About HS Code 382488
This HS code covers chemical products, mixtures, and preparations containing tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- or octabromodiphenyl ethers (PBDEs), as specified in Subheading Note 3 to Chapter 38. PBDEs are a class of brominated flame retardants classified as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention. Historically used in plastics, textiles, and electronic equipment, their international trade is now largely banned or severely restricted due to their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Current trade is almost exclusively for the environmentally sound destruction of existing stockpiles, remediation of contaminated sites, or highly controlled analytical and research applications. Importers and exporters are typically specialized electronic waste recyclers, hazardous waste management firms, and analytical laboratories in countries committed to eliminating POPs.
Products Under This Code
PBDE-containing flame retardant mixtures (for disposal), electronic waste containing PBDEs (for specialized processing), analytical standards of PBDEs, contaminated plastics (PBDE-containing)
Real World Examples
Sims Lifecycle Services (e-waste recycling), hazardous waste management firms (e.g., Veolia), specialized analytical standard suppliers
Common Misclassification
This code covers mixtures, not the pure chemicals (e.g., 2909.30 for ethers) or articles *containing* PBDEs (e.g., plastics in 3926, electronic goods in 8543). The 'mixture' aspect is critical.
Products Classified Under 3824.88
Industry
This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.
Trade Overview
Trade is highly restricted and mainly involves specialized waste management and environmental remediation in countries committed to eliminating POPs, particularly in North America and Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 382488?
HS code 382488 covers: Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; containing goods specified in Subheading Note 3 to this Chapter; containing tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- or octabromodiphenyl ethers. This HS code covers chemical products, mixtures, and preparations containing tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta- or octabromodiphenyl ethers (PBDEs), as specified in Subheading Note 3 to Chapter 38. PBDEs are a class of brominated flame retardants classified as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention. Historically used in plastics, textiles, and electronic equipment, their international trade is now largely banned or severely restricted due to their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Current trade is almost exclusively for the environmentally sound destruction of existing stockpiles, remediation of contaminated sites, or highly controlled analytical and research applications. Importers and exporters are typically specialized electronic waste recyclers, hazardous waste management firms, and analytical laboratories in countries committed to eliminating POPs.
What products fall under HS code 382488?
PBDE-containing flame retardant mixtures (for disposal), electronic waste containing PBDEs (for specialized processing), analytical standards of PBDEs, contaminated plastics (PBDE-containing)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 382488?
This code covers mixtures, not the pure chemicals (e.g., 2909.30 for ethers) or articles *containing* PBDEs (e.g., plastics in 3926, electronic goods in 8543). The 'mixture' aspect is critical.
How is HS code 382488 structured?
HS code 382488 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (38) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (24) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (88) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.