HTS Code: 2851 — Radioactive Chemical Elements and Isotopes

The HTS heading 2851 includes radioactive chemical elements and their isotopes. This category encompasses elements that exhibit radioactivity, both naturally occurring and artificially produced, along with their isotopic forms. These materials are primarily used in scientific research, medical applications, nuclear energy production, and industrial processes.

Items classified under this heading are generally in raw or purified elemental form and may be subject to strict regulatory controls due to their radioactive nature.

Code Hierarchy

• Section VI:
• Products of the Chemical or Allied Industries (Chapters 28-38)
• Chapter 28: Inorganic Chemicals; Organic or Inorganic Compounds of Precious Metals, of Rare-Earth Metals, of Radioactive Elements or of Isotopes
• Heading 2851: Radioactive chemical elements and radioactive isotopes (including the fissile or fertile chemical elements and isotopes artificially enriched in a fissile or fertile isotope), excluding those of 2844 or 2846.
• US HTS Code (10-digit): 2851.XX.XXXX – Further digits specify the particular element, isotope, or their preparations.

Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings

Although the database does not contain specific sub-codes for 2851, international customs nomenclature and HTS usually break down this heading as follows:

What is NOT Classified Here?

To ensure accurate classification, note exclusions from this heading:

• Radioactive compounds or preparations combined with other substances or in chemical compounds are often classified under other headings in Chapter 28 or elsewhere.
• Radioactive waste materials and spent fuel are subject to specific regulations and may be classified differently.
• Non-radioactive isotopes and stable chemical elements fall outside this heading.
• Preparations containing radioactive elements but formulated as pharmaceuticals are classified under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceutical products).

Notes

• Regulatory Compliance:
• Imports and exports of radioactive elements and isotopes are strictly controlled by national and international nuclear regulatory authorities, including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in the U.S. and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
• Licensing Requirements: Due to their hazardous nature, shipments require proper licensing, safety documentation, and often end-use certificates.
• Duty Rates: Duty rates can vary and in many cases are subject to exemptions or special tariffs based on the use (scientific, medical, energy sector).
• Transport and Handling: Special packaging, labeling, and transportation protocols, such as compliance with IATA Dangerous Goods regulations, apply.

Declaration Example

Product: Shipment of enriched uranium-235 isotope for nuclear research.US HTS Code: 2851.20.0000 (Fissile or fertile chemical elements and isotopes artificially enriched)

Unit of Quantity: Kilogram (kg)

General Duty Rate: Subject to strict regulatory control; check with relevant authorities.

Additional Requirements: NRC license, end-user certificate, hazardous material declaration, and IAEA reporting.

Related HTS Codes

• HTS 2844:
• Radioactive chemical compounds (compounds of radioactive elements not included in 2851).
• HTS 2846: Isotopes (stable and non-radioactive isotopes, other than those covered in 2851).
• HTS 3003: Medicaments containing radioactive substances.
• HTS 2842: Other inorganic acids and inorganic oxygen compounds of non-metals.