HS 811251 Thallium

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What products does HS 811251 cover?

This subheading covers thallium and articles thereof, including unwrought thallium, powders, and waste and scrap of thallium. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, Heading 8112 specifically pertains to "Other base metals and articles thereof; cermets; articles thereof." Subheading 8112.51.00.00, as defined by the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, encompasses pure thallium and its primary forms, excluding alloys unless thallium is the predominant metal by weight. This classification is based on the elemental composition and physical state of the material.

What falls outside HS 811251?

The following products are excluded from HS 811251: alloys where thallium is not the principal base metal by weight, compounds of thallium (such as thallium sulfate, which would typically be classified under Chapter 28), and finished articles manufactured from thallium that are specifically classified elsewhere in the HTS, such as certain electrical components or specialized scientific instruments. For instance, a thallium-doped scintillator crystal would likely fall under a different heading based on its function or material composition, rather than solely on the presence of thallium.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 811251?

A common error is misclassifying thallium compounds or alloys as unwrought thallium. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes. If a product is a compound, it should be classified as such, typically in Chapter 28, rather than under the base metal heading. Similarly, alloys where thallium is not the predominant metal by weight are not classified under 8112.51. Importers must carefully examine the chemical composition and the specific form of the imported material.

How should importers classify products under HS 811251?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 811251 involves a thorough examination of the imported material's composition and form. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and refer to the Explanatory Notes of the WCO. Key steps include verifying if the material is pure thallium or a waste/scrap thereof, and confirming that it is not a thallium compound or an alloy where thallium is not the principal base metal. Obtaining a Certificate of Analysis from the supplier is crucial for accurate classification.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 811251?

A 100 kg shipment of unwrought thallium, declared at a customs value of $50,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $2,500. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 8112.51.00.00. The calculation is: 5% of $50,000 USD = $2,500 USD. This rate applies to goods imported from countries not benefiting from preferential trade agreements.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 811251?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 811251, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. For imports into the European Union, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible developing countries, such as Vietnam. Documentation required typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.

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