About HS Code 2817
Heading 2817 is unique in Chapter 28, encompassing both elemental zinc and two specific zinc compounds: zinc oxide and zinc peroxide. For elemental zinc, this heading specifically includes it in dust, powder, or flake form, distinguishing it from unwrought zinc in ingots or blocks (classified in Chapter 79). The scope is precise, covering only zinc metal in these specified forms, and its oxide and peroxide. It explicitly excludes other zinc compounds, such as zinc sulfate, zinc chloride, or zinc carbonate, which are classified under other specific headings within Chapter 28 (e.g., 2830-2841 for salts). Key sub-categories include various grades of zinc oxide (pharmaceutical, rubber, cosmetic, pigment), zinc peroxide, and zinc in powder or flake form for metallurgical or coating applications. Accurate classification is crucial for trade compliance, impacting customs duties, potential anti-dumping measures (historically applicable to zinc metal), and regulatory approvals, especially for pharmaceutical or cosmetic grades of zinc oxide. Zinc and its oxide have been vital industrial materials for centuries, foundational in galvanizing, rubber production, and medicinal applications. Its inclusion alongside its key oxides in Chapter 28, primarily dedicated to inorganic compounds, highlights its close association in industrial processes and trade flows, despite elemental metals generally falling under Section XV.
Products Under This Code
Zinc dust, zinc powder, zinc flakes, zinc oxide (calcined), zinc oxide (pharmaceutical grade), zinc oxide (rubber grade), zinc oxide (cosmetic grade), zinc oxide (pigment grade), zinc peroxide, zinc oxide for sunscreens, zinc oxide for diaper rash creams, zinc oxide for ceramic glazes, zinc oxide for tire manufacturing, zinc oxide for paints, zinc powder for galvanizing, zinc powder for metallurgical applications, zinc flakes for anti-corrosion coatings, zinc powder for chemical synthesis, zinc oxide for animal feed, zinc oxide for glass production.
Real World Examples
A large steel galvanizing plant in Mexico imports several containers of zinc powder from Australia for coating steel sheets used in automotive manufacturing, providing corrosion resistance. A pharmaceutical company in the USA imports high-purity, pharmaceutical-grade zinc oxide powder from India for use in topical creams, ointments, and medicinal formulations. A tire manufacturer in Germany sources rubber-grade zinc oxide from a Chinese supplier to act as an activator in the vulcanization process, enhancing tire durability. A cosmetics brand in South Korea imports finely milled zinc oxide from Japan for incorporation into mineral sunscreens and makeup products, valued for its UV-blocking properties. An industrial coatings company in Brazil imports zinc flakes from Canada for use in anti-corrosion paint systems.
Common Misclassification
Misclassification under 2817 commonly occurs with unwrought zinc and other zinc compounds. Heading 7901 (Unwrought zinc) is often confused; 2817 specifically covers zinc in dust, powder, or flake form, while 7901 is for unwrought zinc in ingots, blocks, etc. Traders must verify the physical form. Another frequent error is misclassifying other zinc compounds, such as zinc sulfate or zinc carbonate, under 2817 due to the 'zinc' keyword. However, 2817 is *only* for zinc oxide and peroxide. These other salts belong to headings like 2833 (Sulfates) or 2836 (Carbonates). Finally, if zinc oxide or peroxide is mixed into a specific preparation (e.g., a pre-mixed rubber compound), it could be incorrectly classified under 3824 (Prepared chemical products) instead of 2817.
Subheadings 1
Industry
This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.
Trade Overview
China, Australia, Peru, and India are major producers and exporters of zinc metal (in various forms) and zinc oxide. The USA, EU countries, and Japan are significant importers, particularly for industrial applications in automotive, rubber, and pharmaceutical sectors. Anti-dumping duties have historically been a factor for zinc metal from certain origins, necessitating careful due diligence. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) can reduce duties on both zinc metal and its compounds, benefiting industries that rely on these materials as essential raw goods. Environmental regulations concerning zinc production and usage are also important globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 2817?
HS code 2817 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Zinc; oxide and peroxide. Heading 2817 is unique in Chapter 28, encompassing both elemental zinc and two specific zinc compounds: zinc oxide and zinc peroxide. For elemental zinc, this heading specifically includes it in dust, powder, or flake form, distinguishing it from unwrought zinc in ingots or blocks (classified in Chapter 79). The scope is precise, covering only zinc metal in these specified forms, and its oxide and peroxide. It explicitly excludes other zinc compounds, such as zinc sulfate, zinc chloride, or zinc carbonate, which are classified under other specific headings within Chapter 28 (e.g., 2830-2841 for salts). Key sub-categories include various grades of zinc oxide (pharmaceutical, rubber, cosmetic, pigment), zinc peroxide, and zinc in powder or flake form for metallurgical or coating applications. Accurate classification is crucial for trade compliance, impacting customs duties, potential anti-dumping measures (historically applicable to zinc metal), and regulatory approvals, especially for pharmaceutical or cosmetic grades of zinc oxide. Zinc and its oxide have been vital industrial materials for centuries, foundational in galvanizing, rubber production, and medicinal applications. Its inclusion alongside its key oxides in Chapter 28, primarily dedicated to inorganic compounds, highlights its close association in industrial processes and trade flows, despite elemental metals generally falling under Section XV.
What products fall under HS code 2817?
Zinc dust, zinc powder, zinc flakes, zinc oxide (calcined), zinc oxide (pharmaceutical grade), zinc oxide (rubber grade), zinc oxide (cosmetic grade), zinc oxide (pigment grade), zinc peroxide, zinc oxide for sunscreens, zinc oxide for diaper rash creams, zinc oxide for ceramic glazes, zinc oxide for tire manufacturing, zinc oxide for paints, zinc powder for galvanizing, zinc powder for metallurgical applications, zinc flakes for anti-corrosion coatings, zinc powder for chemical synthesis, zinc oxide for animal feed, zinc oxide for glass production.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2817?
Misclassification under 2817 commonly occurs with unwrought zinc and other zinc compounds. Heading 7901 (Unwrought zinc) is often confused; 2817 specifically covers zinc in dust, powder, or flake form, while 7901 is for unwrought zinc in ingots, blocks, etc. Traders must verify the physical form. Another frequent error is misclassifying other zinc compounds, such as zinc sulfate or zinc carbonate, under 2817 due to the 'zinc' keyword. However, 2817 is *only* for zinc oxide and peroxide. These other salts belong to headings like 2833 (Sulfates) or 2836 (Carbonates). Finally, if zinc oxide or peroxide is mixed into a specific preparation (e.g., a pre-mixed rubber compound), it could be incorrectly classified under 3824 (Prepared chemical products) instead of 2817.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 2817?
China, Australia, Peru, and India are major producers and exporters of zinc metal (in various forms) and zinc oxide. The USA, EU countries, and Japan are significant importers, particularly for industrial applications in automotive, rubber, and pharmaceutical sectors. Anti-dumping duties have historically been a factor for zinc metal from certain origins, necessitating careful due diligence. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) can reduce duties on both zinc metal and its compounds, benefiting industries that rely on these materials as essential raw goods. Environmental regulations concerning zinc production and usage are also important globally.
How is HS code 2817 structured?
HS code 2817 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (17) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.