HTS Code: 3018 — Mineral or Chemical Fertilizers, Potassium Compounds

Heading 3018 encompasses mineral or chemical fertilizers that contain potassium compounds. These products are primarily used in agriculture to provide essential potassium nutrients to crops and improve soil fertility. The fertilizers covered under this heading typically include potassic salts and other potassium-based chemical compounds formulated for direct application or as raw materials for fertilizer production.

The classification includes various forms such as:

• Potassium chloride (muriate of potash): The most common potassium fertilizer, usually in crystalline or granular form.
• Potassium sulfate: Another widely used potassium fertilizer, often preferred for crops sensitive to chloride.
• Other potassium salts and compounds: Including potassium nitrate, potassium magnesium sulfate, and other mixed potassium fertilizers.

Code Hierarchy

• Section VI: Products of the Chemical or Allied Industries (Chapters 28-38)
• Chapter 30: Pharmaceutical Products
• Heading 3018: Mineral or chemical fertilizers containing the following elements: potassium or potassium compounds
• US HTS Code (10-digit): 3018.XX.XXXX – The full code specifies the exact chemical composition and form of the potassium fertilizer or compound.

Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings

Unfortunately, there are no specific sub-codes listed in the referenced database for heading 3018. However, in practice, the 10-digit US HTS codes under 3018 are assigned to differentiate various potassium-containing fertilizers and chemical compounds based on factors such as purity, chemical form, and intended use. Examples typically include:

What is NOT Classified Here?

To avoid misclassification, the following are excluded from heading 3018:

• Other types of fertilizers: Nitrogenous (chapter 31), phosphatic fertilizers, and complex mixed fertilizers that do not primarily contain potassium compounds fall under different HTS codes.
• Prepared or mixed fertilizers: Compound or mixed fertilizers with potassium combined with other major nutrients may be classified elsewhere, typically under heading 3105.
• Raw minerals: Potassium-containing raw minerals not processed into fertilizers are classified differently, often in chapter 25.
• Pharmaceutical potassium compounds: Potassium compounds intended for medicinal or pharmaceutical use are classified outside of chapter 30.

Notes

• Regulatory Considerations: Potassium fertilizers imported into the US must comply with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and may require registration or certification depending on their chemical composition and intended use.
• Duty Rates: Duty rates on potassium fertilizers vary by the exact 10-digit HTS code, with many subject to preferential trade agreements or reduced tariffs under specific trade programs.
• Labeling and Documentation: Accurate chemical composition and country of origin documentation are required for customs clearance and compliance with agricultural regulations.

Declaration Example

Product: A shipment of potassium chloride fertilizer in granular form from Canada.US HTS Code: 3018.10.0000 (Potassium chloride)

Unit of Quantity: Metric ton

General Duty Rate: Check current USHTS (May be subject to preferential tariffs under USMCA)

Additional Requirements: EPA compliance and fertilizer registration may be required.

Related HTS Codes

• HTS 3102: Mineral or chemical fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorous or potassium but not solely potassium compounds.
• HTS 3105: Mineral or chemical fertilizers, mixed or compound, containing two or three of the fertilizing elements nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.
• HTS 2836: Compounds of potassium or sodium, other than potassium fertilizers.
• HTS 2510: Natural potassium salts, such as sylvite, carnallite, and other raw potassium minerals.