About HS Code 381800
This category covers highly specialized chemical elements and compounds that have been 'doped' for use in electronics, typically in the form of discs, wafers, or similar shapes. These materials, most commonly silicon or germanium, are intentionally modified with impurities to alter their electrical conductivity, making them fundamental building blocks for semiconductors and microchips. Importers and exporters are primarily semiconductor manufacturers, electronics companies, and specialized material suppliers. The trade involves high-value, high-precision products that are critical for the global electronics industry, with stringent quality control and purity requirements being paramount for device performance.
Products Under This Code
Doped silicon wafers, doped germanium wafers, gallium arsenide wafers, silicon carbide wafers, indium phosphide wafers, doped polysilicon ingots, epitaxial wafers
Real World Examples
Shin-Etsu Chemical silicon wafers, SUMCO silicon wafers, GlobalWafers, Siltronic, SK Siltron
Common Misclassification
Often confused with undoped silicon (2804) or other raw chemical elements (Chapter 28) if the doping process and specific electronic application in disc/wafer form are not highlighted. The 'doped for electronics' aspect is key.
Products Classified Under 3818.00
Industry
This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.
Trade Overview
Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and the USA are dominant in both importing and exporting due to their advanced semiconductor industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 381800?
HS code 381800 covers: Chemical elements; doped for use in electronics, in the form of discs, wafers or similar forms; chemical compounds doped for use in electronics. This category covers highly specialized chemical elements and compounds that have been 'doped' for use in electronics, typically in the form of discs, wafers, or similar shapes. These materials, most commonly silicon or germanium, are intentionally modified with impurities to alter their electrical conductivity, making them fundamental building blocks for semiconductors and microchips. Importers and exporters are primarily semiconductor manufacturers, electronics companies, and specialized material suppliers. The trade involves high-value, high-precision products that are critical for the global electronics industry, with stringent quality control and purity requirements being paramount for device performance.
What products fall under HS code 381800?
Doped silicon wafers, doped germanium wafers, gallium arsenide wafers, silicon carbide wafers, indium phosphide wafers, doped polysilicon ingots, epitaxial wafers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 381800?
Often confused with undoped silicon (2804) or other raw chemical elements (Chapter 28) if the doping process and specific electronic application in disc/wafer form are not highlighted. The 'doped for electronics' aspect is key.
How is HS code 381800 structured?
HS code 381800 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (38) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (18) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.