About HS Code 2904
Heading 2904 encompasses sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives of hydrocarbons, which may or may not be halogenated. This classification covers organic compounds where a hydrogen atom (or sometimes another group) on a hydrocarbon structure has been replaced by a sulfonic acid group (-SO3H), a nitro group (-NO2), or a nitroso group (-NO). These derivatives are critical intermediates in the chemical industry, essential for producing dyes, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, detergents, and explosives. The scope includes a wide array of compounds, from simple nitromethane to complex aromatic sulfonic acids and their salts, provided they are pure, individual chemicals. It excludes preparations or mixtures where these derivatives are combined with other substances for specific end-uses (e.g., formulated detergents or explosives). Proper classification under 2904 is crucial for trade compliance, as these chemicals often have varying tariffs, safety regulations, and dual-use considerations (e.g., for explosives precursors). Historically, the synthesis of many industrial chemicals, particularly dyes, relied heavily on these types of derivatives. This heading demonstrates further functionalization of basic hydrocarbon structures within Chapter 29, introducing highly reactive or industrially significant groups.
Products Under This Code
Benzene sulfonic acid, Toluene sulfonic acid, Xylene sulfonic acid, p-Toluenesulfonyl chloride, Nitromethane, Nitrobenzene, Dinitrotoluene, Trinitrotoluene (TNT) (pure chemical), Nitroethane, Nitrotoluene, Nitrochlorobenzene, Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (pure), Sodium lignosulfonate (pure chemical), Aniline sulfate (pure chemical), Nitropropane, Nitroxylene, Methanesulfonic acid (MSA), 2-Naphthol-6-sulfonic acid, Nitrophenols (as derivatives), Chloronitrobenzene.
Real World Examples
A German chemical manufacturer exports high-purity nitrobenzene to an Indian dye-making facility for the production of aniline, a key intermediate, shipped in specialized chemical tankers. A Chinese company exports p-toluenesulfonic acid to the United States for use as a catalyst in various organic synthesis reactions, transported in bulk containers. A U.S. firm ships nitromethane to Canada for specialty fuel additives and industrial solvent applications, typically in drums or small tanks. An EU producer exports sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (pure) to Southeast Asian detergent manufacturers as a primary surfactant raw material.
Common Misclassification
A common mistake in classifying under 2904 is confusing pure sulphonated or nitrated hydrocarbons with their formulated preparations. For instance, if sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate is mixed with other ingredients to form a detergent, it would fall under 3402 (Organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, lubricating preparations, artificial waxes, prepared waxes, polishing or scouring preparations, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, 'dental waxes' and dental preparations with a basis of plaster) rather than 2904. Similarly, pure Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is classified here, but if it's formulated into an explosive device or preparation, it would be under 3603 (Explosives, prepared). Another error involves products where the nitro group has been reduced to an amine; these would typically fall under 2921 (Amines, acyclic) or 2922 (Oxygen-function amino-compounds) if they are amino-compounds.
Subheadings 10
Industry
This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.
Trade Overview
Major exporters of these derivatives include China, Germany, the United States, and India, reflecting their robust chemical manufacturing sectors. Key importers are India, Southeast Asian countries, Latin America, and other EU nations, driven by demand from their dye, pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and detergent industries. Trade agreements often facilitate the movement of these crucial chemical intermediates. However, certain nitrated compounds, particularly those with explosive potential, are subject to stringent export controls and dual-use regulations, requiring strict compliance and licensing procedures in many countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 2904?
HS code 2904 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives of hydrocarbons; whether or not halogenated. Heading 2904 encompasses sulphonated, nitrated, or nitrosated derivatives of hydrocarbons, which may or may not be halogenated. This classification covers organic compounds where a hydrogen atom (or sometimes another group) on a hydrocarbon structure has been replaced by a sulfonic acid group (-SO3H), a nitro group (-NO2), or a nitroso group (-NO). These derivatives are critical intermediates in the chemical industry, essential for producing dyes, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, detergents, and explosives. The scope includes a wide array of compounds, from simple nitromethane to complex aromatic sulfonic acids and their salts, provided they are pure, individual chemicals. It excludes preparations or mixtures where these derivatives are combined with other substances for specific end-uses (e.g., formulated detergents or explosives). Proper classification under 2904 is crucial for trade compliance, as these chemicals often have varying tariffs, safety regulations, and dual-use considerations (e.g., for explosives precursors). Historically, the synthesis of many industrial chemicals, particularly dyes, relied heavily on these types of derivatives. This heading demonstrates further functionalization of basic hydrocarbon structures within Chapter 29, introducing highly reactive or industrially significant groups.
What products fall under HS code 2904?
Benzene sulfonic acid, Toluene sulfonic acid, Xylene sulfonic acid, p-Toluenesulfonyl chloride, Nitromethane, Nitrobenzene, Dinitrotoluene, Trinitrotoluene (TNT) (pure chemical), Nitroethane, Nitrotoluene, Nitrochlorobenzene, Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (pure), Sodium lignosulfonate (pure chemical), Aniline sulfate (pure chemical), Nitropropane, Nitroxylene, Methanesulfonic acid (MSA), 2-Naphthol-6-sulfonic acid, Nitrophenols (as derivatives), Chloronitrobenzene.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2904?
A common mistake in classifying under 2904 is confusing pure sulphonated or nitrated hydrocarbons with their formulated preparations. For instance, if sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate is mixed with other ingredients to form a detergent, it would fall under 3402 (Organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, lubricating preparations, artificial waxes, prepared waxes, polishing or scouring preparations, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, 'dental waxes' and dental preparations with a basis of plaster) rather than 2904. Similarly, pure Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is classified here, but if it's formulated into an explosive device or preparation, it would be under 3603 (Explosives, prepared). Another error involves products where the nitro group has been reduced to an amine; these would typically fall under 2921 (Amines, acyclic) or 2922 (Oxygen-function amino-compounds) if they are amino-compounds.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 2904?
Major exporters of these derivatives include China, Germany, the United States, and India, reflecting their robust chemical manufacturing sectors. Key importers are India, Southeast Asian countries, Latin America, and other EU nations, driven by demand from their dye, pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and detergent industries. Trade agreements often facilitate the movement of these crucial chemical intermediates. However, certain nitrated compounds, particularly those with explosive potential, are subject to stringent export controls and dual-use regulations, requiring strict compliance and licensing procedures in many countries.
How is HS code 2904 structured?
HS code 2904 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 29 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (29) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.