HS Code 28.16 – Hydroxide and peroxide of magnesium; oxides, hydroxides and peroxides of strontium or barium

HS code 2816 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Hydroxide and peroxide of magnesium; oxides, hydroxides and peroxides of strontium or barium. Heading 2816 meticulously classifies specific inorganic compounds: the hydroxide and peroxide of magnesium, and the oxides, hydroxides, and peroxides of strontium or barium. This encompasses a crucial array of basic chemicals widely utilized across various industries. The scope is strictly limited to these specified compounds of magnesium, strontium, and barium, meaning other compounds of these elements (e.g., sulfates, carbonates) or oxides/hydroxides/peroxides of other metals would fall under different headings within Chapter 28 or elsewhere. Key sub-categories include magnesium hydroxide (a popular antacid and flame retardant), magnesium peroxide (an oxidizing agent), strontium oxide (used in ceramics and electronics), strontium hydroxide (a strong base), strontium peroxide (for pyrotechnics), barium oxide (a dehydrating agent), barium hydroxide (an industrial base), and barium peroxide (an oxidizing agent). Accurate classification under 2816 is paramount for trade compliance. It dictates correct customs duties, ensures adherence to specific import/export regulations, and addresses safety and environmental concerns, particularly with certain barium compounds that can be toxic. For instance, high-purity grades often face different scrutiny. Historically, these compounds have been foundational in chemical manufacturing, contributing to advancements in medicine, materials science, and industrial processes. This heading is a core component of Chapter 28, which systematically classifies inorganic chemicals, placing these fundamental metal oxides, hydroxides, and peroxides within their appropriate chemical family.

Magnesium hydroxide powder, magnesium peroxide granules, strontium oxide powder, strontium hydroxide octahydrate, strontium peroxide powder, barium oxide lumps, barium hydroxide octahydrate, barium peroxide powder, milk of magnesia (as active ingredient), flame retardant additives (magnesium hydroxide based), pyrotechnic colorants (strontium compounds), ceramic glazes (barium compounds), anode materials (strontium oxide), hydrogen peroxide stabilizers (magnesium hydroxide), drilling fluid additives (magnesium hydroxide), wastewater treatment chemicals (magnesium hydroxide), catalysts (barium oxide), absorbent material (barium oxide), desiccant (barium oxide), acid neutralizer (magnesium hydroxide).

Common misclassifications for products under 2816 often involve confusing them with similar compounds of different metals or with prepared mixtures. Heading 2815 (Sodium, potassium, calcium oxides, hydroxides, peroxides) is frequently mistaken due to similar chemical functions; the distinction lies strictly in the metallic element. Another point of confusion is 2825, a residual heading for 'other inorganic bases; other metal oxides, hydroxides and peroxides,' which should only be used if the specific compounds of magnesium, strontium, or barium are not explicitly covered by 2816. Finally, if these chemicals are mixed with other substances to form a 'preparation' for a specific use (e.g., a proprietary flame retardant blend), they might be incorrectly classified under 3824 (Prepared chemical products), rather than as the pure chemical compound in 2816.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2816 in UN Comtrade data were China ($47M, 16% of world exports), the Netherlands ($45M) and Russia (about $44M). World exports came to about $292M, 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 2816 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($40M, 12% of world imports), Italy ($38M) and the United States ($32M). World imports came to about $334M, 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 2816 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (16) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.