About HS Code 280469
This HS code encompasses silicon with a purity level below 99.99%, often referred to as metallurgical-grade silicon or lower-grade solar silicon. While not suitable for high-end semiconductors, this silicon is crucial for a wide array of industrial applications. It serves as a primary raw material in the production of aluminum alloys, where it enhances strength and castability, and in the chemical industry for manufacturing silicones, silanes, and fumed silica. It's also used in some less demanding solar cell applications. Major importers include countries with significant automotive, construction, and chemical industries, such as Germany, Japan, and the United States. Exporters are typically countries with abundant quartz deposits and energy-intensive smelting operations, like China, Brazil, and Norway. Trade in this commodity is driven by industrial demand, energy costs for production, and the availability of raw materials. Its lower purity makes it more cost-effective for bulk industrial uses compared to its ultra-pure counterpart.
Products Under This Code
Metallurgical-grade silicon, Silicon metal lumps, Silicon powder (industrial grade), Silicon for aluminum alloys, Silicon for silicone production, Fumed silica precursor
Real World Examples
Elkem Silicon Metal, Rima Group Silicon, Ferroglobe Silicon, Dow Silicones (raw material), Wacker Chemie (raw material)
Common Misclassification
This code is distinct from high-purity silicon (2804.61) due to its lower purity threshold, and it should not be confused with silicon alloys like ferrosilicon (7202.2x) which are composite materials.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product falls under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Importers to the EU must declare embedded carbon emissions and purchase CBAM certificates.
Products Classified Under 2804.69
Industry
This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.
Trade Overview
China, Brazil, and Norway are significant exporters, while Germany, Japan, and the United States are major importers for their industrial sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 280469?
HS code 280469 covers: Silicon; containing by weight less than 99.99% of silicon. This HS code encompasses silicon with a purity level below 99.99%, often referred to as metallurgical-grade silicon or lower-grade solar silicon. While not suitable for high-end semiconductors, this silicon is crucial for a wide array of industrial applications. It serves as a primary raw material in the production of aluminum alloys, where it enhances strength and castability, and in the chemical industry for manufacturing silicones, silanes, and fumed silica. It's also used in some less demanding solar cell applications. Major importers include countries with significant automotive, construction, and chemical industries, such as Germany, Japan, and the United States. Exporters are typically countries with abundant quartz deposits and energy-intensive smelting operations, like China, Brazil, and Norway. Trade in this commodity is driven by industrial demand, energy costs for production, and the availability of raw materials. Its lower purity makes it more cost-effective for bulk industrial uses compared to its ultra-pure counterpart.
What products fall under HS code 280469?
Metallurgical-grade silicon, Silicon metal lumps, Silicon powder (industrial grade), Silicon for aluminum alloys, Silicon for silicone production, Fumed silica precursor
What are common misclassifications for HS code 280469?
This code is distinct from high-purity silicon (2804.61) due to its lower purity threshold, and it should not be confused with silicon alloys like ferrosilicon (7202.2x) which are composite materials.
How is HS code 280469 structured?
HS code 280469 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (69) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.