HS Code Heading

Sulphides of non-metals; commercial phosphorus trisulphide

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

About HS Code 2813

Heading 2813 specifically covers sulphides of non-metals, along with the explicit inclusion of commercial phosphorus trisulphide. This classification delineates compounds where sulfur is bonded with another non-metal element, forming a sulphide, excluding those that might be considered halides (covered in 2812) or other specific sulfur compounds elsewhere in Chapter 28. The scope is focused on simple inorganic sulphides of non-metals such as carbon disulphide, hydrogen sulphide, and phosphorus pentasulphide. The explicit mention of 'commercial phosphorus trisulphide' highlights its industrial significance and ensures its correct placement. For trade compliance professionals, accurately classifying these sulphides is crucial, particularly because many are flammable, toxic, or corrosive, requiring strict adherence to safety and environmental regulations in international transport and storage. Misclassification can lead to severe penalties, delays, and safety hazards. Historically, these compounds have played vital roles in industries ranging from agriculture (pesticides) to rubber manufacturing (vulcanization agents) and chemical synthesis. As an integral part of Chapter 28, which organizes inorganic chemicals, heading 2813 provides a precise category for these fundamental sulfur compounds, distinguishing them from more complex organic sulfur compounds (Chapter 29) or other inorganic sulfur compounds like sulfates or sulfites (Chapter 28).

Products Under This Code

Carbon disulphide, hydrogen sulphide (compressed gas), hydrogen sulphide (liquefied), phosphorus pentasulphide, phosphorus sesquisulphide (commercial phosphorus trisulphide), arsenic disulphide, arsenic trisulphide, arsenic pentasulphide, antimony trisulphide, antimony pentasulphide, silicon disulphide, boron trisulphide, carbon oxysulphide, sulphur monobromide, sulphur dichloride (if not considered a halide), sulphur hexafluoride (if not considered a halide), sulphur dibromide, sulphur monochloride, carbon monosulphide, hydrogen polysulphide, phosphorus heptasulphide

Real World Examples

A major chemical distributor in the Netherlands exports carbon disulphide (2813.10) to rubber manufacturers in Southeast Asia, primarily shipped in ISO tank containers across sea routes, where it serves as a solvent and a precursor for viscose rayon. Simultaneously, a mining company in Canada imports phosphorus pentasulphide (2813.90) from China, transported by bulk vessels, for use in the production of lubricants and flotation agents. Furthermore, a specialized chemical firm in India imports commercial phosphorus trisulphide (2813.90) from the United States, used in the manufacture of matches and pyrotechnics, often moved via containerized freight, subject to hazardous materials regulations.

Common Misclassification

A common misclassification under 2813 involves confusing non-metal sulphides with metal sulphides, such as iron sulphide or zinc sulphide, which fall under heading 2830. Another error is classifying organic sulfur compounds, like thiols or thioethers (Chapter 29), as inorganic non-metal sulphides. Traders might also struggle with distinguishing simple sulphides from more complex inorganic sulfur compounds like sulfates (2833) or sulfites (2832). The key differentiator is the direct bonding of sulfur with a non-metal, excluding oxygenated or halogenated forms that might have more specific classifications. Verifying the elemental composition and inorganic nature is crucial.

Subheadings 2

Industry

This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.

Trade Overview

China, the United States, India, Germany, and Japan are significant players in the global trade of non-metal sulphides. China, in particular, is a major producer and exporter of many basic chemicals, including those in 2813. These chemicals are critical inputs for industries such as rubber, mining, and specialty chemicals globally. Due to their often hazardous properties (flammability, toxicity), trade in these substances is heavily regulated, requiring adherence to international hazardous materials codes and often specific national import/export licenses. While tariffs may be low, the regulatory compliance burden is considerable, influencing trade patterns and routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 2813?

HS code 2813 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sulphides of non-metals; commercial phosphorus trisulphide. Heading 2813 specifically covers sulphides of non-metals, along with the explicit inclusion of commercial phosphorus trisulphide. This classification delineates compounds where sulfur is bonded with another non-metal element, forming a sulphide, excluding those that might be considered halides (covered in 2812) or other specific sulfur compounds elsewhere in Chapter 28. The scope is focused on simple inorganic sulphides of non-metals such as carbon disulphide, hydrogen sulphide, and phosphorus pentasulphide. The explicit mention of 'commercial phosphorus trisulphide' highlights its industrial significance and ensures its correct placement. For trade compliance professionals, accurately classifying these sulphides is crucial, particularly because many are flammable, toxic, or corrosive, requiring strict adherence to safety and environmental regulations in international transport and storage. Misclassification can lead to severe penalties, delays, and safety hazards. Historically, these compounds have played vital roles in industries ranging from agriculture (pesticides) to rubber manufacturing (vulcanization agents) and chemical synthesis. As an integral part of Chapter 28, which organizes inorganic chemicals, heading 2813 provides a precise category for these fundamental sulfur compounds, distinguishing them from more complex organic sulfur compounds (Chapter 29) or other inorganic sulfur compounds like sulfates or sulfites (Chapter 28).

What products fall under HS code 2813?

Carbon disulphide, hydrogen sulphide (compressed gas), hydrogen sulphide (liquefied), phosphorus pentasulphide, phosphorus sesquisulphide (commercial phosphorus trisulphide), arsenic disulphide, arsenic trisulphide, arsenic pentasulphide, antimony trisulphide, antimony pentasulphide, silicon disulphide, boron trisulphide, carbon oxysulphide, sulphur monobromide, sulphur dichloride (if not considered a halide), sulphur hexafluoride (if not considered a halide), sulphur dibromide, sulphur monochloride, carbon monosulphide, hydrogen polysulphide, phosphorus heptasulphide

What are common misclassifications for HS code 2813?

A common misclassification under 2813 involves confusing non-metal sulphides with metal sulphides, such as iron sulphide or zinc sulphide, which fall under heading 2830. Another error is classifying organic sulfur compounds, like thiols or thioethers (Chapter 29), as inorganic non-metal sulphides. Traders might also struggle with distinguishing simple sulphides from more complex inorganic sulfur compounds like sulfates (2833) or sulfites (2832). The key differentiator is the direct bonding of sulfur with a non-metal, excluding oxygenated or halogenated forms that might have more specific classifications. Verifying the elemental composition and inorganic nature is crucial.

Which countries trade the most under HS code 2813?

China, the United States, India, Germany, and Japan are significant players in the global trade of non-metal sulphides. China, in particular, is a major producer and exporter of many basic chemicals, including those in 2813. These chemicals are critical inputs for industries such as rubber, mining, and specialty chemicals globally. Due to their often hazardous properties (flammability, toxicity), trade in these substances is heavily regulated, requiring adherence to international hazardous materials codes and often specific national import/export licenses. While tariffs may be low, the regulatory compliance burden is considerable, influencing trade patterns and routes.

How is HS code 2813 structured?

HS code 2813 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (13) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.