HS Code Subheading

Selenium

2804.90 Subheading
Section VI — Products of the chemical or allied industries

About HS Code 280490

Selenium, a non-metallic element with unique photoconductive and semiconductive properties, holds significant value in international trade for its diverse industrial applications. It is primarily used in glass manufacturing to decolorize glass and to produce ruby-red glass, in pigments, and as a component in photocopier drums and laser printers due to its excellent photoconductivity. Furthermore, selenium is crucial in metallurgy as an alloying agent in stainless steel and copper to improve machinability, and in electronics for rectifiers and solar cells. It also finds use in animal feed supplements and certain pharmaceuticals. Major importers include countries with robust glass, electronics, and metallurgical industries, such as Japan, Germany, and the United States. Exporters are typically countries where selenium is recovered as a byproduct of copper refining, including China, Japan, and Canada. The trade is influenced by demand from high-tech sectors and its recovery efficiency from other metal processing.

Products Under This Code

Elemental selenium, Selenium powder, Selenium metal, Selenium dioxide (precursor), Cadmium selenide, Selenium rectifiers (elemental component)

Real World Examples

Norilsk Nickel (selenium byproduct), Umicore (selenium refining), Alfa Aesar Selenium, American Elements Selenium, Materion Selenium

Common Misclassification

This code covers elemental selenium, not its compounds like selenium dioxide (2811.90) or selenides (2842.90), which are classified under different headings based on their chemical composition.

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 2804.90

Industry

This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.

Trade Overview

China, Japan, and Canada are leading producers of selenium, with Japan, Germany, and the United States being major importers for their diverse industrial needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 280490?

HS code 280490 covers: Selenium. Selenium, a non-metallic element with unique photoconductive and semiconductive properties, holds significant value in international trade for its diverse industrial applications. It is primarily used in glass manufacturing to decolorize glass and to produce ruby-red glass, in pigments, and as a component in photocopier drums and laser printers due to its excellent photoconductivity. Furthermore, selenium is crucial in metallurgy as an alloying agent in stainless steel and copper to improve machinability, and in electronics for rectifiers and solar cells. It also finds use in animal feed supplements and certain pharmaceuticals. Major importers include countries with robust glass, electronics, and metallurgical industries, such as Japan, Germany, and the United States. Exporters are typically countries where selenium is recovered as a byproduct of copper refining, including China, Japan, and Canada. The trade is influenced by demand from high-tech sectors and its recovery efficiency from other metal processing.

What products fall under HS code 280490?

Elemental selenium, Selenium powder, Selenium metal, Selenium dioxide (precursor), Cadmium selenide, Selenium rectifiers (elemental component)

What are common misclassifications for HS code 280490?

This code covers elemental selenium, not its compounds like selenium dioxide (2811.90) or selenides (2842.90), which are classified under different headings based on their chemical composition.

How is HS code 280490 structured?

HS code 280490 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.