About HS Code 2822
HS Code 2822 covers cobalt oxides and hydroxides, including all forms of commercial cobalt oxides. This heading is critical for classifying essential inorganic chemicals used in high-tech industries. It encompasses compounds like cobalt(II) oxide (CoO), cobalt(III) oxide (Co2O3), tricobalt tetraoxide (Co3O4), and cobalt hydroxide (Co(OH)2). The scope includes both pure chemical compounds and industrial-grade 'commercial cobalt oxides,' which may contain impurities but are intended for specific industrial applications. Excluded are raw cobalt ores (Chapter 26) and prepared pigments or frits containing cobalt oxide (Chapter 32). Key sub-categories often relate to the oxidation state of cobalt and the intended application, such as battery-grade cobalt oxides or pigment-grade materials. This classification is immensely significant for trade compliance due to cobalt's strategic importance, particularly in the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) battery sector, catalysts, and specialized pigments for ceramics and glass. Accurate classification ensures compliance with often complex regulations, including conflict minerals reporting (e.g., Dodd-Frank Act, EU Conflict Minerals Regulation), export controls, and environmental standards. Historically, cobalt pigments have a long legacy, but modern demand is overwhelmingly driven by its role in advanced electronics and energy storage. This heading represents a high-value inorganic chemical within Chapter 28, often acting as a crucial precursor in sophisticated manufacturing processes.
Products Under This Code
Cobalt(II) oxide powder, cobalt(III) oxide, tricobalt tetraoxide, cobalt hydroxide, cobalt blue pigment precursor, lithium cobalt oxide precursor, cobalt catalyst support, cobalt oxide for glass coloration, cobalt oxide for ceramic glazes, battery-grade cobalt oxide, high-purity cobalt oxide, cobalt oxide for magnetic applications, cobalt oxide for supercapacitors, cobalt oxide for electroplating, cobalt oxide for fuel cells, cobalt oxide for chemical synthesis, cobalt oxide for thermoelectric materials, cobalt oxide for thin films
Real World Examples
A mining conglomerate in the Democratic Republic of Congo exports crude cobalt hydroxide to a refinery in Finland, where it is further processed into high-purity, battery-grade cobalt oxides for the European market. A South Korean battery manufacturer imports large quantities of tricobalt tetraoxide from China, a key component for the cathodes of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and consumer electronics. A German chemical company ships cobalt(II) oxide powder to a porcelain manufacturer in Italy, which utilizes it to produce vibrant blue glazes for high-end ceramics. A Japanese catalyst producer imports specialized cobalt oxide from Canada for use in advanced petrochemical cracking processes.
Common Misclassification
Misclassification for HS 2822 commonly involves distinguishing between raw cobalt materials and processed chemicals. Traders sometimes confuse cobalt ores and concentrates (HS 2605) with cobalt oxides/hydroxides, especially if the material is only partially refined. Another frequent error is classifying prepared pigments or frits that contain cobalt oxide under 2822 instead of HS 3206 (Other colouring matter; preparations), which covers formulated colouring materials. Additionally, other cobalt compounds like cobalt sulfates (HS 2833) might be mistakenly grouped here. The key distinction lies in the chemical form: 2822 is specifically for oxides and hydroxides, not other salts or raw ore forms.
Subheadings 1
Industry
This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.
Trade Overview
The Democratic Republic of Congo is the primary source of cobalt ore, but processing and export of refined cobalt oxides are dominated by China, Finland, Canada, and Australia. Major importing nations include South Korea, Japan, the USA, and EU countries, driven by their extensive battery manufacturing and electronics industries. Trade in cobalt is heavily influenced by conflict minerals regulations and ethical sourcing concerns. Tariffs for cobalt oxides are generally low or duty-free for industrial inputs, but compliance with international trade regulations, including those related to responsible sourcing, is paramount for traders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 2822?
HS code 2822 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cobalt oxides and hydroxides; commercial cobalt oxides. HS Code 2822 covers cobalt oxides and hydroxides, including all forms of commercial cobalt oxides. This heading is critical for classifying essential inorganic chemicals used in high-tech industries. It encompasses compounds like cobalt(II) oxide (CoO), cobalt(III) oxide (Co2O3), tricobalt tetraoxide (Co3O4), and cobalt hydroxide (Co(OH)2). The scope includes both pure chemical compounds and industrial-grade 'commercial cobalt oxides,' which may contain impurities but are intended for specific industrial applications. Excluded are raw cobalt ores (Chapter 26) and prepared pigments or frits containing cobalt oxide (Chapter 32). Key sub-categories often relate to the oxidation state of cobalt and the intended application, such as battery-grade cobalt oxides or pigment-grade materials. This classification is immensely significant for trade compliance due to cobalt's strategic importance, particularly in the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) battery sector, catalysts, and specialized pigments for ceramics and glass. Accurate classification ensures compliance with often complex regulations, including conflict minerals reporting (e.g., Dodd-Frank Act, EU Conflict Minerals Regulation), export controls, and environmental standards. Historically, cobalt pigments have a long legacy, but modern demand is overwhelmingly driven by its role in advanced electronics and energy storage. This heading represents a high-value inorganic chemical within Chapter 28, often acting as a crucial precursor in sophisticated manufacturing processes.
What products fall under HS code 2822?
Cobalt(II) oxide powder, cobalt(III) oxide, tricobalt tetraoxide, cobalt hydroxide, cobalt blue pigment precursor, lithium cobalt oxide precursor, cobalt catalyst support, cobalt oxide for glass coloration, cobalt oxide for ceramic glazes, battery-grade cobalt oxide, high-purity cobalt oxide, cobalt oxide for magnetic applications, cobalt oxide for supercapacitors, cobalt oxide for electroplating, cobalt oxide for fuel cells, cobalt oxide for chemical synthesis, cobalt oxide for thermoelectric materials, cobalt oxide for thin films
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2822?
Misclassification for HS 2822 commonly involves distinguishing between raw cobalt materials and processed chemicals. Traders sometimes confuse cobalt ores and concentrates (HS 2605) with cobalt oxides/hydroxides, especially if the material is only partially refined. Another frequent error is classifying prepared pigments or frits that contain cobalt oxide under 2822 instead of HS 3206 (Other colouring matter; preparations), which covers formulated colouring materials. Additionally, other cobalt compounds like cobalt sulfates (HS 2833) might be mistakenly grouped here. The key distinction lies in the chemical form: 2822 is specifically for oxides and hydroxides, not other salts or raw ore forms.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 2822?
The Democratic Republic of Congo is the primary source of cobalt ore, but processing and export of refined cobalt oxides are dominated by China, Finland, Canada, and Australia. Major importing nations include South Korea, Japan, the USA, and EU countries, driven by their extensive battery manufacturing and electronics industries. Trade in cobalt is heavily influenced by conflict minerals regulations and ethical sourcing concerns. Tariffs for cobalt oxides are generally low or duty-free for industrial inputs, but compliance with international trade regulations, including those related to responsible sourcing, is paramount for traders.
How is HS code 2822 structured?
HS code 2822 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (22) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.