HS 382488 Containing tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- or octabromodiphenyl ethers

Quick Answer: Products containing tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- or octabromodiphenyl ethers enter the UK at 6.00%, the EU at 6.50%, and the US at 6.5% (MFN), with preferential rates and a specific duty for certain trading partners. These substances are brominated flame retardants, often found in plastics and textiles, and are subject to stringent regulations due to environmental and health concerns. Importers should verify specific product composition and consult the relevant customs authorities for compliance requirements. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist trade professionals.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
3824880000 6.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
3824880000 6.50 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
3824880000 6.5% Free (18 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 3824.88?

Imports of Containing tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- or octabromodiphenyl ethers 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 to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 382488 cover?

This subheading covers mixtures and preparations containing tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, or octabromodiphenyl ethers, which are specific types of brominated flame retardants. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, these substances are typically used to impart fire resistance to various materials. For instance, the US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the European Union's TARIC database confirm that products falling under this classification are primarily chemical mixtures where these specific polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are present as significant components, often exceeding certain concentration thresholds.

What falls outside HS 382488?

The following products are excluded from HS 382488: mixtures containing lower brominated diphenyl ethers (e.g., monobromodiphenyl ethers), or those containing other types of brominated flame retardants not specifically listed in the subheading's description. Furthermore, pure, unmixed tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, or octabromodiphenyl ethers, if they exist as single chemical entities and are not part of a preparation or mixture, would likely be classified under a more specific chemical heading. For example, a pure chemical compound might be classified under Chapter 29, whereas this heading is for mixtures and preparations.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 382488?

A common error is misinterpreting the specific brominated diphenyl ethers covered by this subheading. Importers may incorrectly classify mixtures containing other brominated compounds, such as polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) or decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE), which have separate classifications. Additionally, failing to consider the concentration of the specified PBDEs in a mixture can lead to misclassification. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b), mixtures are often classified according to the component that gives them their essential character, and if the specified PBDEs are not the essential character or are present in very low quantities, another classification might apply.

How should importers classify products under HS 382488?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 382488 involves a thorough analysis of the product's composition. Importers and customs brokers must obtain a detailed chemical breakdown of the mixture or preparation, specifically identifying the presence and concentration of tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, or octabromodiphenyl ethers. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and cross-referencing with WCO Explanatory Notes is crucial. If uncertainty remains, seeking a binding ruling from the customs authority is recommended.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 382488?

A shipment of a plastic masterbatch containing 5% octabromodiphenyl ether, weighing 1,000 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty. Assuming a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.7% ad valorem for this specific preparation, the duty would be calculated as 3.7% of $5,000 USD, resulting in a duty of $185.00. This calculation is based on the ad valorem rate applied to the declared customs value, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 382488?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 382488, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating goods from Canada or Mexico may enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid Certificate of Origin or a self-certified origin statement meeting USMCA requirements is necessary. While specific preferential rates for this exact subheading can vary, the general trend for many chemical products under such agreements is a reduction or elimination of duties for qualifying originating goods from partner countries.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 382482 HS 382486 HS 382483 HS 382484 HS 382487 HS 382485

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

FAQ

What are the primary classification criteria for HS code 382488?

HS code 382488 specifically covers 'Mixtures containing tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- or octabromodiphenyl ethers'. The key classification criterion is the presence of these specific brominated diphenyl ethers in the mixture. Importers must ensure that the product's chemical composition is accurately identified and documented to confirm it falls under this heading, as opposed to other chemical mixtures or specific brominated diphenyl ethers classified elsewhere. This code is part of a broader chapter covering 'Prepared binders for ceramic products or the like; chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries (including those consisting of naturally occurring products, put up as such), not elsewhere specified or included'. The '88' subheading indicates the specific restriction to mixtures containing the aforementioned brominated diphenyl ethers, which are often regulated due to environmental concerns.

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 382488, and how do preferential trade agreements impact them?

The import duty rates for HS code 382488 can vary significantly. For instance, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is often 6.5% ad valorem. However, preferential rates under various trade agreements can be considerably lower or even free. Examples include: Free (A, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, K, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG). These symbols typically correspond to specific trade agreements like CAFTA-DR (D), US-Korea (KR), US-Australia (AU), etc. Importers and customs brokers must consult the relevant tariff schedule (e.g., USITC HTS) for the specific country of import and the applicable trade agreement to determine the precise duty rate applicable to their shipment. It is crucial to verify eligibility and documentation requirements for claiming preferential treatment.

How is the import duty for HS code 382488 calculated, particularly when it involves a combination of ad valorem and specific duties?

The duty calculation for HS code 382488 can sometimes involve a combination of ad valorem (percentage of value) and specific duties (per unit of weight or measure), or just one of these. For example, a rate might be listed as '3.7¢/kg + 60% ad valorem'. In such a case, the total duty would be the sum of the specific duty calculated on the net weight of the goods and the ad valorem duty calculated on the customs value of the goods.

Concrete Example: Suppose a shipment of 100 kg of a product classified under HS 382488 has a customs value of $1,000 USD. If the duty rate is '3.7¢/kg + 60% ad valorem':

Specific Duty: 100 kg * $0.037/kg = $3.70 USD Ad Valorem Duty: 0.60 * $1,000 USD = $600.00 USD Total Duty: $3.70 USD + $600.00 USD = $603.70 USD

Importers must carefully check the specific duty structure for their import jurisdiction and ensure accurate declarations of both value and weight/quantity.

What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 382488?

Importing goods under HS code 382488, which pertains to brominated diphenyl ethers, often requires specific documentation beyond standard import documents due to potential environmental and health regulations. Typically required documents include:

  1. Commercial Invoice: Detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods.
  2. Packing List: Outlining the contents of each package.
  3. Bill of Lading/Air Waybill: For transportation.
  4. Chemical Analysis Report or Certificate of Composition: This is critical for HS code 382488. It must accurately identify the presence and concentration of tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- or octabromodiphenyl ethers to confirm correct classification and compliance with any restrictions.
  5. Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Providing information on the hazards and safe handling of the chemical.
  6. Import License or Permit: Depending on the importing country's regulations concerning restricted or hazardous chemicals, specific import licenses or permits may be necessary.
  7. Proof of Preferential Origin (if claiming preferential duty rates): Such as a Certificate of Origin, to substantiate eligibility under a trade agreement.