HS Code 28.12 – Halides and halide oxides of non-metals

HS code 2812 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Halides and halide oxides of non-metals. Heading 2812 is dedicated to the classification of halides and halide oxides of non-metals, a critical category of inorganic chemicals extensively used as intermediates in various industrial processes. This heading precisely defines compounds containing a halogen element (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine) bonded to a non-metal, and those compounds further incorporating oxygen. The scope is narrow, focusing exclusively on these specific non-metal halogen compounds, ensuring a clear distinction from metal halides or organic halogenated compounds. Key sub-categories often include chlorides, fluorides, bromides, and iodides of non-metals like silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, and boron, as well as their oxygenated counterparts. Accurate classification under 2812 is crucial for trade compliance due to the often hazardous nature of these chemicals, which necessitates specific handling, storage, and transportation regulations. Many products in this heading are highly reactive or corrosive, impacting safety protocols and import/export licensing. Historically, these compounds have been vital for the synthesis of polymers, pharmaceuticals, and specialty materials, underpinning numerous high-tech industries. As part of Chapter 28, this heading reinforces the systematic classification of fundamental inorganic chemical structures, providing a foundational category for substances that are frequently raw materials for more complex chemical transformations.

Silicon tetrachloride, phosphorus trichloride, phosphorus pentachloride, sulfur monochloride, sulfur dichloride, thionyl chloride, phosphoryl chloride, boron trifluoride, boron trichloride, carbon tetrachloride (tetrachloromethane), carbonyl dichloride (phosgene), silicon tetrafluoride, phosphorus trifluoride, phosphorus pentafluoride, sulfur tetrafluoride, sulfur hexafluoride, iodine pentafluoride, bromine trifluoride, chlorine trifluoride, selenium tetrachloride, tellurium tetrachloride, sulfuryl chloride, nitryl chloride

Misclassification under 2812 often occurs when distinguishing between inorganic and organic halogen compounds. For instance, carbon tetrachloride (2812.10) is a non-metal halide, but other halogenated hydrocarbons, such as chloroform or methylene chloride, belong to Chapter 29 (organic chemicals). Another common error is confusing non-metal halides with metal halides (e.g., aluminum chloride, 2827), which fall under different headings. The presence of oxygen is also critical; a simple non-metal halide must be distinguished from a halide oxide, though both fall under 2812. Careful attention to the specific chemical structure – non-metal, halogen, and presence/absence of oxygen – is paramount to avoid errors.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2812 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($235M, 25% of world exports), China ($187M) and Japan ($132M). World exports came to about $938M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2812 in UN Comtrade data were Taiwan (about $221M, 23% of world imports), South Korea ($125M) and Singapore ($76M). World imports came to about $952M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 2812 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (12) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.