About HS Code 2846
Heading 2846 is dedicated to compounds, inorganic or organic, of rare-earth metals, of yttrium, or of scandium, or of mixtures of these metals. This classification is positioned within Section VI, Chapter 28, and is critical for distinguishing these technologically vital compounds from the pure rare-earth metals themselves (which fall under Chapter 28 for certain forms or Chapter 71 for unwrought forms) and from articles made thereof. The scope encompasses a wide array of chemical compounds where rare-earth elements (the lanthanides, plus scandium and yttrium) are the primary active component. These compounds are fundamental to numerous high-tech industries. Key sub-categories include oxides, chlorides, carbonates, and various organic salts of elements like neodymium, dysprosium, cerium, lanthanum, yttrium, and scandium. This classification is paramount for trade compliance due to the strategic importance and often volatile supply chains associated with rare-earth elements. Accurate classification ensures proper customs duties, avoids delays, and aids in monitoring the trade of these critical materials, which are subject to geopolitical considerations and, in some cases, export controls by producing nations. Historically, the demand for these compounds has surged with the rise of modern electronics, renewable energy technologies, and advanced materials. Their placement in Chapter 28 emphasizes their chemical identity and function as distinct from their metallic forms.
Products Under This Code
Neodymium oxide, Dysprosium oxide, Cerium oxide, Lanthanum oxide, Yttrium oxide, Scandium oxide, Praseodymium oxide, Samarium oxide, Europium oxide, Gadolinium oxide, Terbium oxide, Erbium oxide, Ytterbium oxide, Lutetium oxide, Cerium carbonate, Lanthanum carbonate, Neodymium chloride, Yttrium chloride, Scandium chloride, Cerium nitrate, Lanthanum nitrate, Praseodymium nitrate, Mixed rare-earth oxides, Rare-earth phosphors (as compounds), Magnetic rare-earth compounds, Catalytic rare-earth compounds
Real World Examples
A specialized chemical company in China exports a large volume of neodymium oxide, a crucial component for manufacturing high-strength permanent magnets used in electric vehicles and wind turbines, to a magnet production facility in Japan, typically shipped by sea freight. Separately, a pharmaceutical firm in the United States imports lanthanum carbonate from India for use in kidney disease medication, often transported by air cargo due to its pharmaceutical application. Another scenario involves a European electronics manufacturer importing a mixture of cerium oxide and other rare-earth oxides from Southeast Asia for use in polishing compounds for precision optics, arriving via container ship through the Indian Ocean and Suez Canal.
Common Misclassification
A common misclassification error involves confusing the compounds of rare-earth metals (2846) with the pure rare-earth metals themselves (which could fall under 2805 if in certain forms, or Chapter 71 if unwrought or semi-manufactured). For example, classifying 'neodymium metal' instead of 'neodymium oxide' under 2846. Another mistake is classifying articles or finished products containing rare-earth magnets or components (e.g., electric motors, wind turbine generators) under 2846; these belong to their respective chapters based on the article's primary function (e.g., Chapter 85 for electrical machinery). The key distinction lies in whether the product is a chemical compound of the rare-earth metal or the metal in its elemental form, or a manufactured article incorporating these elements.
Subheadings 2
Industry
This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.
Trade Overview
Major global players in the trade of goods under 2846 include China (as the dominant producer and exporter), the United States, Japan, South Korea, and various European nations (as significant importers and processors). These compounds are vital for high-tech manufacturing, including electronics, renewable energy, and automotive sectors. Due to the strategic nature of rare-earth elements, trade can be influenced by geopolitical factors, and some countries may implement specific export controls or quotas on these materials. Tariff rates vary, but many of these industrial compounds may benefit from reduced or zero duties under free trade agreements when traded between signatory countries, reflecting their importance in critical global supply chains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 2846?
HS code 2846 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Compounds, inorganic or organic, of rare-earth metals; of yttrium or of scandium or of mixtures of these metals. Heading 2846 is dedicated to compounds, inorganic or organic, of rare-earth metals, of yttrium, or of scandium, or of mixtures of these metals. This classification is positioned within Section VI, Chapter 28, and is critical for distinguishing these technologically vital compounds from the pure rare-earth metals themselves (which fall under Chapter 28 for certain forms or Chapter 71 for unwrought forms) and from articles made thereof. The scope encompasses a wide array of chemical compounds where rare-earth elements (the lanthanides, plus scandium and yttrium) are the primary active component. These compounds are fundamental to numerous high-tech industries. Key sub-categories include oxides, chlorides, carbonates, and various organic salts of elements like neodymium, dysprosium, cerium, lanthanum, yttrium, and scandium. This classification is paramount for trade compliance due to the strategic importance and often volatile supply chains associated with rare-earth elements. Accurate classification ensures proper customs duties, avoids delays, and aids in monitoring the trade of these critical materials, which are subject to geopolitical considerations and, in some cases, export controls by producing nations. Historically, the demand for these compounds has surged with the rise of modern electronics, renewable energy technologies, and advanced materials. Their placement in Chapter 28 emphasizes their chemical identity and function as distinct from their metallic forms.
What products fall under HS code 2846?
Neodymium oxide, Dysprosium oxide, Cerium oxide, Lanthanum oxide, Yttrium oxide, Scandium oxide, Praseodymium oxide, Samarium oxide, Europium oxide, Gadolinium oxide, Terbium oxide, Erbium oxide, Ytterbium oxide, Lutetium oxide, Cerium carbonate, Lanthanum carbonate, Neodymium chloride, Yttrium chloride, Scandium chloride, Cerium nitrate, Lanthanum nitrate, Praseodymium nitrate, Mixed rare-earth oxides, Rare-earth phosphors (as compounds), Magnetic rare-earth compounds, Catalytic rare-earth compounds
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2846?
A common misclassification error involves confusing the compounds of rare-earth metals (2846) with the pure rare-earth metals themselves (which could fall under 2805 if in certain forms, or Chapter 71 if unwrought or semi-manufactured). For example, classifying 'neodymium metal' instead of 'neodymium oxide' under 2846. Another mistake is classifying articles or finished products containing rare-earth magnets or components (e.g., electric motors, wind turbine generators) under 2846; these belong to their respective chapters based on the article's primary function (e.g., Chapter 85 for electrical machinery). The key distinction lies in whether the product is a chemical compound of the rare-earth metal or the metal in its elemental form, or a manufactured article incorporating these elements.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 2846?
Major global players in the trade of goods under 2846 include China (as the dominant producer and exporter), the United States, Japan, South Korea, and various European nations (as significant importers and processors). These compounds are vital for high-tech manufacturing, including electronics, renewable energy, and automotive sectors. Due to the strategic nature of rare-earth elements, trade can be influenced by geopolitical factors, and some countries may implement specific export controls or quotas on these materials. Tariff rates vary, but many of these industrial compounds may benefit from reduced or zero duties under free trade agreements when traded between signatory countries, reflecting their importance in critical global supply chains.
How is HS code 2846 structured?
HS code 2846 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (46) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.