HTS US: 2956.XX.XXXX
Description
Heading 2956 encompasses carbides, which are chemical compounds composed of carbon and one or more metallic or nonmetallic elements. These substances may be chemically defined or not, and they play important roles in various manufacturing and industrial processes.
- Definition: Carbides are compounds where carbon is combined with elements such as calcium, silicon, or tungsten, either forming crystalline structures or amorphous materials.
- Types: This includes calcium carbide used in acetylene production, silicon carbide used as an abrasive and in semiconductors, and tungsten carbide known for hardness in cutting tools.
- Form: Carbides may appear as powders, granules, or solid blocks depending on their intended industrial use.
Code Hierarchy
- Section VI: Products of the Chemical or Allied Industries (Chapters 28-38)
- Chapter 29: Organic Chemicals
- Heading 2956: Carbides, whether or not chemically defined
- US HTS Code (10-digit):
2956.XX.XXXX– Further digits specify the exact type and form of carbide.
Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings
Though no specific sub-codes are found for 2956 in the database, typical classification under this heading includes various carbides distinguished by their chemical composition and physical form. In practice, customs authorities use additional digits beyond the 4-digit heading to identify particular products such as calcium carbide, silicon carbide, and tungsten carbide.
| HS/HTS Code | Description | Examples & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2956.10 | Calcium carbide | Widely used in the production of acetylene gas and various chemical syntheses. |
2956.10.0000 |
Pure or technical grade calcium carbide | |
| 2956.20 | Silicon carbide | Used as an abrasive, in refractories, and semiconductor devices. |
2956.20.0000 |
Crystalline silicon carbide powder or granules | |
| 2956.30 | Tungsten carbide and other carbides | Known for high hardness, used in cutting tools and wear-resistant applications. |
2956.30.0000 |
Tungsten carbide in powder or solid forms | |
| 2956.90 | Other carbides | Includes carbides of other metals or nonmetals not classified above. |
2956.90.0000 |
Miscellaneous carbides, chemically or physically distinct |
What is NOT Classified Here?
To avoid classification errors, note that the following are excluded from heading 2956:
- Carbide-derived products: Products where carbides are chemically transformed or combined into composite materials may fall under other headings.
- Carbon or graphite: Pure carbon materials like graphite or activated carbon are classified elsewhere (e.g., headings 2804 or 3802).
- Organometallic compounds: Complexes where carbon is bonded to metals in organic structures are under different headings in Chapter 29.
- Carbide-containing alloys: Alloys containing carbides but primarily classified by their metal content are not included here.
Notes
- Import Regulation: Carbides imported into the United States may be subject to environmental and safety regulations depending on their chemical properties.
- Duty Rates: Duty rates vary based on the specific carbide type and purity. Importers should consult the current USHTS for exact rates.
- Use Cases: Carbides are critical in industrial sectors such as metallurgy, chemical synthesis, abrasives, and electronics.
Declaration Example
Product: Shipment of crystalline silicon carbide powder for industrial abrasives.US HTS Code:
2956.20.0000(Silicon carbide)Unit of Quantity: Kilogram (kg)
General Duty Rate: Consult current USHTS (Often duty-free or low duty)
Additional Requirements: Compliance with environmental safety standards; MSDS documentation recommended.
Related HTS Codes
- HTS 2804: Carbon (carbon blacks and other forms of carbon)
- HTS 3802: Activated carbon, activated natural mineral products
- HTS 2849: Carbides and nitrides of non-metals (other than heading 2956)
- HTS 2844: Rare-earth metals and scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed
