HS Code Heading

Oxides of boron; boric acids

28.10 Heading
Section VI — Products of the chemical or allied industries

About HS Code 2810

Heading 2810 encompasses Oxides of boron and Boric acids, a group of versatile inorganic chemicals with a wide array of industrial and consumer applications. Boric acid (H3BO3), the most common form, is a mild acid known for its antiseptic, flame-retardant, and insecticidal properties. It is extensively used in the manufacture of fiberglass, ceramics, glazes, detergents, and as an agricultural micronutrient. Boron oxides (e.g., boron trioxide, B2O3), also known as boric anhydride, serve as precursors to other boron compounds, as fluxes in glass and ceramic production, and as components in specialty glasses and enamels. The scope of this heading includes various hydrated and anhydrous forms of boric acid and its oxides. Accurate classification under 2810 is crucial for trade compliance, as it impacts tariff rates, safety data sheet requirements, and specific regulations, particularly for applications like pesticides or food additives. Historically, boron compounds have been utilized since ancient times, with borax (a sodium borate, closely related) being used in metallurgy and medicine. These chemicals fall within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, distinguishing them from organic boron compounds or specialized mixtures. Understanding the specific chemical form, purity, and intended application is vital for proper classification and navigating the diverse regulatory landscape.

Products Under This Code

Boric acid (orthoboric acid), boron oxide (boric anhydride), boron trioxide, metaboric acid, tetraboric acid, anhydrous boric acid, decahydrate boric acid, boric acid for fiberglass manufacturing, boric acid for ceramics, boric acid for detergents, boric acid for agriculture, boric acid for fire retardants, boric acid for antiseptics, boron oxide for specialty glass, boron oxide for enamels, boron oxide for metallurgical fluxes, chemically pure boric acid, reagent-grade boric acid, industrial-grade boric acid, boric acid for wood preservatives, boric acid for nuclear applications, boric acid for laboratory use, boric acid flakes, boric acid powder.

Real World Examples

A major fiberglass manufacturer in the United States imports large quantities of boric acid from Turkey, a leading global supplier of boron minerals, typically shipped via bulk ocean freight across the Atlantic. A ceramic tile producer in Spain sources boron oxide from China for use as a flux and glaze component, ensuring consistent quality through established trade routes. An agricultural chemical company in South America imports boric acid from Russia for formulating micronutrient fertilizers to address boron deficiencies in crops, transported through various maritime and overland routes.

Common Misclassification

Common misclassification mistakes for HS 2810 often involve confusing boric acid and boron oxides with related boron compounds, particularly borates (HS 2840), such as borax or sodium borates. While chemically similar, 2840 specifically covers the salts of boric acids. Another error is classifying mixtures containing boric acid, such as certain insecticides (HS 3808) or cleaning preparations (HS 3402), under 2810 instead of their more specific functional headings. Traders might also mistakenly classify boron carbide (HS 2849) or other specific boron compounds under this heading, leading to incorrect duties and regulatory non-compliance.

Subheadings 1

Industry

This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.

Trade Overview

Turkey, the United States, China, Russia, and South America are major players in the production and consumption of boron oxides and boric acids. Turkey holds the largest share of global boron reserves and is a dominant exporter. The US and China are significant consumers due to their large industrial bases. Tariffs are generally low or duty-free for these basic inorganic chemicals under most international trade agreements. However, specific applications, such as their use in pesticides or pharmaceuticals, may trigger additional regulatory requirements, import licenses, or higher tariffs depending on the importing country's regulations and standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 2810?

HS code 2810 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Oxides of boron; boric acids. Heading 2810 encompasses Oxides of boron and Boric acids, a group of versatile inorganic chemicals with a wide array of industrial and consumer applications. Boric acid (H3BO3), the most common form, is a mild acid known for its antiseptic, flame-retardant, and insecticidal properties. It is extensively used in the manufacture of fiberglass, ceramics, glazes, detergents, and as an agricultural micronutrient. Boron oxides (e.g., boron trioxide, B2O3), also known as boric anhydride, serve as precursors to other boron compounds, as fluxes in glass and ceramic production, and as components in specialty glasses and enamels. The scope of this heading includes various hydrated and anhydrous forms of boric acid and its oxides. Accurate classification under 2810 is crucial for trade compliance, as it impacts tariff rates, safety data sheet requirements, and specific regulations, particularly for applications like pesticides or food additives. Historically, boron compounds have been utilized since ancient times, with borax (a sodium borate, closely related) being used in metallurgy and medicine. These chemicals fall within Chapter 28, which covers inorganic chemicals, distinguishing them from organic boron compounds or specialized mixtures. Understanding the specific chemical form, purity, and intended application is vital for proper classification and navigating the diverse regulatory landscape.

What products fall under HS code 2810?

Boric acid (orthoboric acid), boron oxide (boric anhydride), boron trioxide, metaboric acid, tetraboric acid, anhydrous boric acid, decahydrate boric acid, boric acid for fiberglass manufacturing, boric acid for ceramics, boric acid for detergents, boric acid for agriculture, boric acid for fire retardants, boric acid for antiseptics, boron oxide for specialty glass, boron oxide for enamels, boron oxide for metallurgical fluxes, chemically pure boric acid, reagent-grade boric acid, industrial-grade boric acid, boric acid for wood preservatives, boric acid for nuclear applications, boric acid for laboratory use, boric acid flakes, boric acid powder.

What are common misclassifications for HS code 2810?

Common misclassification mistakes for HS 2810 often involve confusing boric acid and boron oxides with related boron compounds, particularly borates (HS 2840), such as borax or sodium borates. While chemically similar, 2840 specifically covers the salts of boric acids. Another error is classifying mixtures containing boric acid, such as certain insecticides (HS 3808) or cleaning preparations (HS 3402), under 2810 instead of their more specific functional headings. Traders might also mistakenly classify boron carbide (HS 2849) or other specific boron compounds under this heading, leading to incorrect duties and regulatory non-compliance.

Which countries trade the most under HS code 2810?

Turkey, the United States, China, Russia, and South America are major players in the production and consumption of boron oxides and boric acids. Turkey holds the largest share of global boron reserves and is a dominant exporter. The US and China are significant consumers due to their large industrial bases. Tariffs are generally low or duty-free for these basic inorganic chemicals under most international trade agreements. However, specific applications, such as their use in pesticides or pharmaceuticals, may trigger additional regulatory requirements, import licenses, or higher tariffs depending on the importing country's regulations and standards.

How is HS code 2810 structured?

HS code 2810 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (10) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.