state, it would likely benefit from the elimination of customs duties within the single market. Similarly, agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) or bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that the importing country has entered into could provide reduced or zero duty rates, provided the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in those agreements. Importers should consult the relevant trade agreement documentation and their customs broker to determine eligibility.