About HS Code 381512
This category covers supported catalysts, reaction initiators, accelerators, and catalytic preparations where precious metals or their compounds (e.g., platinum, palladium, rhodium, gold) are the active substance. These high-value catalysts are critical for a wide range of advanced industrial applications, including automotive catalytic converters, petroleum refining, pharmaceutical synthesis, and fine chemical production, due to their exceptional efficiency and selectivity. Trade is dominated by specialized chemical companies, automotive manufacturers, and refiners. Key considerations include the high cost of the precious metal raw materials, the importance of recycling and recovery processes, catalyst poisoning prevention, and performance under demanding operating conditions. Their high efficiency often allows for smaller quantities to achieve significant results.
Products Under This Code
Platinum-on-alumina catalyst, palladium-carbon catalyst, rhodium catalyst for hydroformylation, gold catalyst for oxidation, automotive catalytic converter (as a component), fuel cell catalyst, pharmaceutical synthesis catalyst.
Real World Examples
Johnson Matthey PGM Catalysts, BASF Precious Metal Catalysts, Umicore Automotive Catalysts, Heraeus Precious Metal Catalysts, Clariant Precious Metal Catalysts.
Common Misclassification
Often confused with 381511 (nickel catalysts) or 381519 (other catalysts) if the specific precious metal content is not clearly declared or identified.
Products Classified Under 3815.12
Industry
This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.
Trade Overview
Germany, USA, Japan, and South Africa (due to precious metal mining) are key players in the trade of precious metal catalysts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 381512?
HS code 381512 covers: Catalysts, supported; reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations, with precious metal or precious metal compounds as the active substance, n.e.c. or included. This category covers supported catalysts, reaction initiators, accelerators, and catalytic preparations where precious metals or their compounds (e.g., platinum, palladium, rhodium, gold) are the active substance. These high-value catalysts are critical for a wide range of advanced industrial applications, including automotive catalytic converters, petroleum refining, pharmaceutical synthesis, and fine chemical production, due to their exceptional efficiency and selectivity. Trade is dominated by specialized chemical companies, automotive manufacturers, and refiners. Key considerations include the high cost of the precious metal raw materials, the importance of recycling and recovery processes, catalyst poisoning prevention, and performance under demanding operating conditions. Their high efficiency often allows for smaller quantities to achieve significant results.
What products fall under HS code 381512?
Platinum-on-alumina catalyst, palladium-carbon catalyst, rhodium catalyst for hydroformylation, gold catalyst for oxidation, automotive catalytic converter (as a component), fuel cell catalyst, pharmaceutical synthesis catalyst.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 381512?
Often confused with 381511 (nickel catalysts) or 381519 (other catalysts) if the specific precious metal content is not clearly declared or identified.
How is HS code 381512 structured?
HS code 381512 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (38) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (15) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.