HTS US: 2852.XX.XXXX
Description
This heading encompasses both inorganic and organic compounds of mercury, whether chemically defined or not, but explicitly excludes amalgams. These compounds are utilized in various industrial, chemical, and medical applications due to mercury’s unique properties.
The classification is divided mainly into two categories:
- Chemically defined mercury compounds: These include specific compounds such as mercuric oxide and various mercuric cyanide derivatives.
- Other mercury compounds: This category covers less specifically defined substances like albuminates, tannates, and phosphides of mercury.
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 2852: Inorganic or organic compounds of mercury, whether or not chemically defined, excluding amalgams.
- US HTS Code (10-digit):
2852.XX.XXXX– Detailed subheadings specify exact chemical compounds or groups.
Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings
The 4-digit HS heading 2852 is further subdivided into 6-digit and 10-digit codes that classify the compounds based on their chemical definition and types.
| HS/HTS Code | Description | Examples & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2852.10 | Chemically defined: | Specific mercury compounds with clear chemical formulas. |
2852.10.10.00 |
Mercuric oxide, mercuric cyanide, mercuric oxycyanide and mercuric potassium cyanide | Widely used mercury compounds in industrial and chemical synthesis. |
2852.10.90.00 |
Other chemically defined mercury compounds | Includes less common or specialized mercury compounds precisely defined chemically. |
| 2852.90 | Other: | Mercury compounds not chemically defined but included in this heading. |
2852.90.05.00 |
Albuminates, tannates and phosphides of mercury | Mercury complexes with albumin, tannic acid, or phosphide ions used in various applications. |
2852.90.90.00 |
Other mercury compounds not elsewhere specified | Residual category for mercury compounds not classified above. |
What is NOT Classified Here?
To prevent misclassification, note the following exclusions:
- Amalgams: These mercury alloys with metals are excluded from this heading and classified elsewhere.
- Elemental mercury: Pure mercury metal is not included under these compound classifications.
- Mercury salts used in pharmaceuticals or cosmetics: These may fall under other specialized chapters if specifically formulated.
Notes
- Regulatory Considerations: Mercury compounds are subject to strict environmental and health regulations due to toxicity concerns. Handling, import, and usage are often controlled.
- Duty Rates: Import tariffs differ based on the exact chemical compound and intended use. The 10-digit HTS code is essential for correct duty application.
- Safety Documentation: Importers must often provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and comply with hazardous material handling regulations.
Declaration Example
Product: A shipment of mercuric oxide for industrial chemical manufacturing.US HTS Code:
2852.10.10.00(Mercuric oxide, mercuric cyanide, mercuric oxycyanide and mercuric potassium cyanide)Unit of Quantity: Kilogram (kg)
General Duty Rate: Check current USHTS (Rates vary by compound and trade agreements)
Additional Requirements: Compliance with EPA and OSHA regulations; MSDS required.
Related HTS Codes
- HTS 2804: Hydrogen chloride; chlorosulphuric acid and other chlorosulphuric derivatives.
- HTS 2843: Colloidal precious metals, inorganic compounds of precious metals, isotopes.
- HTS 3808: Insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides and similar products, disinfectants.
- HTS 2909: Ethers, ether-alcohols, ether-phenols, alcohol peroxides, and peroxyacids.
