HS Code Heading

Isotopes other than those of heading no. 2844; compounds, inorganic or organic, of such isotopes, whether or not chemically defined

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

About HS Code 2845

Heading 2845 serves as a counterpart to 2844, specifically covering isotopes other than those of heading 2844, along with their inorganic or organic compounds, whether or not chemically defined. This classification is dedicated to stable (non-radioactive) isotopes and their compounds, which are distinct from the highly regulated radioactive materials. The scope includes a wide array of enriched stable isotopes of elements like hydrogen (deuterium), oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen, among others. These isotopes are not radioactive but are separated or enriched for specific applications where their unique atomic mass or nuclear properties are beneficial. Key sub-categories include deuterium oxide (heavy water), enriched carbon-13, oxygen-18, and nitrogen-15, as well as their various chemical compounds. This classification is vital for trade compliance as it differentiates these specialized chemical products from both radioactive isotopes (2844) and common, unenriched chemical compounds found elsewhere in Chapter 28. Accurate classification ensures proper customs valuation and regulatory adherence, although the regulatory burden is significantly lower than for radioactive materials. Historically, the development of isotope separation technologies has paved the way for advanced scientific research, medical diagnostics, and specialized industrial processes, making these materials indispensable in modern technology. This heading within Chapter 28 underscores the importance of isotopic composition as a defining characteristic for chemical classification.

Products Under This Code

Deuterium (heavy hydrogen), Deuterium oxide (heavy water), Carbon-13 (enriched isotope), Oxygen-18 (enriched isotope), Nitrogen-15 (enriched isotope), Deuterated chloroform, Deuterated water (for NMR spectroscopy), Carbon-13 labeled compounds, Nitrogen-15 labeled compounds, Oxygen-18 labeled compounds, Boron-10 (enriched isotope), Lithium-6 (enriched isotope), Sulfur-34 (enriched isotope), Silicon-28 (enriched isotope), Germanium-76 (enriched isotope), Stable isotope standards, Stable isotope-enriched gases, Deuterated solvents for spectroscopy, Heavy water for nuclear moderation (non-radioactive use), Isotopic tracers for environmental studies, Enriched uranium (non-radioactive isotopes, e.g., U-238 for specific uses)

Real World Examples

A research laboratory in the United States imports a high-purity consignment of Carbon-13 labeled glucose from a specialized chemical supplier in the UK for metabolic studies, typically transported by air freight due to its value and sensitivity. Another example involves a nuclear research facility in India importing heavy water (deuterium oxide) from Canada for use as a moderator in a research reactor, a transaction that, while not involving radioactive materials, still requires careful regulatory oversight and is often transported by sea. Furthermore, a manufacturer of advanced medical diagnostic equipment in Germany exports Oxygen-18 enriched water to a PET scan facility in Australia for the production of radiopharmaceuticals, usually via air cargo to maintain purity and supply chain integrity.

Common Misclassification

A common misclassification for 2845 is confusing stable isotopes with their radioactive counterparts under 2844. For instance, classifying deuterium as radioactive tritium, or enriched Carbon-13 as radioactive Carbon-14. This error can lead to severe regulatory issues due to the vast difference in control for radioactive materials. Conversely, some might classify stable isotope compounds as generic chemical compounds (e.g., classifying deuterium oxide as just 'water' under 2201 or a simple oxide under 28XX), thereby missing the specific 'isotope' aspect which defines its value and specialized use. It's crucial to confirm whether the isotope is stable or radioactive and if it has been enriched beyond its natural abundance, as this determines its classification in 2845 vs. 2844 or other chemical headings.

Subheadings 5

Industry

This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.

Trade Overview

Major players in the trade of goods under 2845 include countries with advanced scientific research, medical, and high-tech industrial sectors, such as the United States, Germany, Japan, Canada, and China. These nations are both significant producers and consumers of stable isotopes for applications ranging from nuclear moderation to advanced medical diagnostics and scientific research. While not subject to the same stringent controls as radioactive materials, heavy water, in particular, can still be subject to specific export controls in some countries due to its potential use in nuclear programs. Tariffs generally follow standard chemical rates, and many specialized isotopic compounds may benefit from reduced or zero duties under various free trade agreements, reflecting their importance in high-value, niche markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 2845?

HS code 2845 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Isotopes other than those of heading no. 2844; compounds, inorganic or organic, of such isotopes, whether or not chemically defined. Heading 2845 serves as a counterpart to 2844, specifically covering isotopes other than those of heading 2844, along with their inorganic or organic compounds, whether or not chemically defined. This classification is dedicated to stable (non-radioactive) isotopes and their compounds, which are distinct from the highly regulated radioactive materials. The scope includes a wide array of enriched stable isotopes of elements like hydrogen (deuterium), oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen, among others. These isotopes are not radioactive but are separated or enriched for specific applications where their unique atomic mass or nuclear properties are beneficial. Key sub-categories include deuterium oxide (heavy water), enriched carbon-13, oxygen-18, and nitrogen-15, as well as their various chemical compounds. This classification is vital for trade compliance as it differentiates these specialized chemical products from both radioactive isotopes (2844) and common, unenriched chemical compounds found elsewhere in Chapter 28. Accurate classification ensures proper customs valuation and regulatory adherence, although the regulatory burden is significantly lower than for radioactive materials. Historically, the development of isotope separation technologies has paved the way for advanced scientific research, medical diagnostics, and specialized industrial processes, making these materials indispensable in modern technology. This heading within Chapter 28 underscores the importance of isotopic composition as a defining characteristic for chemical classification.

What products fall under HS code 2845?

Deuterium (heavy hydrogen), Deuterium oxide (heavy water), Carbon-13 (enriched isotope), Oxygen-18 (enriched isotope), Nitrogen-15 (enriched isotope), Deuterated chloroform, Deuterated water (for NMR spectroscopy), Carbon-13 labeled compounds, Nitrogen-15 labeled compounds, Oxygen-18 labeled compounds, Boron-10 (enriched isotope), Lithium-6 (enriched isotope), Sulfur-34 (enriched isotope), Silicon-28 (enriched isotope), Germanium-76 (enriched isotope), Stable isotope standards, Stable isotope-enriched gases, Deuterated solvents for spectroscopy, Heavy water for nuclear moderation (non-radioactive use), Isotopic tracers for environmental studies, Enriched uranium (non-radioactive isotopes, e.g., U-238 for specific uses)

What are common misclassifications for HS code 2845?

A common misclassification for 2845 is confusing stable isotopes with their radioactive counterparts under 2844. For instance, classifying deuterium as radioactive tritium, or enriched Carbon-13 as radioactive Carbon-14. This error can lead to severe regulatory issues due to the vast difference in control for radioactive materials. Conversely, some might classify stable isotope compounds as generic chemical compounds (e.g., classifying deuterium oxide as just 'water' under 2201 or a simple oxide under 28XX), thereby missing the specific 'isotope' aspect which defines its value and specialized use. It's crucial to confirm whether the isotope is stable or radioactive and if it has been enriched beyond its natural abundance, as this determines its classification in 2845 vs. 2844 or other chemical headings.

Which countries trade the most under HS code 2845?

Major players in the trade of goods under 2845 include countries with advanced scientific research, medical, and high-tech industrial sectors, such as the United States, Germany, Japan, Canada, and China. These nations are both significant producers and consumers of stable isotopes for applications ranging from nuclear moderation to advanced medical diagnostics and scientific research. While not subject to the same stringent controls as radioactive materials, heavy water, in particular, can still be subject to specific export controls in some countries due to its potential use in nuclear programs. Tariffs generally follow standard chemical rates, and many specialized isotopic compounds may benefit from reduced or zero duties under various free trade agreements, reflecting their importance in high-value, niche markets.

How is HS code 2845 structured?

HS code 2845 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (45) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.