HS Code Subheading

Hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid)

2811.11 Subheading
Section VI — Products of the chemical or allied industries

About HS Code 281111

This HS code covers hydrogen fluoride, commonly known as hydrofluoric acid (HF), a highly corrosive and dangerous inorganic acid. Despite its hazards, HF is an indispensable chemical in numerous industrial processes, making its international trade vital for various high-tech and manufacturing sectors. Importers are typically countries with strong chemical, electronics, petroleum refining, and aluminum industries. Exporters are nations with access to fluorspar (its primary raw material) and advanced chemical production facilities. Key applications include etching glass, manufacturing fluorocarbons (refrigerants, polymers like PTFE), refining petroleum, and producing aluminum. Due to its extreme corrosiveness and toxicity, its trade is subject to stringent safety regulations, specialized packaging, and transportation protocols, which significantly impact logistics and costs.

Products Under This Code

Anhydrous hydrogen fluoride, aqueous hydrofluoric acid (48%), electronic-grade hydrofluoric acid, industrial-grade HF, ultra-high purity HF, dilute hydrofluoric acid

Real World Examples

Honeywell Hydrofluoric Acid, Solvay Hydrofluoric Acid, Arkema Hydrofluoric Acid, Stella Chemifa Hydrofluoric Acid

Common Misclassification

This code is specific to hydrogen fluoride and should not be confused with other inorganic acids like hydrochloric acid (280610) or sulfuric acid (280700), which have different chemical properties and uses.

Products Classified Under 2811.11

Industry

This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.

Trade Overview

China is a major producer and exporter, while the USA, Japan, and European countries are significant importers for their chemical and electronics industries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 281111?

HS code 281111 covers: Hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid). This HS code covers hydrogen fluoride, commonly known as hydrofluoric acid (HF), a highly corrosive and dangerous inorganic acid. Despite its hazards, HF is an indispensable chemical in numerous industrial processes, making its international trade vital for various high-tech and manufacturing sectors. Importers are typically countries with strong chemical, electronics, petroleum refining, and aluminum industries. Exporters are nations with access to fluorspar (its primary raw material) and advanced chemical production facilities. Key applications include etching glass, manufacturing fluorocarbons (refrigerants, polymers like PTFE), refining petroleum, and producing aluminum. Due to its extreme corrosiveness and toxicity, its trade is subject to stringent safety regulations, specialized packaging, and transportation protocols, which significantly impact logistics and costs.

What products fall under HS code 281111?

Anhydrous hydrogen fluoride, aqueous hydrofluoric acid (48%), electronic-grade hydrofluoric acid, industrial-grade HF, ultra-high purity HF, dilute hydrofluoric acid

What are common misclassifications for HS code 281111?

This code is specific to hydrogen fluoride and should not be confused with other inorganic acids like hydrochloric acid (280610) or sulfuric acid (280700), which have different chemical properties and uses.

How is HS code 281111 structured?

HS code 281111 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (11) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.