About HS Code 6807
HS Code 6807 is dedicated to asphalt or similar materials, and articles made therefrom, playing a critical role in global infrastructure and construction. This heading encompasses petroleum bitumen, coal tar pitch, and other bituminous mixtures, whether in bulk form or incorporated into finished articles. The scope includes both the raw or semi-processed asphaltic materials used as binders and waterproofing agents, as well as a wide array of manufactured products. Key items range from roofing felts and shingles to paving mixtures and waterproofing membranes. The common thread is the primary composition of asphalt or similar bituminous substances, valued for their adhesive, waterproofing, and durable properties. For trade compliance professionals, accurately classifying products under 6807 is essential to ensure correct duty assessment and adherence to import/export regulations, which can be influenced by environmental and safety standards related to petroleum-derived products. This heading is integral to Chapter 68, which groups articles of non-metallic mineral materials, highlighting the mineral-derived nature of asphalt. Historically, asphalt's use dates back millennia, but its modern application in road construction and roofing has made it a cornerstone of urban and industrial development. Its trade significance is underscored by continuous global demand for infrastructure development and building maintenance.
Products Under This Code
Petroleum bitumen, coal tar pitch, asphalt roofing shingles, modified bitumen membranes, asphalt road paving mixtures (pre-mixed), asphalt emulsions, waterproofing asphalt coatings, asphalt felt, asphalt mastic, road repair asphalt patching compounds, cold patch asphalt, runway paving asphalt, industrial waterproofing compounds, sealing compounds for joints, asphalt-impregnated fiberboard, asphaltic concrete, cutback asphalt, oxidized bitumen, protective asphalt coatings, asphalt-based joint fillers, asphalt-saturated reinforcing fabrics, asphalt pavement sealants, asphalt-rubber mixtures.
Real World Examples
A Saudi Arabian refinery exports bulk petroleum bitumen in large tankers to India, where it is used extensively for highway construction and maintenance projects, navigating busy shipping lanes through the Arabian Sea. Concurrently, a Canadian manufacturer ships asphalt roofing shingles via cross-border trucking to distributors and construction companies across the United States for residential and commercial building applications. In another scenario, a European specialty chemical company imports high-grade coal tar pitch from China, which is then processed for use in manufacturing carbon electrodes for aluminum smelting, often transported by ocean freight.
Common Misclassification
Misclassification under HS 6807 frequently occurs due to its close relationship with raw petroleum residues and other chemical preparations. A common mistake is confusing bulk petroleum bitumen with petroleum residues of HS 2713 (Petroleum coke, petroleum bitumen and other residues of petroleum oils). While petroleum bitumen is mentioned in 2713, 6807 specifically covers asphalt *or similar material* and *articles thereof*, implying a degree of preparation or manufacturing for specific uses (e.g., paving, roofing). Raw coal tar pitch might be confused with HS 2708 (Pitch and pitch coke), but 6807 covers the prepared material and articles. Additionally, some complex waterproofing or sealing compounds might be mistaken for chemical preparations under HS 3214 (Mastics; painters' fillings), but if the primary component and function are asphaltic, 6807 is more appropriate.
Subheadings 2
Trade Overview
Major exporters of asphalt and related materials under HS 6807 include oil-producing nations like Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the United States, along with manufacturers of specialized asphalt products from China and Germany. Key importers are typically countries undergoing significant infrastructure development, such as India, China, and various nations in Southeast Asia and Africa, alongside developed economies with ongoing road maintenance needs. Tariffs for asphalt and similar materials are often relatively low, recognizing their status as essential raw materials for construction. However, duties can vary based on the specific form (bulk vs. finished article) and regional trade agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 6807?
HS code 6807 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Asphalt or similar material; articles (e.g. petroleum bitumen or coal tar pitch). HS Code 6807 is dedicated to asphalt or similar materials, and articles made therefrom, playing a critical role in global infrastructure and construction. This heading encompasses petroleum bitumen, coal tar pitch, and other bituminous mixtures, whether in bulk form or incorporated into finished articles. The scope includes both the raw or semi-processed asphaltic materials used as binders and waterproofing agents, as well as a wide array of manufactured products. Key items range from roofing felts and shingles to paving mixtures and waterproofing membranes. The common thread is the primary composition of asphalt or similar bituminous substances, valued for their adhesive, waterproofing, and durable properties. For trade compliance professionals, accurately classifying products under 6807 is essential to ensure correct duty assessment and adherence to import/export regulations, which can be influenced by environmental and safety standards related to petroleum-derived products. This heading is integral to Chapter 68, which groups articles of non-metallic mineral materials, highlighting the mineral-derived nature of asphalt. Historically, asphalt's use dates back millennia, but its modern application in road construction and roofing has made it a cornerstone of urban and industrial development. Its trade significance is underscored by continuous global demand for infrastructure development and building maintenance.
What products fall under HS code 6807?
Petroleum bitumen, coal tar pitch, asphalt roofing shingles, modified bitumen membranes, asphalt road paving mixtures (pre-mixed), asphalt emulsions, waterproofing asphalt coatings, asphalt felt, asphalt mastic, road repair asphalt patching compounds, cold patch asphalt, runway paving asphalt, industrial waterproofing compounds, sealing compounds for joints, asphalt-impregnated fiberboard, asphaltic concrete, cutback asphalt, oxidized bitumen, protective asphalt coatings, asphalt-based joint fillers, asphalt-saturated reinforcing fabrics, asphalt pavement sealants, asphalt-rubber mixtures.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 6807?
Misclassification under HS 6807 frequently occurs due to its close relationship with raw petroleum residues and other chemical preparations. A common mistake is confusing bulk petroleum bitumen with petroleum residues of HS 2713 (Petroleum coke, petroleum bitumen and other residues of petroleum oils). While petroleum bitumen is mentioned in 2713, 6807 specifically covers asphalt *or similar material* and *articles thereof*, implying a degree of preparation or manufacturing for specific uses (e.g., paving, roofing). Raw coal tar pitch might be confused with HS 2708 (Pitch and pitch coke), but 6807 covers the prepared material and articles. Additionally, some complex waterproofing or sealing compounds might be mistaken for chemical preparations under HS 3214 (Mastics; painters' fillings), but if the primary component and function are asphaltic, 6807 is more appropriate.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 6807?
Major exporters of asphalt and related materials under HS 6807 include oil-producing nations like Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the United States, along with manufacturers of specialized asphalt products from China and Germany. Key importers are typically countries undergoing significant infrastructure development, such as India, China, and various nations in Southeast Asia and Africa, alongside developed economies with ongoing road maintenance needs. Tariffs for asphalt and similar materials are often relatively low, recognizing their status as essential raw materials for construction. However, duties can vary based on the specific form (bulk vs. finished article) and regional trade agreements.
How is HS code 6807 structured?
HS code 6807 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 68 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (68) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (07) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.