Detailed Guide to HTS Code 2818 - Artificial Corundum & Aluminum Oxides

HTS US: 2818.XX.XXXX

Description

This heading encompasses artificial corundum and related aluminum compounds, including aluminum oxide and aluminum hydroxide, which are widely used in industrial, abrasive, and chemical applications. The products covered under this classification can be in crude form, ground or pulverized, chemically defined or not, and vary in purity and color.

Artificial Corundum: Synthetic aluminum oxide produced for abrasives, refractory materials, and other specialized uses.
Aluminum Oxide (other than artificial corundum): Usually used as a raw material in ceramics, catalysts, and polishing agents.
Aluminum Hydroxide: An important chemical intermediate, often used in flame retardants and as a filler in various products.

Code Hierarchy

Chapter 28: Inorganic Chemicals; Organic or Inorganic Compounds of Precious Metals, of Rare-Earth Metals, of Radioactive Elements or of Isotopes
Heading 2818: Artificial corundum, whether or not chemically defined; aluminum oxide; aluminum hydroxide
US HTS Code (10-digit): 2818.XX.XXXX – Each subsequent digit defines the product form and purity.

Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings

The heading 2818 is subdivided into specific codes that distinguish artificial corundum from other aluminum oxides and hydroxides, as well as further differentiating by form and purity levels.

HS/HTS Code	Description	Examples & Notes
2818.10	Artificial corundum, whether or not chemically defined	Includes synthetic aluminum oxide products used mainly as abrasives and refractory materials.
`2818.10.10.00`	Crude	Unprocessed synthetic corundum in raw form.
`2818.10.20`	In grains, or ground, pulverized or refined	Processed corundum for industrial uses such as polishing or abrasive powders.
`2818.10.20.10`	White, pink or ruby, containing more than 97.5 percent by weight of aluminum oxide	High-purity synthetic corundum, often used in specialized applications requiring color or purity.
`2818.10.20.90`	Other	All other forms of ground or refined artificial corundum not falling under the previous subheading.
`2818.20.00.00`	Aluminum oxide, other than artificial corundum	Natural or synthetic aluminum oxide not classified as artificial corundum, used as catalyst supports, refractory materials, and in ceramics.
`2818.30.00.00`	Aluminum hydroxide	Used in flame retardants, fillers, and as an intermediate chemical.

What is NOT Classified Here?

To avoid misclassification, the following are excluded:

Aluminum metal and alloys, which fall under different chapters.
Other aluminum compounds not specifically aluminum oxide or hydroxide.
Products that are mixtures or preparations containing aluminum oxides but primarily classified under other headings.

Notes

Industrial Use: Products under this heading are critical in manufacturing abrasives, ceramics, refractory linings, and chemical production.
Purity Requirements: Certain subheadings specify purity thresholds (e.g., >97.5% aluminum oxide), important for tariff and regulatory purposes.
Import Controls: Importers should verify duty rates and compliance with chemical safety regulations applicable in the destination country.

Declaration Example

Product: Shipment of ground white synthetic corundum with 98% aluminum oxide purity.US HTS Code: 2818.10.20.10 (White, pink or ruby, containing more than 97.5 percent by weight of aluminum oxide)

Unit of Quantity: Kilogram (kg)

General Duty Rate: Check current USHTS (Rates vary by purity and form)

Additional Requirements: Compliance with chemical import regulations and safety data sheets required.