HTS Code: 2949 — Chemical Elements and Compounds Containing Rare Earth Metals

This heading encompasses chemical elements and compounds containing rare earth metals. These substances are essential for various high-technology, industrial, and scientific applications. The category includes both pure chemical elements and their chemical compounds, such as oxides, chlorides, and other salts.

Rare earth metals typically include the lanthanide series elements, as well as scandium and yttrium when associated with them. These materials are crucial in manufacturing electronics, magnets, batteries, catalysts, and other advanced materials.

Code Hierarchy

• Section VI: Products of the Chemical or Allied Industries (Chapters 28-38)
• Chapter 29: Organic Chemicals
• Heading 2949: Chemical elements and compounds, of rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or intergrown, but not including the rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium in metal form or intermetallic alloys; compounds of precious metals, of radioactive elements or of isotopes
• US HTS Code (10-digit): 2949.XX.XXXX – Further digits specify the exact chemical compound or element.

Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings

The 4-digit HS heading 2949 is subdivided into more precise 6-digit and 10-digit codes depending on the specific rare earth element or compound involved. Unfortunately, no sub-codes were found in the provided database extract; however, the classification generally follows the chemical nature and purity of the substances.

What is NOT Classified Here?

To ensure correct classification, note the following exclusions:

• Metallic forms and intermetallic alloys of rare earth metals, scandium, and yttrium are classified under separate headings within Chapter 81 (e.g., 8112).
• Rare earth metals in unprocessed ores or concentrates are classified under Chapter 26 (e.g., 2615).
• Organic compounds containing rare earth metals are generally classified elsewhere, depending on their chemical structure.
• Compounds of non-rare-earth elements or non-precious metals are excluded.

Notes

• Regulatory Controls: Import and export of rare earth compounds may be subject to environmental regulations and export controls due to their strategic importance.
• Tariff Treatment: Duty rates vary depending on the exact code and chemical nature of the product. Some rare earth compounds benefit from free trade agreements or preferential tariffs.
• Handling and Safety: Many rare earth compounds require special handling due to chemical reactivity or radioactivity.

Declaration Example

Product: Shipment of cerium oxide powder for industrial use.US HTS Code: 2949.10.1000 (Rare-earth metal oxides including cerium oxide and lanthanum oxide)

Unit of Quantity: Kilogram (kg)

General Duty Rate: Check current USHTS (Often duty-free or low duty depending on origin)

Additional Requirements: Compliance with environmental and import regulations.

Related HTS Codes

• HTS 8112: Rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, unwrought, powders and flakes
• HTS 2615: Rare-earth metal ores and concentrates
• HTS 2846: Compounds of rare-earth metals, excluding those classified under 2949
• HTS 2844: Radioactive chemical elements and isotopes, other than those in 2949