HS Code Heading

Halides and halide oxides of non-metals

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

About HS Code 2812

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.

Products Under This Code

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

Real World Examples

A chemical company in China exports tons of silicon tetrachloride (2812.10) to semiconductor manufacturers in South Korea and Taiwan, primarily shipped in specialized tank containers across the Yellow Sea, where it's a precursor for producing high-purity silicon. Concurrently, a European pharmaceutical intermediate supplier in Switzerland imports phosphorus trichloride (2812.10) from the United States, transported via multimodal routes including sea and rail, for use in synthesizing active pharmaceutical ingredients. Furthermore, Japanese electronics firms import boron trifluoride (2812.90) from the US, often in compressed gas cylinders via air freight due to its specialized application as a dopant in semiconductor manufacturing.

Common Misclassification

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.

Subheadings 9

Industry

This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.

Trade Overview

Key players in the trade of halides and halide oxides of non-metals include China, the United States, Germany, Japan, and several European Union countries. These nations are significant producers and consumers, driven by their robust chemical, pharmaceutical, and electronics industries. Due to the often hazardous nature of these chemicals, trade is subject to stringent regulations, including export controls, import permits, and compliance with international transport codes (e.g., IMDG, ICAO, ADR). While tariffs may be low or zero under many free trade agreements, the regulatory burden and safety requirements often represent the primary compliance challenge for traders in this category globally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 2812?

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.

What products fall under HS code 2812?

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

What are common misclassifications for HS code 2812?

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.

Which countries trade the most under HS code 2812?

Key players in the trade of halides and halide oxides of non-metals include China, the United States, Germany, Japan, and several European Union countries. These nations are significant producers and consumers, driven by their robust chemical, pharmaceutical, and electronics industries. Due to the often hazardous nature of these chemicals, trade is subject to stringent regulations, including export controls, import permits, and compliance with international transport codes (e.g., IMDG, ICAO, ADR). While tariffs may be low or zero under many free trade agreements, the regulatory burden and safety requirements often represent the primary compliance challenge for traders in this category globally.

How is HS code 2812 structured?

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.