About HS Code 8110
HS Code 8110 covers Antimony and articles thereof, including waste and scrap. Antimony is a brittle, silvery-white metalloid that finds crucial applications primarily as a flame retardant in plastics and textiles, and as an alloying agent to harden lead in batteries and solders. It also plays a role in semiconductors, ceramics, and even certain pharmaceutical compounds. This heading encompasses antimony in its various raw forms, such as ingots, lumps, powders, rods, and plates, as well as identifiable articles predominantly made of antimony. Crucially, it also includes antimony waste and scrap, which are vital for recycling processes due to the metal's strategic importance and concentrated supply chain. As with other codes in Chapter 81 ('Other base metals; cermets; articles thereof'), this classification falls under Section XV ('Base metals and articles of base metals'). Accurate classification under 8110 is essential for trade compliance, impacting duties, import restrictions, and monitoring of critical raw material flows, especially given the geopolitical significance of its supply. The historical use of antimony dates back to antiquity, but its industrial importance surged with the advent of lead-acid batteries and modern flame retardant technologies.
Products Under This Code
Antimony ingots, Antimony lumps, Antimony powders, Antimony rods, Antimony plates, Antimony sheets, Antimony trioxide (as primary form of metal), Antimony sulfide (as primary form of metal), Lead-antimony alloys (primary forms), Flame retardant additives (antimony-based), Battery grids (antimony-lead), Semiconductor materials (antimony alloys), Friction materials (antimony-containing), Waste antimony scrap, Antimony alloys for type metal, Antimony cable sheathing, Antimony bearing alloys, Antimony shot, Antimony electrodes, Antimony master alloys, Antimony compounds (when considered primary metal form)
Real World Examples
A U.S. electronics manufacturer imports antimony trioxide powder from China for use as a flame retardant synergist in plastics for consumer electronics, typically transported by sea in bulk containers. A German battery company imports antimony ingots from Bolivia and Tajikistan to alloy with lead for the production of lead-acid batteries for automotive applications, usually via sea freight to European ports. A Japanese metal recycler imports antimony waste and scrap from various industrial facilities in Southeast Asia to recover the metal for reuse in new alloys, often shipped in drums or specialized containers.
Common Misclassification
Common misclassifications for HS 8110 often involve confusing antimony metal or primary forms with its chemical compounds or with alloys where antimony is a minor component. Antimony trioxide, for example, if considered a chemical compound rather than a primary form of the metal for trade purposes, might be incorrectly classified under Chapter 28 (Inorganic chemicals). Similarly, complex finished articles containing antimony, such as specific semiconductor devices or advanced battery cells, should be classified under their respective functional headings (e.g., Chapter 85 for electronics) rather than solely as 'articles of antimony' if the antimony does not confer the essential character. Distinguishing between the metal and its derivatives is key.
Subheadings 3
Industry
This code belongs to the Metals & Metal Products industry.
Trade Overview
China is by far the dominant global producer and exporter of antimony, accounting for a significant portion of the world's supply. Other notable producers include Russia, Tajikistan, and Bolivia. Major importers of antimony and its primary products include the United States, European Union member states, Japan, and South Korea, driven by their electronics, plastics, and battery industries. Due to this concentrated supply, antimony is considered a critical raw material by many nations, leading to supply chain monitoring and strategic stockpiling efforts. Tariffs are generally low on raw forms, but trade policies focus heavily on supply security and responsible sourcing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 8110?
HS code 8110 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Antimony; articles thereof, including waste and scrap. HS Code 8110 covers Antimony and articles thereof, including waste and scrap. Antimony is a brittle, silvery-white metalloid that finds crucial applications primarily as a flame retardant in plastics and textiles, and as an alloying agent to harden lead in batteries and solders. It also plays a role in semiconductors, ceramics, and even certain pharmaceutical compounds. This heading encompasses antimony in its various raw forms, such as ingots, lumps, powders, rods, and plates, as well as identifiable articles predominantly made of antimony. Crucially, it also includes antimony waste and scrap, which are vital for recycling processes due to the metal's strategic importance and concentrated supply chain. As with other codes in Chapter 81 ('Other base metals; cermets; articles thereof'), this classification falls under Section XV ('Base metals and articles of base metals'). Accurate classification under 8110 is essential for trade compliance, impacting duties, import restrictions, and monitoring of critical raw material flows, especially given the geopolitical significance of its supply. The historical use of antimony dates back to antiquity, but its industrial importance surged with the advent of lead-acid batteries and modern flame retardant technologies.
What products fall under HS code 8110?
Antimony ingots, Antimony lumps, Antimony powders, Antimony rods, Antimony plates, Antimony sheets, Antimony trioxide (as primary form of metal), Antimony sulfide (as primary form of metal), Lead-antimony alloys (primary forms), Flame retardant additives (antimony-based), Battery grids (antimony-lead), Semiconductor materials (antimony alloys), Friction materials (antimony-containing), Waste antimony scrap, Antimony alloys for type metal, Antimony cable sheathing, Antimony bearing alloys, Antimony shot, Antimony electrodes, Antimony master alloys, Antimony compounds (when considered primary metal form)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 8110?
Common misclassifications for HS 8110 often involve confusing antimony metal or primary forms with its chemical compounds or with alloys where antimony is a minor component. Antimony trioxide, for example, if considered a chemical compound rather than a primary form of the metal for trade purposes, might be incorrectly classified under Chapter 28 (Inorganic chemicals). Similarly, complex finished articles containing antimony, such as specific semiconductor devices or advanced battery cells, should be classified under their respective functional headings (e.g., Chapter 85 for electronics) rather than solely as 'articles of antimony' if the antimony does not confer the essential character. Distinguishing between the metal and its derivatives is key.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 8110?
China is by far the dominant global producer and exporter of antimony, accounting for a significant portion of the world's supply. Other notable producers include Russia, Tajikistan, and Bolivia. Major importers of antimony and its primary products include the United States, European Union member states, Japan, and South Korea, driven by their electronics, plastics, and battery industries. Due to this concentrated supply, antimony is considered a critical raw material by many nations, leading to supply chain monitoring and strategic stockpiling efforts. Tariffs are generally low on raw forms, but trade policies focus heavily on supply security and responsible sourcing.
How is HS code 8110 structured?
HS code 8110 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 81 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (81) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (10) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.